Ayatollah’s Revenge

This 1980 El Camino packs the smallest engine offered from the factory - a lingering hangover from the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo and subsequent geo-political unrest. But Steve still finds a lot to like about this civilized baby pickup truck.

[@Blowinshiddup]

Imagine hanging out in a junkyard like that with Steve. The guy knows his shit...

[@kenttalsma7906]

Ticks. I'd worry about the ticks.

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

I hope Katie slash junkyard dog doesn’t have ticks.

[@GeorgesMiniatureCars]

I think rust is a tick repellant, lol!

[@NorthernChev]

The massive reduction GM cars went through between the ‘77 and ‘78 model years is what lit the FIRE in my soul for hot rodding. I was finally of age to start building my own cars by the early ‘80s and these smaller cars were JUST the right platform for souping up. Almost all of them, regardless of the stock engine, came with frame rails drilled and ready to drop in any one of four factory V8 blocks; Buick, Pontiac, Chevrolet, or Oldsmobile without modification. It was a hot rodder’s dream; small, light bodies that swallowed huge engines. Everything from Malibus and Grand Prixs, to Monzas and Sunbirds would all accept V8 conversions with FACTORY parts!

[@samholdsworth420]

Rip GM

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. Here ! You keep building them it will keep them out of the savage yards 👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Richie_the_Fixer]

4 big blocks . I built a 78 Regal in 1990 with a 1973 Riviera 455 Stage 1. (Trivia : the Riviera Stage 1 was different than the Century Gran Sport Stage 1)

[@NorthernChev]

@@Richie_the_Fixer Thank you, completely forgot about the Buick blocks

[@gilhernandez605]

NOT what I was getting at

[@jerrys9226]

I remember that era. Gas went from about 50 cents a gallon to a dollar. Doesn’t seem like much now, but that was a doubling. Quite a shock.

[@user-cs6up8eq7s]

Never went to any dollar around the area I lived in until way later on up in the 80s

[@tomwesley7884]

The downsizing of '77 and '78 had some really attractive designs, as in styling. Can't help but look at the Regal, aka Grandpa National

[@donabercrombie8534]

the 1979(or 1978)downsized Buick Regal were 100 pounds lighter approximately(with same or similar drivertrains offerings at that time..)than the other g body offerings from "COP"... imo

[@tomm1109]

I never liked any of them after 72 but these 78-87 have a big following.

[@pdennis93]

9:00 they made no reference to the Ranchero because there was no Ranchero in 1982. The Ranchero ended in 1979 without getting any downsized version. They did try to make a Fairmont based Durango but it was a 3rd party conversion and only a few hundred were made between ~ 1980-82

[@haqitman]

I had a 79 Camino in that same color, 305 4 barrel and Borg Warner 4 speed factory. Ran 16.6 at Woodburn, so not terrible performance for the day. I found a set of factory bucket seats and console in the right color, and a factory tach to replace the clock. Drove it for 7 years and it was a fun car. Good times. Of all the old cars I've had, i miss that one the most.

[@charlesdalton985]

I’ve always thought the GM cars post downsizing were some of the best looking vehicles they had built. And the work they did to increase interior space (and in this case, maintaining cargo capacity) while cutting hundred of pounds off the cars was impressive. Thank you and Shane, as always ~ Chuck

[@albertgaspar627]

it is funny that people stuck to the overweight muscle cars of the late 1960's and 4,000 lb F bodies of the 1970's when you could pick up one of these perimeter frame cars and make a nice street sweeper with the power to weight ratios.

[@JackF99]

​@@albertgaspar627I don't know about other states but in California at the time it was illegal to make any mods to the engine due to to emissions reqs. We had an annual smog check which included under hood inspection to make sure everything was intact. So those gutless 70's and 80's cars were kind of stuck that way. Fortunately performance cars from the 60s were not yet unaffordable.

[@thisguy2720]

​@@albertgaspar627they just looked better than the 80s boxes

[@albertgaspar627]

@@JackF99 true, 1987 was the year muscle car prices took off since the stock market crashed at the end of that year. CA had the stringent "EO only parts" issue, though some hot rodders recognized a 400 cid small block looked a lot like a 262 cid V8 some of these vehicles came with--Hot Rod Magazine even had a project Z28 where they passed off a 383 stroker as the 305. And of course out there, the older cars hadn't rusted away yet. the nice thing was that with their lighter weight, the average 400hp small block that was "good enough" in the late 1980's was going to take you further. that said, a 1969 Camaro was a formula everyone knew (and still affordable), so why fix what wasn't yet broken.

[@albertgaspar627]

@@thisguy2720 granted, it did take a while for the 1980's aero looks to catch on. I got my license back then so the old four eyed Mustangs look good to me (still have my 1986 GT). now even those have gone up in price if you start with a clean one.

[@michaelnazaruk4100]

I had a '74 exactly like the maroon and white one in Steve's brochure. Rusted out badly and had a vapor lock problem I could never fix. Got rid of it. Then in 1983 I special ordered a two-tone green, fully loaded Conquista. That thing was frikkin JUNK. Had to replace right bank head gasket on that 305 ONE WEEK after I took delivery of it! Had a lot of other issues too, like a howling rear end, pollution control bullsh*t, among other idiosyncrasies as well. Some drunk T-boned me, and that was the best thing that could have happened to that pile of sh*t.

[@peterantonopoulos2572]

Morning Steve.....around 82 my taxi driver buddy picked up one of those Arab malibu"s that were sitting in a field up here in canada (nova Scotia I think)since 1980 when that country refused the second batch of 10 000 cars. They were all 3 speed manual with floor shift ,heavy duty rad,brakes, suspension, a/c,etc. Pretty solid car and he drove it as a cab for almost a million km's with a couple of engine rebuilds.

[@googleusergp]

Yes, they are called "Iraqi-bus".

[@kenttalsma7906]

​@@googleusergpother than oil, what's the middle east connection?

[@googleusergp]

@@kenttalsma7906 Political strife, jealousy and hatred of the West, war in that region, etc, etc, etc. The shaw of Iran was pro western to a degree.

[@stepheng3667]

@@kenttalsma7906 The Iraq government ordered them directly from GM Canada. They were all built in Oshawa, Ontario. There was one still kicking around near me in the early 90's. We called it the Iraqi Taxi.

[@basilcarroll9729]

Yes there were a few of those taxis around here in Cape Breton.

[@7891ph]

My mom ordered a new 79' Malibu with the 200 C.I. engine, 3 speed manual and full gauges; she drove it like a sports car. I can remember winning a few drag races against newer Fox body Mustangs in high school because they were automatic car's. Wish I still had that car.

[@richdiscoveries]

I have seen very few of those cars in my life with a stick shift. First time I saw one I thought somebody did a conversion, but it was Factory, who would have thunk LOL I want to say it came without the ashtray in the center or maybe a smaller ashtray I don't remember, but there was something about it not fitting properly because of the shifter.

[@michaelatkins9780]

That 200V6 made the slant six seem like a powerhouse. Thanks GM.

[@GoldenGun-Florida]

Winning a drag race? You're kidding. Maybe against a Chevette.

[@michaelatkins9780]

@@GoldenGun-Florida you know there was a lot of 2.3 mustangs, maybe with an automatic, possibly downhill......

[@sjhudon386]

​@michaelatkins9780 Also a 200 ci straight six mustang was available

[@nonamesplease6288]

Anybody else remember that window sign from 1980 with Mickey Mouse, his middle finger extended, with the words "Hey, Iran" emblazoned across it? I remember seeing them in peoples' back windows going down the highway during the Iran hostage crisis. Those were the days.

[@googleusergp]

Someone had given me a Mickey Mouse sticker that said, "Thanks for parking so close a-hole. Next time leave me a f----ing can opener so I can get my vehicle out". I still have it.

[@albertgaspar627]

@@googleusergp i have one of those but it's not a sticker, it's a photocopy. goes with the "Jesus loves you, everyone else thinks your an a-hole" to leave. not polite, but a reminder of the pre-internet days when people passed jokes around the office not with email or FB, but photocopied papers (or maybe sent over the fax machine) and you tried to read the blurry words.

[@googleusergp]

@@albertgaspar627 Yup. Lol.

[@SteveMagnante]

@@googleusergp I was 14 or 15 when the Iranian revolution happened and while it seemed "so far away" I remember Mom and Dad freaking about the hostage crisis, gas and home heating oil doubling and other "world's end is near" stuff all over TV and radio. I kind of tuned it out - as I do now. I do remember seeing paper toilet seat covers selling with artwork that read "Aya-TOILET". Meanwhile the world keeps turning. Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@googleusergp]

@@SteveMagnante Up until a few years ago that hole was still there. I voted there some years back.

[@modelmaster79]

Yes a front clip from a Malibu will swap right over to a el Camino. A buddy in high school had a ‘79 el Camino & wrecked the front end and I help swap the front clip over from ‘80 Malibu. And so will the seat & steering column from a ‘80 Oldsmobile cutlass.

[@johnnyeskimo]

I had a 79 Malibu with that 200" motor. I literally had to hold the pedal to the floor when accelerating to keep up with traffic, I was often passed by trucks and Beetles on hills. I've never been in such a slow car. It was the absolute lowest option model. No plastic side trim or bumper trim, the 200 motor with a 350 trans that was internally downgraded. AM-FM radio that was internally wired for only one speaker, in the dash. I put a 350 in it, dropped S10 spindles and heavy springs, SS Monte sway bars, boxed lower rear arms, and turned it into a really great handling, fast car. I miss it alot.

[@bretthewitt3890]

A buddy of mine had a 454 4spd SS El Camino back in the 80s. It was brick red with a black interior and he had Torque Thrusts on it. It was SICK!!

[@jeffreycarleton1535]

Nice!

[@howardlervik4983]

Own an '85 today as a daily driver. 305 auto. Still runs great.

[@vettekid3326]

I had a 1971 SS El Camino with the 350 and four speed. It was a good car/truck and a lot of fun because you got the ride and convenience of a car but the oversize hauling capacity of a truck. I used mine mainly for hauling dirt bikes around. Later on I had a 1976 Ford Ranchero GT and it was even more civilized with the 400 M engine, automatic, power steering and power disc brakes and A/C.

[@barberjeff67]

I had a 86 El Camino with a 4.3 V6. Snappy little engine! I remember my mother's 1980 Malibu 4 door. If I remember right, you couldn't roll down the rear windows! When the engine failed, my father put a built 350 intended for his 70 Chevelle. Surprised a few people at stoplights with that car!

[@nathanbarden9709]

It probably had those old windows that were designed to stop half way down. It was probably a safety feature so kids didn’t fall out.

[@barberjeff67]

@nathanbarden9709 I do remember that feature on other cars but there was no window crank to open them. There was a small pop out window vent. It was a pretty basic model.

[@Tumbleweed_Tx]

@@nathanbarden9709 my mom's 82 Buick Regal had the windows that would only roll down halfway. The car had electric windows, too.

[@u121921]

I remember fall 77 when a 4 door Malibu showed in my auto shop class . That Odd Fire distributor cap triggered that memory . The older lady teacher had bought it a month earlier and was concerned about the shakiness of the engine running . the dealer told her they are all like that . The shop teacher was doing her a favor by looking over it and cursing GM as she left the classroom knowing there was nothing that could be done to make it run smooth . My moms 69 Nova 4 cylinder didn't seem like such a gutless joke anymore . It really pays to test drive before you buy. I almost ordered a 79 Malibu coupe until i found out the optional V8 at quite an up charge was the 267 and not the 305 and i was paying for a mandatory turbo 180 (Vega trans) over the base 3 speed manual. And this was at Nickey chevy the former performance dealer

[@rescuedandrestoredgarage]

I will always like the El Caminos and the Rancheros.

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

Oh yah looks like a car but has a truck bed. Classic. 👍

[@suburbanator91]

229 was CHEVY's 3.8; the 3.8L that we all knew and loved was Buick's 3.8L. That's right, there was two 3.8L made by GM from 1980 to 1984. the Chevy 229 was the 305 without 2 cylinders. Come 1985 [model year], GM thought, why do this with the 305 when we can do it with the much better 350, so, that's what they did and the 4.3L V6 was born. The 4.3 in my opinion is working testament to the fact that GM is capable of making good stuff when they choose to, & what happens when they decide to actually use their head & not put it in their ass. While 4.3 liters might sound big for a V6 today, bear in mind that its 350 derivative [in 1985] only made 190 horsepower; the 1985 4.3L V6 only made about 130 HP.

[@h8troodoh]

That's very old news buddy but thanks anyway 🤣🤣🤣

[@mcqueenfanman]

Too bad they didn't have a 400 based v6.

[@suburbanator91]

@mcqueenfanman well, they kinda did, GMC to he exact. There was a 305 V6 made by GMC sometime in the mid 1950's into possibly the early 1960's. Look up the GMC 305

[@scrappy7571]

I bought a brand new '78 El Camino SS. Bucket seats 350 q-jet turbo 350. Loved that car, ran it until the rust got the frame in the late 90's.

[@Elcodude]

I especially like Steve's El Camino content. I bought a '78 with a 350 to pull my ski boat in '82, and I am still driving it with the original drivetrain.

[@johnkranyics281]

👍👍🇨🇦

[@MrPFFlyer]

I had one of these V6 El Caminos with the automatic. It was the right vehicle at the right time when I had it in the early 1980...and I bought it used, cheap because the tiny automatic transmission (200C) was junk. It moved my large Snap-On tool box a couple times, without the tools in it of course. Very comfortable and so gutless, I was able to drive it in the snow without nary a tire spin. All these years I thought someone had added the air shocks! Thanks for revealing another technical detail regarding those shocks.

[@h8troodoh]

Hilarious they put 200c's in that, yet they put t350's in a chevette...go figure..

[@MrPFFlyer]

@@h8troodoh I don't recall seeing the t350 in a Chevette, just the 180's. I DO recall on the stick shift Chevettes having to reinforce the firewall with extra metal to prevent flexing around where the clutch cable came through....it would start flexing over the years of use. I think they later went to hydraulic systems.

[@jeffclark2725]

@mitch4825 yea,and they used that t200 in the full size Oldsmobile station wagons with the 307 v8

[@Richie_the_Fixer]

@@h8troodoh no , the Chevette only received metric 200 , and metric 180. No TH350 in the Chevette.

[@harrysatin5110]

I used to work for a Towing company that owned an body shop as well, so my Boss entered himself into a crash derby at the Westchester County Fair Yonkers NY. His derby car was a 79 Malibu four door with the V6 automatic that I lettered up. the V6 was set back compared to the V8 and easily got my Boss into the final round.

[@corvairjim1]

"Nutless Wonder" indeed! We had a '79 Malibu coupe as our family car in the mid-80's with that boat anchor under the hood. You know that it's slow when your anti-speedy-car (ex) wife complains that it's too slow! Another problem was leaky rear main seals. It needed one already when we bought the car when it was only about 5 years old, and once more about 3 years later when we were just about to give up on it because we were tired of getting visibly older while accelerating onto the Interstate! I swapped a friend for the first seal job a detail job on his father's Buick. Then, instead of trading it in on our new (used) Century wagon, we sold it to a guy who was looking for a '78 or newer Malibu coupe to build into a drag car. The leaking rear main seal didn't matter to him at all. That car was suddenly a LOT faster a month or so after we sold it!

[@1967davethewave]

My brother in law talked my sister into letting him by a '79 Monza Spider that didn't run as long as he didn't turn it into a hot rod. It had a 4 cylinder in it at the time. He told her he was going to put a V6 in it that would get good mileage. He bought a 229 V6. He did put a little cam in it, about the only thing available. It actually ran pretty good. But of course he knew what he was doing. The motor mounts and transmission that fit the 229 also fit a 350. About 6 months later he snuck a built 350 in it. My sister wasn't a bad wife or person, she had a really good reason to ban him from a hot rod. He had a real problem with tickets. The lawyers bills to keep him from getting his license suspended back then were costing them a fortune. He literally got at least one speeding or careless and imprudent (spinning your tires) or exhibition of speed (fast acceleration) ticket once a month in the Monte Carlo and Camaros they owned previous to the Monza. My sister was mad when he got a 70mph in a 35 zone in the Monza and she told him to park it. So he bought an '84 S10 pickup with a 4 cylinder. The Monza still sets in a field on my dad's farm to this day. But the 350 isn't in it, he took it out, the 2.5 4 cylinder came out of the S10 and in went the V8. He got a ticket going "In Excess of 100mph" in the truck and it was sold with the engine it so he couldn't do that again. That was in about 1992'/93🤣

[@tracyschmitz9192]

An old friend from work drove one of those for years, although his had a V8. Nice guy, wish I knew what happened to him.

[@dalebaker8266]

I’ve had my 79 since June 89 , 400 sbc 😊 love it!

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

We're all pulling for you Steve. Hope to see you soon

[@jimpatnode4445]

Being an old guy, 69 thru 71 were by far the best looking.

[@bbbbb816]

Steve "as they should"? Yes comrade, may we have another.

[@57WillysCJ]

I had one of these. They were nice, very comfortable. I still prefered my 72 Ranchero with the 351 Cleveland 4VCJ motor. That is run I really regret having to let go.

[@594bolt]

The engine machinist I worked for in the early '80's referred to the 305 as the "marshmallow motor."

[@67marlins]

Was the Olds 307 a much better engine than the Chevy 305, I assume?

[@howardfletcher7206]

307 olds much better in terms of durability the early 80-84 preferred over the 85-90 which had smaller intake ports. Chevy 305/350s of this eta also had cam lobe issues. Replaced several back in the day.

[@67marlins]

@howardfletcher7206 ok, thanks for validating my assumptions. I'm basically a Ford & Mopar guy. I know on Adam's channel 'Rare and Classic..' he complained about Chevy 305 camshafts.

[@dkstudioart]

I tweaked a 305 that I pulled from my Grandpa's C10 to put in my '64 El camino. I put flat top pistons in it, enlarged the intake valves, installed all the Edelbrock stuff and it did the quarter as fast as the mildly hopped up 350 I had in it before. I think the 305 doesn't deserve to be maligned so much.

[@SteveMagnante]

@@dkstudioart I remember reading Car Craft magazine when the 305 was current and a writer described the connecting rods as "being made of RUBBER". Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@kbeg132]

A friend of mine had a 1978 Black Knight version of the El Camino. It was a nice looking and riding car with no power due to the 200 cubic inch V6. I think a riding lawnmower from the time was quicker. Still we had a lot of fun with the vehicle.

[@mikeholland1031]

200!?

[@kbeg132]

Yes. Chevy put a 95 HP 200 cube six in as the base engine. The 231 Buick V6 was an option

[@mikeholland1031]

@@kbeg132 never heard of that one. 229 and 231 yes.

[@reversemaxxus]

Timeless design, these still look great today! Great useful light haulers.💪💪

[@jeffclark2725]

Great video, I just put a transmission in a 1978 v8 car,they were and still are great daily drivers

[@eddierools]

I've got an '82 El Camino, was my first car and I love it to bits! Thank you for this segment Steve, I've learned more about the G Body El Camino today!

[@Mr.Death101]

Another great lesson in today's class! I wish the videos were 20 minutes longer!

[@frankkeel8410]

Had a new one I ordered a super sport 3 speed on floor.That car made me a lot of money, and it was the best truck I ever owned $5500 out the door 20 26 mpg v6

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

The 85 mph speedometer made it difficult to tell the true performance of a vehicle. If a car can go 200, then at highway speed it will be smooth and quiet. But if a car can only go to a top speed of 85, then it will be near peak at highway speed and will be buzzy, and feel like it's gonna blow up. Took me awhile to understand why a car's top speed matters. But there's a good reason why

[@johngrein3325]

I was a fuel system Designer for gm (Rochester Products) in 82. Which later became Delphi Technologies. Im pretty sure (but been wrong before)that carb is a dual jet. The Varijet was a 2 bbl with a staged secondary. The dualjet had the primary configuration of the quadrajet but no secondary barrels. In fact there was a dualjet version that had the secondary airhorn of the quadrajet but cast over to make it a 2bbl. These had been used on some pontiac engines that still retained the 4bbl intake underneatth. The dualjet is different from the twojet that is found on most larger engines.

[@Chaddz3]

That carb is a rochester 2ME Dualjet. basically a Qjet with no secondaries. in 81 this would become the E2ME feedback version with mixture control solenoid, throttle position sensor and idle speed the dualjet 2 bbl carbs were never used on ant engines larger than 305 CID. control motor on the side of it. varijets were only used on the 1980-85 60 deg 2.8L V6's used in the FWD x cars (Citation,skylark, olds omega and pontiac phoenix. or in the FWD A body Celebrity Century, Ciera, and Ponyiac 6000

[@Hyrev1]

A guy in town had a Black Knight edition. While I wasn't real big on El Caminos, it was a beautiful car. Great video Steve! 👍👍💯🇺🇸

[@fishgeralding9224]

🤔 I wonder what caused the latest spike in gas prices.... probably some nutless wonder......

[@saddletramp6935]

I wish you would finish your statement.

[@fishgeralding9224]

@@saddletramp6935 I'm sitting here sipping a cup of Joe, and Biden my time, waiting for this nightmare to end!

[@Peter-do5ht]

@@saddletramp6935 By- Done and his handlers - impeach him and his cohorts

[@edwardllorens]

I had an 80’ model that was a Conquista package. Had a 267 inch V8. Loved it.

[@donselke9487]

I owned a 1978 Monza Spider that had a 305 w a four speed manual it was a little hot rod but always had alignment issues..i looked at a 1979 El Camino before the monza today they are rare cars

[@dubiousf00d]

My mom had a 78 monza spider in the mid 80s. She sold it when I entered the picture to buy a family 4 door. Alot of her car storys involve that Monza. 😂

[@jamesstewart3771]

There’s a old guy in my neighborhood that has a 87 SS El Camino in mint condition he drive around all the time .

[@robertspence831]

My Grandad's last new Chevy was an '83 El Camino. 40 years later it lives out in my driveway. Love that car!

[@jeremybreinig4782]

I am in the process of restoring this very year of el camino

[@user-ThomReec8587]

My buddy Steve has a all original 74 El Camino SS454/Auto, he even drives it at few times a week to the auto parts store. FYI earlier El Camino shared front sheet metal with the Chevelle fom 65 till 77, as well as suspension componetes. 78 to 86 Malibu sheet metal, however all G body front sheet metal could be installed if done as a complete front clip/doghouse

[@kwt7667g]

The 229 was around in 1980 in my parent's Malibu Classic. No mistake, as I kid I crawled through the Factory Service Manuals, and I remember the 229 emissions sticker.

[@paullee2777]

Another great video, Steve should give walking tours of junkyards, I would pay to go! If not we will keep watching, keep up these great videos

[@willhorting5317]

Back when I was looking for my first vehicle (used, of course), I nearly plopped down the cash for a 1976 El Camino. Being a farm kid, my dad convinced me that I should buy an actual pickup instead. So, for the exact same amount of money, instead of the El Camino, I bought a 1976 Chevy C10 longbed.

[@vet-7174]

Good Morning Gents ! 🇺🇸

[@davidp2888]

I've always liked the styling from this era.

[@thebear3589]

Had a '73 El Camino SS...Blk, 350 THD 350 tranny...drove it well over 10 yrs...cried the day I sold it and it went outa the yrd...

[@szilardtoth8814]

These El Caminos were so so cool cars. I saw one years ago privately facelifted with the Pontiac Grand Le Mans front.

[@Eddie71529]

Steve's videos are the 'Iron Chef' for guys.

[@dwhallon21]

Always something to learn from steve

[@DanEBoyd]

Think that was only 1970 to '72, where the El Camino, GMC Sprint, and Chevelle wagons, (and maybe the four door sedan too) all retained the lower skeg line from the '68 and '69, requiring a fender different from the ones on the two door, (and maybe four door) hardtops.

[@LongIslandMopars]

Yep. Two different stampings. Nuts.

[@abeneufeld9690]

I look forward to you Steve getting to 100,000 subs you deserve it

[@tedecker3792]

Hitting a sharp bump with a heavy load (a dirt bike) would blow the air hose connecting the shocks. Finished your trip on the bump stops.

[@BlackSmokeDemonOG]

I have an 81' with a 3.8 only like 600 more miles til it reaches 100k. Love my daily

[@Tmrfe0962]

Such great videos Steve. Thank you. Your knowledge is astounding. Hope alls well.

[@67marlins]

Every one of these A-bodies were subject to a recall involving rusting-out of axle bolts. Those A-bodies were boring then...and they still are. As a Ford guy I'd prefer a '68 to '77 mid-size GM product over the 78 and up anyday.

[@daledavies2334]

The 200 and 229 Chev V6 engines had semi oddfire cranks and cams. The Buick oddfire V6 engines had a compendium of vibration and rocking couple issues. The Chevrolet engineers built a number of engines with different split offset rod journals and rotated them between a group of employees that had no idea what was installed. They got to drive each car for a week or two and then answered how they liked or disliked each with a focus on NVH. If I remember correctly the 18° split got the best reviews, so that is what went into production. When the 4.3 was introduced they went with an even fire crank with larger diameter rod journals to provide the strength required. I believe the 4.3 crank and non balance shaft cam could be put into the 200 and 229 engines. Strange situation regarding manual transmissions. A V8 car with a manual trans likely had a 4 spd. Some small blocks came with a 3 spd, while almost all big blocks had 4 gears. The bigger the engine the less gears you need due to the torque developed. 6 and 4 cylinder cars need the extra gearing of 4 and 5 spd transmissions. Yah, I know, economics.

[@googleusergp]

The odd fire Buick 231 V6 was phased out midway through the 1977 model year. The VIN code "C" engine was the odd fire, the VIN code "A" engine was even fire. The "A" engine lived on through the 1987 model year as the base engine in many GM models. It then kept getting refined and fuel injection was standard by 1988 (it was used on some 231 V6 models from 1984 onward as well).

[@daledavies2334]

@@googleusergpAlso changed at a different date in 1977 was the camshaft and distributor drive mounting. One design had the distributor gear cut into the front of the cam core with the timing gear having a large hole in its center to pass over the distributor gear. The other design had a cam core with no distributor gear on the front. It and the timing bolted to the front of the cam core. Due to the different dates of introduction, when rebuilding one of these engines a person has to be dilligent to ensure an oddfire cam with an oddfire crank and an evenfire cam with an evenfire crank. The timing set and distributor drive also has to match the rest. In addition, caution must be exercised when swapping distributors as there is even and odd fire distributors.

[@daledavies2334]

The engine I do not understand that Chev introduced was the 60° 2.8 V6. Sure, narrow. I get that. But the Buick 3.8l, 3.0l, 4.1l and 3.3l were well established and certified. A rugged and reliable engine that fits any platform the 60° fit. Early 2.8l engines were prone to crankshaft failures. Chev did cure that, but what was the up front costs of emissions certifying that design.

[@SteveMagnante]

@@daledavies2334 Hello daledavies2334, THANKS for watching and writing. From your deeper commentary on the intricacies of the GM V6 programs it sounds like you are / were possibly a factory engineer. If so, you might consider making some KZbin videos like mine wherein you share interesting stories from your career / experience. My WISH is to have a "hotline" to the design engineers / assembly line workers on each and every vehicle I profile so I could quiz them BEFORE making each video so as to include some nifty "insider info" that I can't find through regular research channels. If you started a regular "I Was There" channel, I'd certainly tune in. Thanks again for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@googleusergp]

@@daledavies2334 True but many of the odd fires are long gone and the even fire 231s are less prevalent.

[@53rat]

I’m still driving my 1983 elky with 78k on the clock

[@Carp1959]

Owned a 1980 model with the 229 v6 and 3 speed Manuel transmission it was a nice vehicle but started burning oil at 79000 miles !!

[@skelelator]

I had a 1984 El Camino with the Chevy 3.8 V6 (229 CI). What a dog going from a 1971 Camino with a 350 and 3 on the floor, vastly underpowered even for a smaller EC

[@mikeholland1031]

3.8 is 231ci

[@BriBeast8566]

My 64 El Camino's air shock stator valve is in rear window behind the passenger seat.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man those where some cool cars! One of my older brother had one of those in 78! He had the v8. That same interior dashboard was also used on the Monte Carlo, all the way to 88. Great video Steve!👌😎👍

[@corey6393]

Got an idea for a new drinking game. Every time Steve says "again", take a swig. Every time he says "again" and it doesn't reference anything he has said previously, two swigs.

[@stephenhenderson9871]

My Dad had the 79 automatic version of that El Camino, it sucked so bad. My parents drove it to the smokie mountains, my dad was so mad when they got home. He said that semi trucks were passing them going up hill. Shortly after that trip they traded it for a 1980 Pontiac Grand Am with a 305 4 barrel it was a different story wish I could have kept it. Quick nitpicky thing, Ford quit making Rancheros in 1979.

[@gm12551]

Steve’s hair color matches the paint of this El Camino now

[@frankkeel8410]

Never was under powered. Ran like a bear. Best bang for the buck. That V6 and that sweet motor was far better than. my 1972 new 350 elCamino

[@scottmalone2332]

Riding my bicycle today I saw one of these with the SS parked in the driveway. Really good shape. The downsized ElCamino.

[@okieshortriderz]

My first company car was a 1980 Malibu. It was a nice riding smooth car with plenty of interior room. And very dependable.

[@googleusergp]

Hopefully it was a 267 V8.

[@LongIslandMopars]

Back in 1991 my now wife was driving a burgundy '80 crew cab Malibu with the 229 V6. Compared to my crew cab '79 Volare, it rode great, steered nicely, and accelerated better when compared to my slant 6. I liked it even though my heart belonged (and still does) to mother Mopar.

[@googleusergp]

@@LongIslandMopars My brother in law had a 1981 Monte Carlo with a 229 V6 a few years after he and my sister got married. They lived in an apartment for a few years before they bought a house, so we would "car sit" it at my house. My BIL paid for the parts, I did the maintenance for free and it was a spare car for us to use when we needed it. They would come and get it when they wanted to use it. It was a good car, and was a pizza delivery vehicle after he sold it. I saw it a few times and then it was gone. LOL.

[@LongIslandMopars]

@@googleusergp Sounds like it was a nice cruiser. As much as I liked the "pig" Montes of the prior generation (don't know how and when they got associated with the designation "pig"), I liked the newer ones for their cushy look. My mom's friend had an 83 (goldish color in and out) with a 305. Bought at Luby Chevrolet which is where all their Chevy's came from. It was a beautiful riding car.

[@derektrieglaff9103]

The reason that there was no mention of the Elcamino competition, Ford Ranchero, was because it didnt exist after 1977. Instead of continuing the 'ute bodystyle beyond the full size ltd, ford just let Australia keep building the falcon ute and focused more on attacking the upcoming small truck market that chevy luv had cornered. When chevy came out with the luv, nobody had an answer to it except other japanese car companies (nissan and toyota) and obviously, isuzu... Which Chevy had a stake in at the time. So ford went and took the funding that was to be for remodeling the ranchero and put it toward the Ranger compact pick up truck. Ultimately, the S-10 and S-15 ended up taking over the elcamino market anyway and when they killed the G-body in 87, the entire line died and the mini truck era was solidified.

[@nathanbarden9709]

They extended the wheelbase from 116” to 117” for a smoother ride-gotta love dealer brochures! I’m sure you could really feel that 1.” Nice distraction from the absolutely gutless performance. Those cars (?) can be pretty sweet with an upgraded engine though. Too bad that one’s just scrap.

[@philricci2012]

Correction: GM stopped making the 200 V6 after 1979. Starting in 1980, it was increased to 229 C.I.D., basically 3/4 of a 305 V8.

[@googleusergp]

We're also assuming it's a 1980 based on the VIN digit of "A" he quoted. He should have shown the VIN and cowl tag. That always tells the story.

[@philricci2012]

@@googleusergp The style of fake wood on the dashboard would indicate that it is a 1980 or newer. Also check the 5th digit of the VIN code. If it is an M, it is a 200 V6. If it is a K, it is a 229 V6.

[@googleusergp]

@@philricci2012 I know what the VIN means and I know all of the codes. I wanted to see the VIN and cowl tag.

[@GeorgesMiniatureCars]

I love the history of how cars evolved and thanks to Steve, we have a cool fun video archive of the inner workings under the skin of the cars/trucks we love!! A friend's mother bought a new '80 Malibu 4dr V6 auto, got to drive it and left no lasting impression on me! LOL!!

[@91rss]

there was a pile of the GM's they had built for Iran but had 4 speed standards in them so the clutch linkage became desirable . BUT they only were offered up in Canada

[@jaybeemhardscrote7466]

Wow an El Camino! They're the Cadillac of cars!

[@kbeg132]

It was in the 78 and 79's only and not in CA. Beautiful el Camino with black night package that had no power. We would joke that our mopeds of the time were as quick off the line.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Downsized GM cars are some of the best looking ever

[@backachershomestead]

The mullet of automobiles!

[@randyauer7303]

You make my mornings complete there Steve Love your videos you the man get well soon

[@jimfrattaroli6222]

Great work Steve, get well!

[@douglash3129]

Hi Steve, great channel!! I worked for Chevy In the 70s and 80s and I test drove A wagon with the 200 cu. in. V6 for the complaint of no power, I was amazed how under powered it was I found no problems with the drive train and had to tell the service manager the car is just under powered, The car was a month old and he would have to deal with the customer, they traded it in and I don't know what happened after that. I guess they don't care what they're selling to the public. They had to know how under powered It was when they made it. SAD!

[@eth39232]

I remember taking driver's training in 1980 in a Malibu with 3.3L V6, and it could barely climb a hill.

[@bobhill3941]

The El Camino came out the year my dad was born and ended the year I was born. It will always be Jessie Pinkman's ride in the El Camino movie.

[@travisjohnson5747]

Very cool. I have 2 78' super sport El Caminos. One is numbers matching 350 4 barrel, 4 speed with posi rear.

[@toddbob55]

I preffered the Ranchero over the E l camino

[@holoholohaolenokaoi2299]

Best video title ever!

[@ricksaint2000]

Thank you Steve

[@southerncross3638]

I remember how shocked my Friends and I were to see taillights in the bumper 😅

[@donabercrombie8534]

my parents had a 1978 Chevy Malibu 4 door classic with 200 ci v6, auto and maroon interior/ silver exterior paint job back in the day... ran fine once up to speed but was a snail at takeoff... lol

[@albertgaspar627]

that increase in gas prices got gas stations to change their garage bays for 1% profit margin convenience stores. which by now has turned into the only grocery stores to be found in some residential areas. But these downsized GMs still sit on perimeter frames, and are better for 4 digit LS swaps than the unibody Fox Mustangs.

[@danielleclare2938]

Had a 2 Door Malibu with the 305. It boogied real good and was a great car all around. Body on frame makes them special to this day. Speaking of the Ayatollah we also had in my area a bunch of beige 4 speed cars for export to the middle east somehow the order got cancelled. Anyway they had no rust proofing and lasted about 4 years. We called them..ahem... Iraqi-boos instead of Malibus. It was a different world lol.

[@peteh5636]

My ‘85 had a 305 with an electronic Quadra jet. That was the most unsatisfactory engine, performance was a giant flat spot.

[@johnkranyics281]

Had a 1978 with the 350, went pretty well. 👍👍🇨🇦