As you’ll see more of today, the “diesel swap in a car” thing is gaining more and more steam by the week. From 1980s economy boxes getting smallish turbo diesels to cars like this 1965 Galaxie getting a face full of wicked up Cummins power, the economy and performance of these engines is really taking the hot rodding world by storm. Never in a million years did we see this combo coming, though! We have to thank Chris Cabe for the tip on this Galaxie that is currently for sale down in Texas. With a 500hp Cummins 6BT engine in the front, a Dana 60 axle in the back and a rebuilt and refreshed overdrive automatic trans between the two, this thing has to be awesome to rattle down the road with. The seller is claiming 30mpg and we have no reason to dispute that.
With a slightly lowered stance and larger wheels, the car has a whiff of a pro touring vibe. The one thing we would change if we took ownership would be to go with a set of body colored steelies with some fatter meat in the back to give it more of a street racer/drag racer look. We’re not knocking the car at all, just a personal stylistic choice, that’s all. The 500hp output of the engine means that it is barely breathing hard at this point. There is a TON more power to he had there. In fairness, it is making prodigious torque and enough horsepower now to be hilarious to drive but this thing could be made into Captain Insano levels of fun by standing on that inliner a little harder. A six speed manual transmission would also add to the top end fun here, but again, we’re just dreaming out loud.
Four wheel disc brakes on the corners, a beefy Dana 60 axle out back…what’s not to love here? Yes, the Cummins weights in at about 975lb wet and that’s a few hundred pounds heavier than a 427 FE engine would be so corner burning may not be its thing, but scaring the pants off of unsuspecting street squirrels sure would be. The want is strong here.
THIS LONG AND LOVELY GALAXIE HAS A DIESEL SURPRISE UNDER THE HOOD AND WE’RE IN LOVE –
If only GM had done this to their big cars instead of the
abortion they used !!!!
NICE, great idea, I would go with some 8 inch 8 hole Basset wheels for an old school NASCAR look, car looks very well thought out
First thing I’d change would be the unmuffled exhaust sticking up through the hood.
Cool concept, but I would definitely have to change the exhaust, wheels, and the fact that it has too many doors….
Here in the St.Louis area we have a owner of a early ’70s Monte Carlo with a Cummins diesel engine in it.
Now this is the way to really make a big car move quickly and efficiently, SWEET.
Everyday deciding what to do with my project Matador gets harder. This story isn’t helping LOL! Each option has merits. I love the Cummins in my truck and it will bolt right up to the trans, but their heavy as hell and parts/maintenance is high. The 360 that’s in there can be built pretty stout, but gets worst gass millage than my Pontiac 400. LS1-6 are getting cheaper by the day with fuel injection, but you risk your life at any AMC show. SO many choices so little money/time.