[wardak33]

Got this ride just a few months ago and the weather is finally warm enough to start modding it! It's a basic 2006 Malibu LS with a 2.2L ecotec engine.

When I first got it, I decided to do a few maintenance things such as an oil change, trans flush, and spark plugs. Already having 78k miles, the factory platinum plugs were worn, trans was still on factory fluid, and I decided to change the oil just for the hell of it. I swapped in new AC Delco iridium plugs and wow; big difference. I'm a big mobil1 freak so I used that for the trans, but got a deal on Pennzoil ultra synthetic (under $3 a quart). Figured I would use that then go back to Mobil1. The maintenance increased fuel economy and performance a bit.

Also did a few other things like clean MAF sensor, seafoam, air filter, clean TB, etc. Engine runs a lot quieter and gets crazy good MPGs!

Plans for this car are simple: I don't wanna over do it since its a daily driver, but I want it to look decent somewhat. I wish I had a 2008 or above model year, but couldn't go for that. 2006 Model years have barely any aftermarket items, but that isn't gonna stop me!

-Factory Spoiler
-Chrome grille inserts
-Tints (DONE)
-Interior work (LED Gauges, etc)
-HID's, not the really blue ones, something between 4300k-6000k (DONE)
-Intake Manifold
-LT/Z Rims later on when tires wear out
-Speakers (DONE)
-Suspension overhaul
-K&N Intake (DONE)
-Maintenance (ALL UP TO DATE)

How she sat yesterday before she got the tints on:

I'll upload some tints shot in a bit! Hope you guys enjoy this thread as it progresses!

 

[wardak33]

So here's some pictures of the tints on, 20% all around.

Had a few people see it already and made comments. They agree that the tints look good but are now against the chrome inserts for the grille, saying that the black grille compliments the tints. What do you guys think?

Oh and I decided I'm going with a factory spoiler from ebay. SCORE!!

 

[DrivenDaily]

I like the look just fine. A little tasteful chrome is good - too much is not. The tint really makes the car look a lot better.

 

[wardak33]

I like the look just fine. A little tasteful chrome is good - too much is not. The tint really makes the car look a lot better.

Thanks! The tints really did make the car stand out a bit more.

And I agree with you on the chrome, I'm not trying to go all out on it.

This is the grille I had in mind..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY-MALIBU-2006-2007-CHROME-GRILLE-GRILL-KIT-4YR-WRTY-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQfitsZYearQ3a2006Q7cModelQ3aMalibuQQhashZitem3a65056d31QQitemZ250802957617QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

So far, 2 people have said stay away. No one is up for it yet..

On a side note, I'm going to be painting the side skirts soon along with the mirrors to match the car. Currently, I'm finishing up stereo work! This mod bug is emptying my wallet real fast!!

 

[wardak33]

Well, last night i finished the rear speakers. The old set up wasn't cutting it and I had a set of speakers from my other car. I figured i'll just make these fit for now as a temporary thing until I can get a decent setup.

I noticed the temp gauge creeping up just a bit so I figured I'll do a flush tonight to see if that cures it along with a new thermostat. And if i have time, brake fluid flush too since it failed a strip test =/

 

[wardak33]

Okay so I took a few days for some school stuff with final exams coming up, but also took some time to do maintenance. Did a complete brake fluid and coolant flush and wow. Coolant was due, brake fluid was PAST DUE. The fluid was a dark blue/green color coming out with a lot of debris in it. See for yourself.

Steel wheels were sanded down and painted flat black again to get rid of the rust. It's a small thing, but made a huge difference. I also noticed something I wasn't too please with in the rear, DRUM BRAKES!! It'll definitely get a disc brake swap in the summer (DIRECT BOLT ON FTW!!). In the next few days, it's going to get a set of 4300k HIDs and a K&N drop in filter. This weekend it'll most likely get it's side skirts painted as well.

I know many people aren't watching this thread, but now i'm going against a factory spoiler and just shoot for a lip. What do you guys think??

 

[DrivenDaily]

Wow, 5 years and that's what the bf looks like? Did you flush the whole system? What'd ya use to help out? I've seen those 1-man flush devices on the Power Block series of shows, at least two different types.

What kind of coolant did you remove and what did you put back - DexCool, regular? How hard was the job?

Looks like the stock speakers sit up pretty high. How did that affect the exchange? Does it sound a lot better?

Got pics of the newly painted wheels?

What does "FTW" mean? I know what WTF means!

When you do the brake swap see about taking pics and writing a How-To, okay?

One word of caution about the K&N filter. The oil on the filter can (not "will") come off over time and deposit on the MAF. That in itself can cause issues. I'd think that from the factory there won't be much of an issue because they put a measured amount on and it has soaked in. But when it's serviced the opportunity exists that too much oil will be used and that is when you'll likely see an increased chance of issues.

Show us your HIDs when you're done, too, eh?

 

[wardak33]

Wow, 5 years and that's what the bf looks like? Did you flush the whole system? What'd ya use to help out? I've seen those 1-man flush devices on the Power Block series of shows, at least two different types.

What kind of coolant did you remove and what did you put back - DexCool, regular? How hard was the job?

Looks like the stock speakers sit up pretty high. How did that affect the exchange? Does it sound a lot better?

Got pics of the newly painted wheels?

What does "FTW" mean? I know what WTF means!

When you do the brake swap see about taking pics and writing a How-To, okay?

One word of caution about the K&N filter. The oil on the filter can (not "will") come off over time and deposit on the MAF. That in itself can cause issues. I'd think that from the factory there won't be much of an issue because they put a measured amount on and it has soaked in. But when it's serviced the opportunity exists that too much oil will be used and that is when you'll likely see an increased chance of issues.

Show us your HIDs when you're done, too, eh?

Yep, the brake fluid surprised me as well. I had a sibling in the drivers seat and did it the old fashioned way with two people, but having motive power bleeder really would be nice. I've used one a few times and it really does make the job easier.

I used dex-cool again when I did the coolant flush. It wasn't that bad to do. The radiator did have a petcock/drain valve, but it's hidden by under-body panels and you can't really access it from the top. I found it easier to disconnect the lower radiator hose at the radiator, let it drain, fill with water, flush, drain again, and fill with dexcool.

The stock speakers were mounted on using these mounts i guess. The picture shows the aftermarket pioneer without the mount, but I found a way to mount it. So they sit at that height. That picture was taken when i was testing out the speakers. So sorry for the confusion on that!

No pictures of the wheel yet, its just the steel wheel itself that got painted black to get rid of the rust. Wheel covers are still the same condition but they'll probably get painted too.

FTW means "for the win," just a catchphrase/saying

I will definitely do a how to for the brakes! I did consider the MAF getting dirty with the new filter, but on my other vehicle, it hasn't really done much. It's nothing a little MAF cleaner can't fix. And you guys will get pictures when the HID's and filter come in

 

[wardak33]

Okay well I finally got the HID's installed AND the K&N filter came in today! I finished both. Here's some pictures!

4300k HID's

Color is just perfect. Not blue at all, but bright as hell! Only problem is that the headlights bounce around when going over a bump. It was there before, and now its much more noticeable with the HID's. From what i've read, its a design flaw and can be fixed with rubber washers, so that's a small mini project that's coming up!

K&N Filter

I was excited to put this in! I started it up and noticed it running a little funny for a few seconds, but it smoothed out. I took it out for a quick test drive, and i noticed that i had to push the pedal a little more, off the line, but not as much when cruising. I'll probably keep an eye on the fuel trims and the MAF readings to make sure everything is okay, as well as monitoring MPG's.

I'm going to be comparing MAF readings with the new filter vs the old one and post up the data here in a little bit.

On a side note, the battery in this thing keeps dying. Its no surprise to me since every factory AC Delco battery only lasts 4-5 years anyway, but it's going to be replaced soon, maybe by an optima.

Next is speakers in the front doors, and FINALLY the side skirts

 

[MalibuNut]

looking good! gotta get some wheels! go for the SS bumpers and rear spoiler, they shoul make the car look damn fine!

 

[wardak33]

looking good! gotta get some wheels! go for the SS bumpers and rear spoiler, they shoul make the car look damn fine!

If only those bumpers were easy to find I've done a few more things though including my stainless steel lines!! Will update as soon as i find my camera, seemed to have misplaced it lol

 

[wardak33]

Had to go away for a while but I'm back! Before I left, I got a lot of things done. Finally finished the speakers in the front; sound quality is much better, and bass is decent in low volume now.

Comparison from stock to aftermarket:

ALSO: I finally got a set of brake lines made for the ride! It made a significant increase in brake feel, especially under hard braking. These lines are just a prototype and only being used as a test/fit type of thing. I'm having more lines made very soon. I'll start selling them on here in a short while! here's some pictures of those:

And i got the new battery

I'm going to be starting my suspension overhaul very soon, and seeing that the newer generation malibu's have the same exact setup as my epsilon, i'll be taking many pictures and posting a how-to article on the following:

-Installation of aftermarket strut brace/bar
-Sway bar bushings
-Front/rear struts and shocks.

STAY TUNED!!

I still need to do my damn side skirts

 

[wardak33]

Alright so I haven't been on the forum for a really long time, and to make up for it, I'll do two How to DIY write ups for front and rear shocks

I got all my stuff in yesterday, new struts, strut mounts, boots, and rear shocks. I also purchased some new wheels for it. While I'm doing the struts, I'm also redoing the undercoating and where it has chipped off. Ride is coming along nicely now and I couldn't be happier. Here's some pictures, and stay tuned for the write-ups, they also apply to the 2008-above malibus as well