The Burndown Maliboom
The Maliboom: A Journey from Junkyard Dog to Drag-and-Drive Icon
The story of the Maliboom is a quintessential example of how a humble, budget build can evolve into something much more—a symbol of perseverance and the DIY spirit that defines the drag and drive community. The Maliboom, a 1970s Chevrolet Malibu, earned its nickname from the Dane’s young son, who couldn’t quite pronounce “Malibu” and instead called it the “Maliboom.” This endearing mistake stuck, and the name became synonymous with the car’s growing legend.
The Origin of the Maliboom
Purchased on a Budget: The Maliboom began as a family car that was supposed to be sold, but it stuck around "like a junkyard dog." The car was initially a simple project, something to tinker with in the garage.
DIY All the Way: Everything done to the Maliboom was a first for Dane. He had never LS-swapped a vehicle before, never dealt with fuel injection, and had to learn each step of the way. The car was transformed from a stock Malibu into a drag-and-drive contender, thanks to countless hours of trial and error.
Budget Build: The LS swap, which would typically cost thousands, was completed for an incredibly low budget. The 4.8L engine used for the swap was bought for just $60. The entire swap was done using parts Dane either already had or sourced inexpensively, demonstrating that you don’t need a big budget to get started in the world of drag racing.
Key Moments in the Maliboom’s Evolution
Zip Tie Drags Debut: The Maliboom’s first real test came at the Zip Tie Drags, an event put on by David Freiburger and the Hot Rod team. The car, with its newly swapped LS engine, performed surprisingly well, considering the limited budget and DIY approach.
Numbers and Figures:
The LS engine made 280 horsepower at the wheels on a dyno—impressive for a junkyard motor assembled on a shoestring budget.
Cam Swap Disaster: One of the most memorable moments in the Maliboom’s journey was a botched cam swap. Dane, who was still learning the ropes of engine modifications, made several mistakes during the installation. Despite the errors, the car ran, further proving the resilience of these engines and the “slap it together and see what happens” mentality that many in the community share.
First Major Event in 2019: By 2019, the Maliboom had come a long way, but it was still a budget build. And Dane decided to push the car and himself by entering a larger drag and drive event. Despite numerous challenges, including mechanical issues and the emotional strain of losing a close friend, the Maliboom completed the event.
Personal Milestone: This event was particularly significant as it was a tribute to a friend who had passed away in a car accident. Dane’s determination to keep a promise to his friend was a driving force behind his participation.
The Maliboom’s Place in the Community
Inspiration for Others: The story of the Maliboom has resonated with many in the drag-and-drive community. It’s a reminder that you don’t need the best parts or the biggest budget to participate in these events. What matters most is the willingness to learn, the passion for the sport, and the resilience to keep going even when things don’t go as planned.
The Importance of Family: The Maliboom isn’t just a car; it’s a family project. Dane’s young son played a role in naming the car, and his wife has been incredibly supportive throughout the journey. After a significant crash during an event, instead of urging her husband to quit, she insisted on being part of future events, emphasizing the strong family ties that often accompany these builds.
The Maliboom’s Legacy
A Symbol of the DIY Spirit: The Maliboom has become more than just a car; it’s a symbol of what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. It embodies the core values of the drag-and-drive community and continues to inspire others to take on projects that might seem daunting at first.
You can watch Dane’s full interview, beginning at the 58:00 mark of Drag Drive Repeat Show EP 79!! Or follow along with his adventures at the Burndown Youtube Channel!
