Claimed to be one of the greatest musclecars ever built by GM, the 7.4-liter V8-powered Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 makes for a heck of a dragster even when used in its stock factory spec.
But how about a diesel-powered Chevelle? Yes, we said diesel. Even though Chevy never offered such an engine on this vehicle, a guy named Rick Fletes decided to take matters in his own hands and stuffed the two-door coupe with a turbocharged Duramax oil-burner.
Built with the help of Russ Wullenwaber of RPM Motorsports, the diesel Chevelle cranks 850 horsepower and no less than 1,400 lb-ft of torque, but can be taken up to almost 1,000 hp and 1,800 lb-ft. All that power translated into a lot of smoke and a quarter mile time of 9 seconds at over 140 miles per hour.
Scroll below to see the diesel monster in action for yourself.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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