aking on the full build of a performance car can guarantee you a ticket to an epic journey. It all starts with sourcing the bones and follows by filling in the chapters as you move toward completion. The wicked 1964 Chevelle Malibu laid out across these pages, owned by Chris Castro of North Reading, Massachusetts, started off as a restoration with a driveline upgrade that eventually altered its path.
As the years passed, he wanted to get involved in the hobby with his son, Sean. Having always been a fan of Chevy muscle cars, the design elements of the 1964 Chevelle Malibu fit the bill perfectly. So, the search was on. Locally, he came upon a clean, one-owner original Sport Coupe from California that was a solid driver. A deal was made and the keys changed hands. After driving the car for a season he decided to freshen it up.
Chris contacted JK Automotive Designs of Stoneham, Massachusetts, to infuse their signature style. Inside, the dash packs Dakota Digital HDX Series dials combined with a Billet Specialties Formula D-Shape steering wheel and Clayton Machine Works shifter wearing a custom stick from BBC. The JK Team developed the interior in CAD with panels and console cut using both a CNC and laser for precise fitment. The stock seat frames were re-foamed and sculpted along with creating a custom rear seat. Everything was then treated to Hydes Heavy Metal–toned leather accented by black and red stitching. A black suede Alcantara headliner and gray square-weave carpet add the final style.
For entertainment, a custom-designed audio features Illusion Audio speakers matched to JL Audio subwoofers pumped by Mosconi amps and matching digital sound processor, all coming to life through an American Autowire system.
This is one Chevelle Malibu that commands attention wherever it goes!
Vehicle: 1964 Chevy Malibu
Type: Chevrolet Performance ZZ6 crate
Displacement: 350 ci
Compression: 9.7:1
Bore: 4.000
Stroke: 3.48
Cylinder Heads: Fast burn aluminum, 62cc chambers
Rotating Assembly: Forged steel crank, forged powdered metal rods, hypereutectic aluminum pistons
Valvetrain: 2.000 intake/1.550 exhaust
Camshaft: Steel hydraulic roller
Induction: Chevrolet Performance aluminum intake, FAST XFI EFI
Ignition: GM HEI
Exhaust: Hedman Hedders headers, custom stainless 2½-inch stainless exhaust, VAREX mufflers
Output: 405 hp
Transmission: GM 4L65-E
Rear Axle: GM 10-bolt, 3.08 ratio
Steering: Unisteer rack-and-pinion
Front Suspension: RideTech StrongArms, tall spindles, HQ-Series coilovers, MuscleBar
Rear Suspension: RideTech StrongArm four-link, HQ-Series coilovers, MuscleBar
Brakes: Wilwood 14-inch GT slotted rotors, AERO6 six-piston calipers, front; AERO4 four-piston calipers, rear
Wheels: Forgeline RS6 18×8.5, front; 19×9, rear
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S P245/45R18, front; P275/40R19, rear
Seats: Custom
Upholstery: Hydes leather, Heavy Metal, JK Automotive Designs
Gauges: Dakota Digital HDX Series
Steering: Billet Specialties Formula D-Shape
Carpet: Square-weave, gray
Shifter: Clayton Machine Works, Back Bay Customs lever
Paint: PPG Gray Metallic Effect
Hood: Stock
Grille: Custom, Back Bay Customs