Diesel passenger cars aren’t the most common sight in North America, but in Europe and other parts of the world where fuel costs are relatively high, tiny, ultra-efficient oil burners are quite popular.
This 2011 Chevrolet Camaro, which is currently for sale on eBay, has been converted into a diesel. The builder of this car didn’t opt for a fuel-sipping four-cylinder diesel, though. Instead, this Chevy is packing a rather large 6.6L LMM Duramax diesel V8, which was lifted from a 2010 Chevrolet 3500 HD.
According to the listing, this car started out life as a regular Camaro SS before it was involved in a front end collision that damaged the right fender, hood, bumper cover and radiator supports. The builder took this opportunity to drop a new engine in it and, oddly, opted for a Duramax diesel from a full-sisze pickup truck. The engine is paired with a rebuilt Allison automatic transmission and sends power to the rear wheels. The seller says “all wiring and programming were done to integrate this power plant almost seamlessly,” into the car, with the air conditioning, cruise control, remote start, heads up display, tire pressure monitoring system and paddle shifters all working “like factory.” The only thing that isn’t working is the oil temperature gauge and the traction control system.
Other upgrades include adjustable springs at all four corners, a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 front fascia, ZL1 wheels and a red, silver and blue exterior paint scheme. The interior is mostly stock, but features an aftermarket Bluetooth radio that works with the steering wheel controls.
As of this writing, bidding on this Chevrolet Camaro Duramax sits at $15,100. The car is sold on a rebuilt title.
Click here some additional information on this odd Duramax-powered pony car, along with some more photography.
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Comments
There have been a couple of these. EV-like torque with ~500 horses.
Unfortunately, EPA and CARB engine change rules require you to use same model year or newer engine. A good referee at a state inspection may tell you this car isn’t street legal. There’s no way you could get a title on this car in California, for example.
Sad thing is, the same engine was unchanged in 2011 and newer years, so it’s purely red tape. I’ve seen similar traumas on V8-swapped Solstices, people move to California and they’re forced to sell the car – all because the identical engine is one or two years off in build date.
It’s as bad as a EV Camaro,
No one will buy one… lol
Diesel Camaro give me a break.
That engine alone weighs almost twice as much as a 6.2 gas V8, and the Allison tranny is no lightweight either, compared to the normal Camaro automatic. The result? A car that “handles” like a tractor. I hope the guy who built it also drastically upgraded the brakes in order to be able to slow down that lead sled.
I guess he could always put a 5th wheel on it—or a snow plow.
Weight is a downside, but it probably still rockets off the line as fast as a ZL1, paying a lot less for gas. Compared to dropping in an LSA and new transmission, you probably save 75% of the parts bill.
I am not saying I would do this. But, I am just saying it’s not insanity.
Hmm…A Camaro with the acceleration of a mail truck…But why?
The ZL1 bumper isn’t as fake as you may think. That engine is good for up to 500 horsepower. The new variant ships stock with 445 hp from GM.
The reason is simple: Torque. This thing rockets off the line. If it weren’t for emissions, diesel Camaro would probably be a factory option desired by many – for both cheaper fuel, and off the line performance.