Inside The 1,000 HP Milk Money '78 Malibu
After years of tooling with a host of different performance cars that were more limited in their ease of aftermarket modification — Hondas, BMWs, DSMs, and the like — Adam Michaelson set out to build a unique Chevrolet Malibu, tapping into the vast ecosystem of aftermarket G-Body and LS engine components on the market to arrive at the rowdy, 1,000-horsepower machine you see before you.
The heart of the build is a fully forged 416-cubic-inch LS3, built with upgraded internals and topped with Frankenstein heads. The Vortech V7-YSi-B supercharger force-feeds air into a BTR Trinity intake manifold, with a Holley EFI system managing fueling through aftermarket injectors. “I wanted to do something different,” Michaelson says. “You don’t see a lot of Vortech setups on LS builds, and I wanted to stand out.” The car also packs a custom nitrous system, though its 1,000-wheel-horsepower figure is achieved without the spray.
Keeping a drivetrain together behind that level of power hasn’t been without its struggles. “I went through three transmissions in about three months,” Michaelson recalls. A built 4L80E now handles the power, paired with a triple lock-up converter and a built 9-inch rearend. The setup is backed by 3.73 gears and 35-spline axles, ensuring it can take the abuse of hard launches and street hits.
Handling and braking were given equal attention. Michaelson had always wanted an air-ride-equipped vehicle, and so he initially built the car with bags and paired them with QA1 single-adjustable shocks. But, as he got more serious with the build, Adam went all-in and turned to QA1’s level 3 big-wheel suspension kit, complete with front and rear MOD Series shocks for the ultimate in adjustability, along with upper and lower control arms, adjustable trailing arms, front and rear sway bars, and an adjustable frame brace to add rigidity to the chassis. Adam incorporates the QA1 MOD Series shocks with the air suspension system for adjustability in a package that routinely turns heads. “I couldn’t be happier with how the car drives and handles,” he says. Stopping power comes from a full Baer 6-piston, 14-inch rotor big brake system. With the mix of top-level suspension and serious braking hardware, the Malibu balances brute force with road-worthy manners, allowing Michaelson to attack multiple racing disciplines or Sunday drives with confidence.
Despite the serious performance credentials, the Malibu doesn’t sacrifice individuality. The wild and certainly one-off cow-print interior is a direct nod to its “Milk Money” namesake—something Adam says was inspired by Nebraska being known for having more cows than it does human residents. The interior features Corbeau seats and a Holley Terminator Pro dash. “The interior is definitely a conversation starter,” he laughs. “People either love it or hate it, but that’s the point—I wanted something unique.” Exterior modifications are minimal, save for a custom wrap and the combination of 20-inch Weld wheels he utilizes for roll racing, and the big, flashy 24-inch Forgiatos for big-wheel drag racing events. The flexibility of the wheel setup speaks to the car’s multi-purpose nature, adapting seamlessly between street, show, and varying race environments.
Michaelson’s commitment to competition is evident, as he races from a dig on the dragstrip and then jumps over to the high-speed roll racing action. The Malibu has been to such events as Holley LS Fest Texas, Street Car Takeovers, and 1320Video’s Ice Cream Cruise, where it won its Big Rim Racing class and took home a Top 50 show award.
The build has evolved significantly since its first iteration, undergoing major changes along the way. Initially starting with a naturally aspirated small-block, then transitioning to a mild LS swap, the car eventually became the forced-induction monster it is today. “I kind of had it out in its first stage about six months after I got the car, but it’s been a constant evolution since then.”
While the performance is extreme, Michaelson’s build philosophy is about balance. “There’s no point in having all this power if you can’t put it down or if the car drives like garbage,” he explains. That’s why he’s invested in top-tier suspension and chassis components to ensure the Malibu remains composed under pressure. The QA1 suspension allows for on-the-fly adjustments, letting him dial in the ride height and damping for different applications.
With a car this radical, reliability is always a concern. Michaelson learned this the hard way, going through multiple transmissions before finding the right combination. “A good torque converter makes all the difference,” he advises. “If you don’t get it right, you’ll be tearing up transmissions left and right.” Similarly, cooling became a focal point, leading him to install a rear-mounted transmission cooler to help maintain optimal temps.
Despite the heavy modifications, Michaelson ensures that the Malibu retains street manners. “I built this car to be driven,” he says. “It’s not a trailer queen—I take it to shows, I race it, I drive it around town.” The presence of a full Holley EFI setup means it starts and idles smoothly, while the high-end tuning ensures it runs consistently in all conditions.
The future of the Malibu holds even more—with the power to run low nines or perhaps even high eights in the quarter-mile, and to accelerate to near 150 mph in roll racing events, he’ll soon be adding an 8.50-cert roll cage. One of the other few remaining weak links to address is the driveshaft, and he also has plans to further optimize the nitrous system, aiming to push the setup well beyond its current limits. “It’s never really done,” he admits. “There’s always something to improve.”
Beyond the hardware, the build represents Michaelson’s personality and his brand. As the owner of HorsePower Gods, a race-inspired apparel company, and a lifelong car enthusiast, the Malibu is a direct reflection of his unique dedication to the craft. “This car is me,” he states. “It’s a little wild, a little unconventional, and a whole lot of fun.”
Whether tearing up the track, showing off at events, or simply enjoying a backroad blast, “Milk Money” is proof that with the right mix of creativity, engineering, and persistence, even a humble G-Body can become something extraordinary.