Photo credit: Motorsportsvillage.com

Many know this as being one of the nicest Chevy Malibu race cars around, and the owner and driver, Todd Geisler, has made some huge changes to his ride over the past year. The mild steel roll cage, floors and wheel tubs have all been cut out, and the body also was upgraded and freshened. All the work is top notch.  Here are some of the many changes being made.

A 25.3 SFI Certified chromoly cage has been installed because the car was right at the 8.50 limit with the old cage. Todd works at HFR Fabrication and performed all the chassis work himself. The old, reliable GM 12-bolt rear has been replaced with a TRZ chromoly sheetmetal 9-inch housing with Strange 40-spline axles, center section and Pro Race brakes. Double adjustable Afco shocks and TRZ control arms have replaced the single adjustable QA1’s and stock a-arms up front.

The Kirkey drivers seat was moved back a few inches and the pedals and steering column were extended accordingly. The steel doors were replaced with Glasstek fiberglass replicas and lexan windows. Todd believes this alone should knock about 130 lbs off the car. He even fabricated his own door hinges and had them chromed along with some other parts.

A VFN fiberglass dash – complete with an Autometer Stack digital instrument cluster – replaces the original steel dash to save around ten pounds. Small Coast Fab mufflers have replaced the Bassanis to save a couple of extra pounds. Opening the new fiberglass trunk lid reveals new fuel cell and pump mounts that have been fabricated as well as new wheel tubs and tin work. To protect himself and his investment, Todd installed a fire system in the Malibu.  A smaller radiator and fan assembly has also been installed to trim weight, and the car has also been completely re-wired and plumbed.

The 582 cubic inch conventional headed Big Block Chevy Engine and Powerglide transmission have not been untouched.  You’ll be able to see this rolling beauty racing in the Maryland area in the 8.50 Index and Ultra Street classes in 2012. Todd will be switching between a few different Mickey Thompson tire for the different classes.