Taking a Chevelle from Stealth Mode to Hello for Sick Week 2024
There are a ton of options for ‘the look’ of your car or truck, and it’s good to see some fresh ideas, especially on popular platforms.
Mike Swindoll’s 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu flew under the radar at the 2023 edition of Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive, but with the changes he’s made since February, he’ll be standing out like a diamond now!
“I bought the ‘68 Malibu out of my uncle’s garage in pieces; literally,” said Mike. Acquired in September 2021, Mike started building the car in his garage, fabricating what needed to be done on the chassis part of the car.
“It had been started on for a roll cage and back half, but never finished,” Mike said. “It now has a Fab 9-inch rear end, a ladder bar back half, and an 8.50-legal roll cage to expand later.”
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Trying to get the car ready for this year’s Sick Week had Mike running a little ragged, and as a result, the car wasn’t exactly how he wanted it. “I was running out of time, and my 500 cubic inch big block Chevrolet engine wasn’t ready,” Mike admitted. “I had to put a small motor in it to get it to Sick Week 2023.”
Substituting a 461 cubic inch big block, Mike got a best of 10.24 on Sick Week to go with a 10.49 average for the week. “I also didn’t have time to paint it, so went with it still in primer,” said Mike. Since that time Mike has laid down the beautiful maroon paint job in his garage, as well as adding a black vinyl top.”
To get the Malibu down the track just a bit quicker in 2024, Mike finished and installed that 500 cubic inch engine, and added some nitrous on top for extra fun! The big block also got a switch to EFI thanks to Holley, and Mike monitors the details from a 7-inch touch screen.
A Powerglide automatic transmission from BTE passes the power to the back. The Chevelle also got some additional upgrades from Motion Raceworks, including their Operator shifter, steering wheel, a parachute kit to handle the faster speeds, and an upgraded brake kit from TBM Brakes.
TRZ Motorsports was sourced for a new steering column, and a set of their lighter control arms on the front suspension. The Malibu rolls on RC Components wheels.
“I hope to make Sick Week, Sick Summer and Sick 66 for sure,“ Mike mentioned of his 2024 plans. “My family has always drag raced and have a big history of it. Whether it be drag boats or drag cars, we have always wanted to do something that you can enjoy hot rods and drag racing.”
“The drag-and-drive events are just bad ass,” he continued. “You get both worlds - go fast and enjoy your ride. Like my wife would say: ‘7 or 8 seconds of enjoyment for you, and we have to work our butts off while you enjoy it.’”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Mike Swindoll and
Sick the Magazine.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com