Although the SAM Malibu was recently sold, it left quite a mark on the NMCA’s Factory Street class during its glory days of competition. As our original project car, the Malibu was built to show the world that SAM isn’t just another Vo-Tech school, but one that can compete at the highest levels of heads-up drag racing competition. And it did just that. Originally powered by a naturally aspirated 477ci big-block, the Malibu laid down 660 hp and 700-lb/ft of torque at the wheels despite having to run factory Dash-8 cylinder heads on 275 radials as Factory Street rules required. The result was mid-9-second e.t.’s at 140 mph, and a lot of upset opponents at the track. After qualifying First in four consecutive races in 2001, racers protested the Malibu and accused the school of cheating. They thought that there was no possible way a Vo-Tech school could build such a powerful engine combination, but they were wrong. After inspectors tore down the motor, they declared it was 100-percent legit. Before being retired from duty, the Malibu moved up into the Pro Stock class, where it ran 9.0 at 149 mph thanks to a new 514.