Why 800HP is Too Much - /BIG MUSCLE

Mike Musto explains why the Internet is wrong and this this balanced Malibu is right.

[@ImElkay]

cars aren't about necessity, they're about what's freaking fun. so if the adrenaline from scaring the piss out of you that comes with high horsepower, go for it. If what's fun for you is carving down a mountain with 100 hp, go for it.

[@savagetuner2404]

idk how much carving you're gonna get done with 100hp

[@bigcheddar9768]

@@savagetuner2404 miatas are one of the best canyon carvers their is

[@savagetuner2404]

@@bigcheddar9768 more like eroding than carving

[@bigcheddar9768]

@@savagetuner2404 coming from someone thats never been in one its easy to say that

[@savagetuner2404]

@@bigcheddar9768 bruh what

[@calyodelphi124]

I have to agree with Mike on every point made in this video. A balanced car is way better than trying to go all-out and put as much power down onto the road as possible.

[@danh5150]

When you think about the second "Golden Age" of muscle cars, I find it kind of amusing that people find it necessary to justify a "mere" 500HP engine. When the Dodge Viper came out in the early 90's, it had 400HP. Before F1 cars started using turbos in the 80's, they were running 500HP for decades (and yes; I know they weigh less). The new SRT Hellcats are a factory produced 707HP, 10 second car. To put that in perspective, the Porsche 911 GT1 from 1996 was a 700HP super-car. It was designed specifically to race at 24 Hours of LeMans, and was competitive with McLaren, actually winning in 1998. I'm not saying horsepower should be limited at all. I'm merely suggesting if you break the 600HP mark, just do everyone a favor; take it to the track (and maybe take some lessons) before you kill a minivan full of kids on their way to a little league game. Just sayin'... ;o)

[@Typhoon0627]

Hahaha dude you don't even need to give a car 600hp for people to drive like idiots. Plenty of kids out there with off the lot Camaros and Mustangs their daddies bought for them, who have no idea how to drive them or control them when they're being stupid. You could go down a youtube rabbit hole and watch videos like "how not to leave a car show" of people totaling their cars. Although, if you have 600hp and can actually put it to use in Southern California, god bless ya! Ya don't need that much power to inch down the 405 at 15mph haha.

[@scarharting5577]

@@Typhoon0627 fukin A, well told bubba!

[@Nomah1979]

True story Bro, A 19 year old kid goes to the Chrysler dealer and picks up a "red eye" and has noooo clue how to drive it...its strictly for "look at me factor" and most of them dont even realize they are in a death machine in the wrong hands

[@kiotihamada9477]

In 1975 I bought a ten year old Malibu SS, all original, except it had been repainted a dark copper color, for $800. 283, 4BBL, 4 speed. Such a fun little ride. A damn shame things like marriage, kids and a "career" take away a mans' toys.

[@davidhuffman2075]

I did the opposite, I waited until I was settled in with the kid, divorced from the wife- THEN bought my 66 malibu! Couldn't be happier. My boy loves riding in his daddy's car

[@lesfasnacht5432]

Best description of a performance car I've heard in awhile!

[@Crushercurtis702]

Oh mike, you named those mods like they were chump change! That car obviously has had a lot of money put in it. Please give me a break. To 99% of us that car is a 10!.

[@drivebigmuscle8080]

Jay C This car is all about balance. Nothing is over the top - it's simply a well done machine.

[@ryanreed2743]

Drive BigMuscle Which is sadly so rare these days, mainly because of people wanting bragging rights rather than a true nice drive and feel.

[@Crushercurtis702]

Drive BigMuscle ***** You guys are ridiculous. Most projects aren't built with LS9's, 6 piston Brembo's, independent suspension, forged wheels etc. Those represent a tiny percentage. In every build the budget is the limiting factor (and they're a lot smaller than the one on this Malibu). I see mostly builds like ls1, lq9, 5.3's, built 302s 351w's, bunch of Willwood brakes, stock interiors, carbs etc. Praising someone for not using top of the line stuff is just plain stupid. That's like praising me for buying the house I bought. Its definitely not the one I'd pick if I were rich.

[@joeorange1115]

Jay C I never heard in the video them say the parts where cheap, just that they are middle of the road, And they(he) didn't say most builds are built with the parts you listed.. Most of what is in that car is over my budget, but my budget isn't the car owners budget..

[@cartmanrlsusall]

+Jay C the point wasn't about cost it was about functionality. and knowing when to say that's enough.

[@TommyRibs]

That car is not a 7, it is a 10. I love everything about it. Those mid 60s cars from the big three are not flashy, but they are really beautiful when you go and look closely at them. Everything they should be, nothing that they shouldn't.

[@TheAcePool]

Well, they may not have been flashy back then, but NOW... They stand out because they actually have personality.

[@dennisgoans701]

Wish I had my '65 back. Was my second car. First was a '57 Chevy!!

[@shaft9000]

requested next: Why 4000+lbs is too much.

[@vivalaphill]

shaft9000 or: Do you need a hair drier, fridge, + 20000 other functions in your car.

[@s2korpionic]

shaft9000 Those bloody SUVs man...

[@vivalaphill]

Kalsonic have the ground clearance to go offroad, never get used for it. have street tires but the center of gravity makes them incredibly unsporty they are so damn useless.

[@chilliwhiggerE]

shaft9000 So, you've been in a Challenger I take it? lol "Hellcat!" oh pulleeze.

[@shaft9000]

chilliwhiggerE r u psychic? LOL...yeah, not the srt unfortunately, but my neighbor had the R/T (auto), with 370hp/400lb-ft. It pulls decent enough, but that's about all I liked about driving it. I'm more of a classic lightweight canyon-carver guy, so the tranny and overall feel was pretty horrid to me - though the Chally's do look badass I have to admit! I'd want one just to look at it... and tune the exhaust hehe :)

[@Swilling]

Digging the Production Value on these videos, its getting really good. Well done guys.

[@deepfreezevideo]

Swilling Agreed. I'd gladly carry Thaddeus's batteries any day ;)

[@bluestudio67]

I married a 7. Sometimes even a 7 is too much. She ran too hot, overheated too easily, and there was a constant whine I could never resolve. One day, she just quit on me. Decided a real dog of a car is better because ya don't have to worry about screwing it all up. Slide off the road? No biggie. Loose linkage? Hey, ya knew that going in. Leaky pan? Yeah... better see about getting that fixed, but still... kinda nice. Run it hard. No worries.

[@ME-bh9gc]

Wait so what are we talking about Lol

[@christophers3224]

thank you SO SO MUCH for bringing to light how important it is to consider DRIVABILITY! 800hp don't mean shit if you're wrecked in a ditch...

[@hardball107]

This guy is right on, I have a chopped 1968 Chevy C 10 with a cammed 5.3 LS, 7004r, a few suspension tricks and a front disk conversion and I love to drive it and it drives well. It was a factory air cab and I have big and littles on it with mini tubs, lowered with just a slight rake. Just the thumbs up and smiles are enough but with long tube headers, FlowMasters and '72 Chevy Torch Red paint it's a little hard to sneak around. I think people forgot what a vehicle sounds like with no cats, I like to remind them ............

[@fredaarsandoy7336]

So spot on!! This is how to build a car for driving, and what is a car that cant drive...

[@thelaborpeasant]

Now THIS is a pro touring car! I've seen so many people butchering the term lately and this sums it up perfectly. I see way too many people throwing rims on a stock car and dropping it a few inches and calling it pro touring. On the other hand I see people with fully stripped cars, roll cage, racing seat/harness, no AC, no radio, nothing, and they call it Pro Touring. NO! A Pro Touring car is a classic car with all the ease, comfort, and performance of a modern performance car, and this is it exactly. Its not overdone where it's obviously a track car but out of pure popularity and bandwagoning they call it Pro Touring. Yet it's not underdone where it's just lowered with rims to look the part and somehow that qualifies. This ones perfect. Its clean, comfortable, easy, has modern reliability, modern ease of handling, modern power, it's just as good at killing an autocross as it is road tripping and THAT is Pro Touring

[@496elcamino2]

Evan B Yup that’s exactly what I was thinking too, you nailed it!

[@kphag]

I've never really looked at a Malibu lustfully before, but I gotta say, this one just has it goin' on. But I wouldn't say it's Chevrolet's M3 so much as it is its 2002tii. This is an awesome build, not too much, not too little. Great job. And great video.

[@destro513]

in what world is a fully restored ls1/viper t56 car with all the pro touring suspension a medium car?

[@ssimon64]

destro513 ikr?!!

[@iLuvBillGates]

two piece rotors...

[@TheAcePool]

Because they're basically limiting the definition of high-end to ludicrously powerful deathtraps. I would say this is around the border of medium and high.

[@PistonsofFury]

This thing is well beyond medium.

[@albertlisty]

@@PistonsofFury This car is... EXTRA-medium!

[@SloppyMechanics]

great video mike, you hit the nail on the head in this article, you highlight on all the things that make a car awesome, i like the whole spectrum but you are right about the balance of the middle. making everything just right, really makes the car an all around performer, no compromise. thanks for showing it off!

[@caratcranker5874]

I'm a BIG 60's Ford fan, and I would own this car in a second. Not quite as sexy as Fords lines, but REALLY nice...And the guy is 100% correct, this is the ultimate package for people who want it all. Remember, drag cars are specifically built, so are track cars, and spongy production. As a younger man, you spent ALL your $$ on trying to get something this great. I love this car. [not to mention the brain stiffening interior!!!]

[@lsxpowered7178]

well that's more your opinion that Ford lines are better looking... it's pretty much a known fact that GM (Chevrolet, olds, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac) was the leader in styling through the 50s and 60s

[@caseyglenn3143]

Well it's implied that it was his opinion but thanks for clarifying with your opinion :P.

[@lsxpowered7178]

what I said isn't opinion, it's fact lol

[@Jeffwho78]

​@@lsxpowered7178 wrong lsfaggooo

[@andrewipp426]

What a well thought out street machine! Balanced, neutral handling and it's not a turbo'd small block that all it does is immolate the rear tires! Smart build on Gil's part.

[@RamblinAround]

Yep, that one was done right...great car!

[@romaboy5872]

Gil Alfonso, My hat is off to you sir. Being 65 myself I remember the '65 Chevelle as one good looking automobile. what you did with yours is truly amazing. I'm so jealous!

[@TheWierdFish]

There is _so_ much basic common sense in this video. I love it. Except Budweiser. That'll never be 'perfectly fine' so long as I have tastebuds. Other than that, wholesome goodness all round.

[@TheWierdFish]

***** I'm not yours.

[@thomasvineyard7814]

I have a 68 Camaro RS/SS. It drives like a 7. Has good power with a 350/351 Ramjet, 700-R-4 Streetbeater with power going to a Currie 9" with 3:55 gears. So it very street-able, with power, and very cruise-able on the Power Tour in 2018. Some Shows are 250+ miles away, so it's just a nice drive both ways. A lot of looks, and a lot of fun. Thanks for the video.

[@DirtyD07]

Great video Mike, as well as a great message. I feel that gearheads nowadays on getting lost on the fact you CAN have too much horsepower. Thanks to events like TX2k, and all the other events showcasing supercars putting out 2000+ HP, Street Outlaws, etc, younger guys are trying to shoot for the moon with their builds and can never be truly happy with what they have. People need to realize there will always be someone faster, that you need to build a car that works and suits you, not the internet.

[@chaseventrillaquist6458]

DirtyD This^^^^^!!!! You nailed it with this comment, couldnt have said it better myself

[@bitterclinger6745]

NOW THATS an outstanding video!!!! Not only is it my first ever dream car and still in my top 3 to this day but built way better then I could have dreamed for a perfect machine. Kudos to the builder and to the excellent production of this video

[@RhipKord]

I'm glad i clicked on this. My type of car. A functional beast

[@vikingmike8139]

Excellent points about how to build a car to enjoy. My Stingray is done somewhat similar. No 'bling', just the correct parts for the application. It measures out at 530 HP@ 6,200 rpm and 545 ft/lbs of torque@4,100 rpm. The VE% between 3800 and 4400 however is 130%!! The combination of parts for the engine worked out superb, and it's very reliable. I chose to install one of AutoGears M23 Muncie Z ratio 4 speed transmission, which works very well with the stock 3.36 rear gears. It has a few suspension mods, mainly just springs/shocks and a few other things in there that Guldstrand had in his catalog. A very balanced approach to my build. Overall I am very pleased with the outcome, and it's a blast to drive with the T-top off too. Great video, thanks.

[@colaflaskan]

This is one of the reasons why Koenigsegg is my favorite supercar manufactor. Maybe not the absolute fastest car out there, but they seem so functional despite the massive engine power

[@Jmanmadness23]

The egg analogy at the end was great! Awesome video guys. A car review and lesson in one.

[@LT1HILLINGHOE]

So tired of people getting into cars they don't own and lecturing to others about what is right and what is wrong in a car. Build a car the way you want to and put as many horses under the hood as you want. And I didn't need a video to tell anyone that.

[@TheAcePool]

Musto does have a point in regards to not overbuilding your first car to the point where you can't get comfortable with it. Makes sense to start a bit more mild and work your way up over time.

[@mauriceandrews2723]

Dude used to be cool Getting old listening to him.

[@ThisGuyDrives]

LT1HILLINGHOE then it’s really curious to know why you watch the video? Be some pretty boring content if he only reviewed his own car over and over and would really suck for car guys that want to see other people’s cars. It cracks me up that people like you seem to get so butt hurt because of innocent videos like this.

[@bc9769]

Yeah, these people all "build" cars with parts that are already manufactured like they invented the thing because they just chose the brand of each part 😂 you don't really KNOW anything, just put it together, drive it, and stop making yourselves seem like gods.

[@LT1HILLINGHOE]

@BR-P-2001 // Ok...his opinion is ur a clown. In all fairness, that's everyone's opinion, clown.

[@LucoreAuto]

Great video! Not sure how this video JUST dropped into our recommended videos but glad it did!

[@craigparish521]

When I was 16 , went with my grandfather to buy one of these. Had 327 , 325 hp. We drove it my grandpa said no way. Too much power for you right now. I’m 67 now and still want one .

[@jaco5187]

I have a 65 Mustang straight-6 200 ci. It's 'only' a six cylinder, but it puts a smile on my face every time I get in it.

[@fursty6942]

I have a 90hp car. I would kill to feel what 600hp feels like.

[@NitrogenGamingHD]

For serious..?

[@davidaragon687]

Marc Matakim scary

[@nou8257]

I drove an acord for a few years then drove my dads CTS-V Ls6 and was surprised what 450 h.p felt like in a comfortable car

[@albertgaspar627]

don't kill, rent. Rent a high performance or supercar for a day. People forget they can do this and get to experience something they talk about online

[@hermanman8235]

The same with here..in my area a 300hp car are a REAL hassle..not to mention 800pony....

[@tjm3roundrock]

Such a great looking car outfitted with just the correct parts. A very well done video. Thank you Mike and Gil.

[@shingnosis]

A surprisingly intelligent and nuanced video.

[@Zepherian]

When you look at a really beautiful person and try to define beauty it becomes really hard, because what defines it is not this or that, its the absence of faults and the symmetry of the form. It's more about what it isn't than what it is. This car is the automotive equivalent, and the owner has made himself one of the nicest cars in the world. And I'm not even into muscle cars or even black cars in general, but that thing is really exquisite. Kudos.

[@Grievance_Studies_Affair_2018]

I think I fell in love with old American cars... They sound so beautiful and look amazing. Here in the EU we have downsized and mostly diesel cars. Sound like a shit, smell even worse. Once I grow up, I must buy some old muscle car. EU bureaucratic pussies would probably shit their pants because of CO2 emissions...

[@thegoldensaber4531]

+Free Thinker Stay in school because you'll need deep pockets, even for a 7. Most older muscle cars are rusty, rattly, sloppy steering, unreliable. It took him several thousand dollars and several thousand hours to get that car where you see it.

[@EragonSuperM]

+TheGoldenSaber That's the fun of an old vehicle though

[@TheSilverShadow17]

There is never too much horsepower, just not enough traction.

[@vongdong10]

I reckon 600whp is the sweet spot. It's more than enough to make you giggle everytime you step on it. I've got a 400whp LS1 and kinda disappointed.

[@TheMostwanted5]

A Vong depends on the car if it's a 60's Chevy anything then yeah, but say if it's a C4 Vette 400whp in a car that light will make you sqeual

[@NellisNelson]

A Vong i have a 110hp alpha ii and it goes fast enough to get a huge ticket!

[@thegoldensaber4531]

+Jermaine Riley You can get a 60s Chevy to weigh 3200lbs, but it won't be comfortable lol.

[@TheMostwanted5]

lol i like carpet and comfy seats lol

[@raulciprianoyahoo]

I have a 120 bhp hyundai. I'd kill for 200 whp.

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

my very first car was a 1965 Chevy Malibu SS.i paid $675.00 for it and i was the third owner. this was in 1977.it had the 283/Power glide trans. factory a.c. ps. pb and like a idiot i sold it.where i live you never see a 65 Malibu SS or otherwise for sale. they start at 66 and newer. had a lot of good times in that car.

[@godmegabob]

Its all about balance. I have an AE86 pushing out only 144BHP but its balanced so I can enjoy it all of the time no matter where I am.

[@Grarder]

It takes a stunning amount of skill and patience to get all those components working that beautifully together.

[@s0nnyburnett]

It's all about harmony.

[@drivebigmuscle8080]

s0nnyburnett Exactly.

[@cybertree]

Man that vehicle sounds amazing, it sounds sooo...correct and proper too, almost like a stock supercar or something. *Hell this sounds better than most supercars IMO.*

[@GlennnnnS]

I really don't like the trend of putting brand new rims on classics. Just doesn't really fit in my opinion. Rest of the car is awesome though!

[@ROBtimesTEN]

***** i thought they were a good choice personally, not too showy, but bigger and wider so they can accommodate more suitable rubber

[@mykro69]

***** Yeah, he should have put Wide Ovals and wide steelies on it, Huh?

[@Flat_3_6]

Wheels**

[@BigWillie836]

***** Chevy rally wheels are about at the top of the list of best looking factory wheel on an old muscle car. Today's designs make the accessories the art of the car; wheels, tires, lights, etc. Older designs, the car itself is the art!

[@JuicemanDJ]

Definitely can't go wrong with some torque thrust type of wheels. But at the end of the day can't get mad at some for stepping outside the box and doing something different. Everyone can't ride around on stock replicas or steelies especially with 17in rotors...

[@paulmaddox1969]

Beautiful car, I remember the commercials on TV back in the 60s about the Chevy Malibu SS. The commercials made me want one, but alas I was 11 years old so I bought the model and painted/glued it together instead. I also loved the Impala, Camaro, GTX, GTO, and other beautiful AMERICAN MADE cars from the 50s, 60s & 70s that I would read about (buy the models) in Hot Rod & Car Craft magazines. I wound up ordering and owning a 1977 Black with Black Velour Interior Trans Am 6.6 SE, I ordered it in Sept.1976, before "the movie" but did not get to pick it up from the dealership in Florida till April 1977, due to USAF duty requirements which sent me to Germany for a few months.

[@X17xRJx17X]

So I'm trying to learn more about cars, because I've always been really interested since I was young but never found a good way to learn. I can watch videos like this but I don't really get much out of it, given all of the terms that I don't know. Does anyone have any advice as to how I can learn more? Maybe how you guys learned yourselves? Any help would be appreciated, because in a few years I'll be able to own my own car and I'd love to have a good knowledge by then so I can get one I like and start working on it.

[@92PhilW]

learning by doing is the only way

[@X17xRJx17X]

***** I don't have the opportunity to work on a car right now. I also don't wanna mess with a car if I don't know at all what I'm doing, especially if it's partially my parents' car, because I know they wouldn't let me. So I guess reading is what I'll be doing.

[@X17xRJx17X]

***** There's a lot to know I guess. I don't know a lot of the technical aspects (I know that's very broad, but I don't have a specific focus. I need a general knowledge first), so that would be where I wanna learn.

[@FELiPES101]

Ryjongle Besides this year I have never wrenched on my own car and know a lot about a wide range of vehicles. If possible go to some local car meets with a friend and look around. Most car people would be happy to explain what you are looking at. The more videos you watch and the more meets you attend the faster you will get an idea of the trends in the type of engines used by the aftermarket and also the significance of why certain companies build cars on their platform the way they do. If you don't know where to start use Google and find a company that interests you. From there search online for a forum where owners group together to go in extreme detail about specific cars and where they normally go for car meets.

[@X17xRJx17X]

***** I subbed to it and I'll watch some soon. Thanks for the suggestion

[@edcain10]

Great Informative Video.Would Like the Same Set -Up in a 66 SS Chevelle.Trouble With the Old Muscles of 60' s & Earlly 70s,W as Most Suspensions Couldn' t Hold the Power to the Road on Curves That's Why U See So Few of The HEMI Cudas, 440 CHALLENGERS & Other Big Muscles Left .Lots Of Them Were Totaled, & Other Big Blocks ,Also.

[@Bcp69]

I would take a properly built "medium" car over an unreliable and costly "high" built car.

[@carlcrow8718]

See Jeff Smith of Petersen Publishing's car from the 1990s. As a former '65 Chevelle owner this is nice to see. I spent 15 years with my car; engine swaps, suspension upgrades, bracket racing, SCCA, etc. !!

[@Foxxorz]

500bhp sounds about right for a daily driver.

[@calebnation7797]

My goal is only 275whp, but then again my car is way lighter than old American iron and also fits much narrower tires

[@mrpwagner]

This episode is a medium.

[@FSXgta]

God damnit wipe your camera lens there is a black dot!!!!

[@hmm3265]

FSXgta That's on the sensor, not the lens. It's harder to deal with, and you don't see it til you watch the footage.

[@hmm3265]

God is responsible for all things, no? So logically, it's his fault.

[@MusicMan1714]

FSXgta No there isnt

highlands Really? I care enough to write back? That's where this discussion is going?

grabir01 That makes no sense at all. And you call me stupid because I have no religion? That's not very christian of you is it? Sounds more like a muslim that looks down on infidels. Oh wait...Islam and christianity are almost the same. I forgot. Get of your pedestal and be human. Not some creation of someone in a book.

[@MrWellsFamily]

What this video seeks to explain has a name. It's called "engineering" and they teach it in school.

[@samuelortiz6512]

Awesome. Great video. The car is a 10. The color combinations is excellent.

[@williamgrand9724]

Its not top tier, but its above average and that's what a modified street car is all about.

[@polosphill]

So well thought out and executed, this is my kind of car. I hope to achieve this level of style and function in my 81 G.P w/a LS5.

[@silverbeEll871]

Get the Farmtruck on this show!!!!

[@ogk9678]

Awesome Malibu SS!! Great stance, perfect exhaust notes & beautiful restoration!

[@lsevent]

Really overplaying what it takes to build a decently powered, reliable car.

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

Incorrect really. You understate the thought that went in IMO.

[@rbernzdiesel]

I think the car looks absolutely awesome and the message of the clip has a lot of validity.

[@CHUUMPASS]

2 years later, you can go to a Dodge dealership, and buy an 800+ hp vehicle there. :)

[@Floresbrandon95]

I watched this video a few times. I just love the commentary and the simplicity of it.

[@DanielCollins85]

Mike Musto explains why the Internet is wrong and this this balanced Malibu is right.

[@Australia-ky7kx]

I really enjoyed this video. It encapsulates what I've thought about so called 'Muscle Cars'. Here is a sensible custom with updates to make it superior to original yet retaining the classic look. Lots of the show cars have virtually full race engines ,wild styling..but never see the road .Seems pointless. I would love such a beautiful car and enjoy driving it.

[@themikester223]

If only the new malibu's looked like this one :/

[@Typhoon0627]

hahaha good luck with that... They aren't called Mali-poo now cause they're awesome. They've already tarnished the name of Malibu and Impala with their disgusting and unimpressive reboots... and if they tried to reboot the Malibu again and make it look like a 65, I have a feeling it'd take about 10 years to develop, the concepts would all have crazy V8s and tons of HP, and the production model would have pussified v6, and be about as good as the Total Recall reboot.

[@ThisGuyDrives]

Typhoon0627 well the 2018 Malibu Premiere edition has a “pussified” turbo 4 banger that does 0-60 in 5.7 that I wouldn’t mind trading in my 2010 Malibu LTZ with its “pussiefied” V6 that does it in 6.3. Of course neither of them compare to my 14 Camaro 1LE, but I still like them for the “pussified” cars they are. They are more practical than my Camaro and have good passing power. Especially when compared to a lot of other sedans.

[@josephburnham4621]

You guys have it perfect! I would love to build a retry similar car with some difference that appeal to me. Maybe if the va ever helps get fixed again I'll send you a pic. Thanks for a great video! Joe

[@lux-de-luce6599]

anyone can build their own car, but did they actually forge the steel crank or cast the iron? did they buy the engine standard or did they bore the cylinders and grind the crank. sure they can install flat top pistons and roller rockers but did he choose which mine the iron ore came from.

[@lux-de-luce6599]

megamind

[@ssimon64]

Lux-de-luce Why would you want to waste all that time and expense when the parts are already cheaply available?

[@trebaby9]

Im guessing all these things seperate the "true" car guy from the wannabes right ?

[@mattyearwood3490]

not everyone can build their own vehicle are you kidding me. I am an automotive apprentice, I work at a shop with an engine builder with 40+ years experience, and even he collaborates with other individuals to confirm part, ignition timing, cam grind, lobe seperation, gear ratio. very very few people actually have the ability and skill to build a vehicle from the ground up by themselves.

[@GoldenGrenadier]

There's a difference between building and fabricating.

[@SteveWeltmanANS]

MAD props. [OPINION ALERT] This car could be your daily driver. It's a super nice looking and sounding car. I would be thrilled to own a car like this and I have a couple of "average" cars... A g37s and a BMW e90 335i sedan. I autocross (as does my wife) and we get to drive there and back. I can drive super hard but know the limits of my cars at the edge and they are pretty far out there (beyond my abilities at points). That's the point of this car. This car is just great as is. Great job Gil!

[@LeeFerikson]

"2 pot calipers with 12 pistons" lol

[@Kevinegan1]

I let go of my 1969 Firebird 33 years ago. I have regretted it more and more each day. I regretted it so much that 2 years ago I decided to try and find it. I did find it and it now sits in my garage I built especially for it. Unfortunately it was not taken care of and many parts were robbed off of it. Most of that 33 years it has sat untouched, in the weather and now needs a ground up restoration. I have many of the parts, like the floor & trunk pans, new right fender, a 350 Pontiac engine (Needs Rebuilding), carpet, headliner, dash pad, etc. My biggest problems are that I am now disabled, money is tight and I do not know where to start. I have some rust issues that I have no idea how to repair. I also know that if I attempt to repair them, not knowing what I am doing, I'm going to do more harm than good. I really want it fixed, to near new stock condition with a little more horsepower added but have no idea what to do. I want to make it the last car I ever drive as it was the first car I ever bought. If I had just a year to drive it I would be happy. I have a dream of using it to take a couple of months and just tour the US. But the way things are going it isn't looking too promising.

[@irondino247]

I have a 150hp PT Cruiser, I'd kill to have 175. -_-

[@alterbr33d]

You know the PT Cruiser GT had a turbo, 230 HP stock. I'm borrowing a PT Cruiser right now, I know what its like. Its got about 190k on it, and the struts have never been changed on it. It drives like a bobble head around corners.

[@Chemdawg404]

My brother had a PT-GT with a few "basic" mods done; (Tune, ported/polished head, cam, upgraded turbo, ect...) ...that was pushing a little under 420ish horsepower to the front wheels...it's basically a Neon SRT-4 that caught a cold, and got in a fight with something nasty...Nah, For about one...maybe two-ish thousand...you could make them into pretty mean car,suv,whatevers...We call them; Sleepers... And, we also call the manufacturers lazy, for making us do the necessary upgrades to make their performance models shine...

[@thegirthquake8574]

You don't know what it's like man. I wish I had 150. My 03 focus had 120 factory. It's probably about 100 now.

[@jamesprice2163]

Lucky i make 106 in my 4.0 explorer (yes it runs like shit)

[@jamessilly6837]

I've got a sub 100 hp scamp (73 so its got the understroked 225)... I wouldn't change it for anything :)

[@EqualsThreeable]

This car is like a symphony, not a rock concert, not a football game. I rate it 10/10, I'd love to have that car.

[@ShelbyDude1]

I've put 40K miles on my 2012 850 HP Shelby Super Snake (Mustang) without an issue. It is no more difficult to drive than any of the 300-600 HP cars I've owned. Common Sense dictates driveability in cars with high horsepower.

[@knuckleuprambo]

Completley agree

[@Osos-man]

EXACTLY... My dad and I picked up and drove across the country and then restored a 72 Monte Carlo to "as stock" as possible condition... Except adding a ZZ4 crate motor, (350ish hp).. 700r4 trans, big dual exhaust, and 3.55 LSD.. Replaced all of the brake components and suspension gear, master cylinder, lines, bushings shocks, etc with new.. Factory parts.. reliability. It's a " good"car.. it'll turn your head to look at and listen to, it'll get 21mpg on a gentle cruise or it'll kick the ass sideways punching into 2nd gear.. Built by father and son in a little garage by hands and hearts.. it's worth FAR more than it's parts or paper value..

[@jody024]

those wheels are to modern for this car

[@danbailey5109]

I grew up in 1965 Malibu with a L 79 and I do mean grew up , loved every second of it

[@charlesmacgilchrist3648]

800hp is ok if it is upgraded to 4wd.

[@adrianpeterson9668]

Charles Macgilchrist anyone who makes an American classic in to an AWD deserves a bullet

[@two_number_nines]

actually the front wheels will spin if you make it 4wd. 4wd only makes sense on surfaces with very low grip (rally)

[@calumm8466]

John Scarce no not necessarily, it depends on what awd system you use and what onboard technology you use like torque vectoring, launch control etc

[@two_number_nines]

charles said 4wd which means 3 diffs connecting all wheels all the time

[@calumm8466]

John Scarce my bad

[@andrewdimartino]

Mr. Musto i love your videos. I could trust you to buy a car for me, and know I would love your selection. Onward Sir, I'll be watching, and enjoying the education.

[@charlesd.9102]

''This is a 1965 BMW M3 by Chevrolet'' best quote I heard this week hahaha

[@sporsterini]

Mike is right. I have a 1968 GTO with a 400 that puts out 360 hp. it has mostly stock brakes and suspension. I love it just like it is. No wait, I'd like to change the steering box to something a bit tighter.

[@DougHanchard]

The LS1 series with distributor package is the basis of several stock car racing series across North America. Designed by Robert Yates of Ford fame, it DOES use a Ford small block distributor and fuel pump. The front block cover and cam interface is PN# 88958679 and available from GM Performance. Not all LS / LSX blocks are compatible. The only thing not available from GM is the actual distributor and fuel pump. The conversion costs $450.00 plus distributor. But it's not just the cover kit you will need. The kit includes front cover, fuel pump eccentric, distributor drive gear kit assembly, adapter unit with color-coded spacers, assembly bolts, and front cover seal. Distributor and mechanical fuel pump not included. Special water pump, accessory drive and damper are also required. For those that want to control fuel using a carburetor and use existing fuel systems in older cars, this is the perfect fit and setup. The kit has functioned very well in race engines producing 550+ HP in extreme conditions (7,500 RPM).

[@jward9637]

Bill Freelin made one of these 65's that is amazing. It was featured in Chevelle magazine Fall 2012.

[@MrEdwin57]

No wings and spoilers ,no high back buckets, no fancy paint job, no blacked out grille, no hood scoop....sooo basic and yet sooo perfect ! ! !

[@michaeldavidmontalvo2402]

kiss keep it stupid Simple

[@CParnell68C10]

That's one of the best episodes yet. That car is just right.

[@chilliwhiggerE]

This is for the people that fantasize about gobs of horsepower being produced out of my bank account. The only reason anybody would have 800 horsepower would be to talk about it because they would NEVER use it and if they did they would probably break something. If you want to impress your friends via my reputation just lie to them and tell them my car has 800hp. (it looks like it could) I'll probably never meet them anyway or give them a ride so they'll never know the difference lmao! (Camry/Accord drivers eyroll)

[@jameswhittenburg9678]

@ as Rambo this was filmed in the beautiful Livermore Ca. The road that leads to Del Valle Lake. Great video of a great car in a great place by a great guy. Thanks for another awesome video. James

[@shanksymiester3195]

Yes Mick finally you are back on track with a well balanced program !! loved the car

[@devodar4310]

I love the review, thank you. I would pay big bucks for that exact car. That's a real Malibu.

[@Zappy1210]

Agreed. My 1968 Road Runner had a 426 Hemi making 500bhp and that was more than enough. My current "toy" is a 1980 Turbo Trans am with the original rebuilt 4.9L and modern intercooled turbo making 345bhp and that is plenty.

[@charlesgraham9954]

i like the 64,65 and my fav is 66 chevelle. cuz it was my car. then she sold it to me. first thing i did was redo the 327. i was 17 with no money really. it made 320 at the wheels. 10 yr later. 502!!! love ur vids

[@yesiram8]

So well-stated that I had to watch it twice! Mike really knows what he's talking about here...

[@Jimbo-in-Thailand]

That Malibu is absolutely gorgeous with performance to match... and it sounds awesome. FFS it's an 11 not a freakin' 7! What a fantastic job and what brilliant choices the owner made, especially adding the 6-speed Viper tranny. I'd be interested in knowing what the final drive ratio is and what mileage he gets cruising at legal speeds on the highway. Gotta admit I'm amazed that the1960s era o-l-d-s-c-h-o-o-l Malibu chassis doesn't twist like a pretzel with a whopping 525hp engine since it was designed for probably about half of that - or less. I'm even surprised that the handling is OK considering handling was not a focus of any of the American automakers until the early 1970s when GM came out with their excellent torsion bar suspensions. Yep, putting too much horsepower in ancient 1960s muscle cars is a freakin' death wish, even with improved brakes and a chassis/steering tweak or two. Sadly, too much horsepower in today's latest offerings is as dangerous now as it was way back then, even with such incredibly advanced computer-controlled suspension/traction systems because no advancements in technology can compensate for the dumbsh*t behind the wheel. I remember reading earlier this year about the complete effing idiot who took delivery of one of the very first, if not the first, 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcats then promptly lost control and tee-boned a tree with only about 80 miles on the odometer. To think that my then-new 1980 L-48 Corvette had a whopping 190 hp. What's even more laughable is that my brother's 1977 L-82 (high horsepower option) 'vette was rated at a blistering 225 hp! I"m guessing that rating was quite a bit under guesstimated because my bro's car was significantly faster accelerating than mine, even though mine, like all 1980 'vettes, weighed 250 lbs less than previous models due to a weight reduction program by Corvette engineers. Dang, sure would like to drive that Malibu though!

[@KSKaleido]

I love the message of this video. It's exactly the approach I'm taking to build my '69 Mustang. I don't want it to be some crazy thing with 7000 horsepower, I just need a nice, reliable and relatively fun car to cruise around in. Medium for the win indeed!

[@seanm996]

Kaleido reminds me of a cousin that built his fast back mustang to I think 700-800hp and he couldn't drive it in the rain or even around a track it barely got driven and he sold it later.. you definitely won't regret having reliable power you can actually use on the street :)

[@MABfan11]

Rick James he could do a AWD swap

[@KarsNGuitars]

My Boss 347 Cougar is likely right in the middle, it makes 550 HP and I spent the last 4 years working out the bugs of a complete rebuild and modify project. My car weighs 3200 with the original V6 but now is about 100 pounds more. I will spend the next 4 years making sure I have the right amount of front and rear bar, weight jacking, camber angle, CG location, and checking that corner weights are where I want them to be for what I need. I will never pound my car like I did when I was auto-crossing it years ago but will find the place where its turning and handling is predictable and safe at any speed I decide to drive it at. Driving and therefore building is all about balance. I agree, most miss it.

[@michaeldavidmontalvo2402]

almost like life

[@DasPolarlichtlein]

like this episode. like the statement behind it. i'm from germany. i drive a 1991 golf gti 16v mk2. normal bilstein (around 4 centimeters lower), normal wheels (215 on 7,5 16 inch) and a normal engine (original 2.0 TFSI 220hp) without tuning. yeah...these turbo monsters are impressive but i dont need 500hp in an old golf. i need a drivable and fun car --- and my mk2 is exactly that 🙂

[@mobytobi]

i really like watching your videos! You have a great attitude towards the work of the car owners. You admire what they do and show love for our all hobby- nice cars! :) although i am basically a fan of high tech perfection cars like a Porsche for example, i love your american cars and backyard built cars aswell! They are great pieces of art. They really transmit your way of life and everytime i see an american car i get a smile on my face and start daydreaming a bit. And to be honest, i am actually sick of the people (in general) hating against european cars, japanese cars, us cars or where ever they are from.. All engineers and mechanics did great work and try to make the best out of their given sources.. :) thanks for your loving behaiviour in the videos!! greetings from germany

[@SymplMan81]

Mike, you're tearing it up in my old stomping grounds! My parents still have a 100-acre ranch out there (@ 8:07 you can see it - patch of grey trees), literally a mile away from Lake Del Valle - I drove those roads every day for the first 20-years of my life...and I drove them like a bat out of hell as soon as I turned 16! I see you do a lot of shooting in the tri-valley - where is "home" for the BIG MUSCLE crew?!

[@drivebigmuscle8080]

SymplMan81 For the most part SF and LA.

[@SymplMan81]

Nice - I'll keep my eyes open for the BIG MUSCLE crew in the area! Have you guys considered doing any shooting in the lake Berryessa area? There's some really nice stretches of highway between Vacaville/Fairfield and Napa/Santa Rosa area. Keep up the good work!

[@noampitlik2332]

Love the car and video, but I really don't understand running down big brakes. As someone who has experienced severe fade hillracing, I can never get enough fade-resistant performance of big rotors, pads, and calipers.

[@banning75able]

Personality into your car. It feels good to finally here someone say these things.