Been looking at a 1998 Malibu 4 dr sedan with the 4 cyl has 52K miles
and is in nice shape, going to purchase it for my son, any comments on
this model with the 4 cyl engine. will these motors hold up

Chet

GM only put the 4 cylinder in the 1997 and early 1998 models. They have
sufficient power, but low end acceleration or passing power with a full
load is marginal.
But these engines do not suffer from piston slap and leaking lower intake
manifolds as the 3.1 V6 does. But the 3.1 does have a lot of get up and go.

"chet" <chet (AT) epix (DOT) net> wrote

Been looking at a 1998 Malibu 4 dr sedan with the 4 cyl has 52K miles
and is in nice shape, going to purchase it for my son, any comments on
this model with the 4 cyl engine. will these motors hold up

Chet

Chet, my ex-g/f has a 98 Malibu 4dr sedan w/ 4cyl motor & loves it still. It
is a fantastic car... although it's more of a "chick car". Get your son a
non-chick car . J/k.. it's a great car though.

-Mike

--
A happy kid behind the wheel of a 98 Mustang GT
Cold air intake
FRPP 3.73 gears
Steeda Tri-Ax Shifter
Flowmaster 40 Series mufflers (self-installed woohoo)
Hi-speed fan switch
255/60R-15 rear tires
Subframe connectors
Aluminum adjustable clutch quadrant


"chet" <chet (AT) epix (DOT) net> wrote

I'd look for a 4 cyl. with a 2.2 L if you can the 2.4 IMO isn't quite as
nice. But if it is a good price I'd go for it, you can always replace the
motor later after it gets high milage. This goes for any car but, take care
of it and it will take care of you. Keep track of you fluid levels and
change the oil every 3k miles. I generally try to keep my car under 3k RPMs
unless passing on the free way or if I'm late to work ;p. Just remember the
Malibu wasnt built to be a sports car so don't drive it like one, I had a
friend who bought a Fiero lol, he must have thought that since it looks kind
of sporty then it must be sporty ;p big mistake, he ended up getting rid of
the car after finding oil and coolant mixed together.


<memset (AT) recorddeal (DOT) com> wrote

dont care what you all think its a great car i had mine since it was new and
the only thing to break was the window regulator on the drivers door check
mine out on the link below... 76000 miles and running fine people think is a
new car still....

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/666314/1

Consumer Guide Road Test Ratings
1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS Ratings
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 3
Ride Quality 4
Quietness 3
Interior Room 3
Cargo Capacity 4
Insurance Costs 3
Total 24 Max 35

Specifications Chevrolet Malibu
4 door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 107.0
Overall Length, in. 190.4
Overall Width, in. 69.4
Overall Height, in. 56.4
Curb Weight, lbs. 3100
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 17.0
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 15.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.4
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.9
Rear Head Room, in. 37.6
Min. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.0

Trouble Spots

Antenna: Because of the way it is routed, a passenger can accidentally
disconnect the antenna so the cable must be rerouted. (1997-99)

Doors: The key reminder continues to sound after the key is removed from the
ignition accompanied by power door locks not working due to a problem in the
lock cylinder. (1997-99)

Doors: The power door locks fail, but still work manually, due to a rubber
part breaking on the actuator arm inside the door. (1997)

Paint/body: On white cars, the door handles turn yellow from the
lock-cylinder grease staining them. The company will replace the cylinders
under warranty and there is a colorless grease available for service.
(1997-99)

Seat: The leather on the bucket seat back wears prematurely and the company
will replace the seat cover and install extra padding under warranty.
(1997-99)

Suspension noise: Noises from the front end (clunks, rattles, squeaks) may
require replacement of the lower control arms or rack-and-pinion assembly or
both. (1997-98)


"chet" <chet (AT) epix (DOT) net> wrote

oh and BTW theres 10 hp difrance between 4 and 6 cyc.

"chet" <chet (AT) epix (DOT) net> wrote

"dlandon" <dlandonSPAM (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote

How much torque? Is the HP diff. at the same RPMs?

2.4L Twin Cam 4 150 hp @ 5500 RPM 167 @ 4000 RPM

3.1L 150 hp V6 150 hp @ 4800 RPM 180 @ 3200 RPM

"dlandon" <dlandonSPAM (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote

you left out the 2.2 L ECOTEC ;p