Internal combustion technology is downright insane these days, and that includes diesel powerplants. Four-figure torque numbers are relatively common now, but what happens when a 1970 Chevelle gets stuffed with a twin-turbo Duramax diesel engine to produce a whopping 1,100 pound-feet of torque? Well, let’s just say that certain components get a bit stressed, as seen in the following feature video.
Once again coming to us from the folks at AutotopiaLA, this video is just under 22 minutes long and includes both specs and a walkaround on this custom 1970 Chevelle, plus some antics on the street.
Let’s jump straight into what makes this 1970 Chevelle SS unique – the twin-turbo Duramax diesel engine. This specific powerplant is the 6.6L V8 LBZ, the same oil-burner found under the hood of the 2006 Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD. Originally producing 360 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque from the factory, this polished eight-cylinder was heavily massaged by its previous owner, and is now throwing down with 650 horsepower and a world-turning 1,100 pound-feet of torque. Interestingly, it also gets as much as 33 miles to the gallon, or so the current owner claims. Sending all of that output to the rear is a G-Force GF-5R manual transmission, which was upgraded to handle the extra power and twist.
The current owner was originally thinking about flipping the car for a quick profit, but eventually grew fond of his diesel-powered Chevelle.
“I like it,” the owner states. “I was thinking about putting it on Bring A Trailer because it’s such a unique car, but I honestly like it.”
The car was built during a frame-off restoration and now runs coilover suspension and Wilwood disc brakes. Notably, the diesel powerplant adds some extra weight to the equation, tipping the scales with an extra 200 to 300 pounds over a standard Big Block-powered 1970 Chevelle.
It’s definitely a unique build, and worth checking out – especially if you’re interested in what might go wrong:
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Comments
Why would a person spend all the time and money on this car, when he could have had a electric , no mpg, no driveshaft to brake, no gasoline, give me a break.! What are you thinking? Jim C.
Why would a person want an electric go cart when they can have a real car, give the rest of us a break.
Well you got one thing right? No gasoline. I bet he was thinking, individuality.
Maybe because this is what he wanted to do, rather than build an electric.
I am learning to play the piano. I don’t expect someone to ask me why I am not learning to play the guitar instead. If I were asked, my reply would be, “I want to learn to play the piano”.
Here we have a triggered LEFTY that has consumed way too much Kook Aid!
Unfortunately, there is no help for him.
Hang loose there Jimmy….the Mother-ship is on the way to pick you up…soon!
If you have to ask “Why”, you shouldn’t even be here.
Weird! Why? I hate to see a rare classic butchered.
It’s called hot rodding. It started back before you exsisted, using the model T by ford. I bet it doesn’t have def, either.
It’s not a rare classic. It’s a restomod.
This comments shows the decline of society
It’s all about a fun project. Pound for pound the owner did a great job. Love it. 1970 was the year I graduated from high school. Great era.
What a waste of money! Why dont you guys grow up? Go electric- smarten up! Jim C.