I'm looking at buying a '79 malibu for about $500. It's a four-door, and has a 350ci. The owner is not sure what kind of tranmission it has or whether or not it has positraction. I'm really just looking at buying it for parts for my '78. Does anyone know where I can find this information, or does anybody know this information off the top of their head?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

maliburacing.com Lots of info on 78-83 Malibus

Look under it to see if it has a modulator valve, if it does its a turbo 350. If not they used metrics, they could be a 200, 250, 350 lock up. Doubt it has a posi.

Dave

My V8 79 came with a 267 and a t350.

Count the pan bolts; TH200 will look like a TH350 except the TH200 has 11 bolts on the pan and the TH350 has 13. Both trans pans are square with a corner cut off. TH200's has the word "METRIC" stamped into it.

Also check for a modulator on the rear. TH350's had them. TH200's didn't as they are throttle valve cable controlled.

350 engines were not available in '79 on the Malibu so it's had an engine swap. It's likely yours was a V6 or a 305 car and still has the weak TH200 underneath. It will bolt up to a TH350 but will not last under much abuse.

As for a posi...hard to say...best bet is to jack up the rear, spin one rim and see if the other spins the same direction.