Diesel of the Week is presented by
Considered a quintessential muscle car, the Plymouth Hemi Cuda boasted formidable power within the classic car landscape of its time. Propelled by a remarkable 7.0L Hemi-V8 engine, this vehicle featured hemispherical-shaped combustion chambers and pistons with rounded tops, as implied by its name. Key for any muscle car, the Plymouth Hemi Cuda not only possessed a potent engine, but exceeded expectations in the muscle car era.
The engine housed within the Plymouth Hemi Cuda surpassed the displacement of an average V8 engine. This robust powerplant enabled the Hemi Cuda to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, delivering an impressive 425 hp and reaching a top speed of 155 mph.
Weaver Customs, based in Sandy, UT, took on the challenge of transforming this classic Mopar muscle car into something completely new, by harnessing the raw power of a 6.7L Cummins diesel engine.
Randy Weaver’s vision for the car named “Torc” was clear – he sought unparalleled low-end torque, and he knew diesel was the key to his problem. The decision to go with a 6.7L Cummins engine laid the foundation for an extraordinary fusion of classic muscle and modern diesel power.
The Cummins engine is no ordinary setup – it features Carrillo rods, Mahle pistons, a ported and polished cylinder head, and a dual-fueler system. Randy built the turbo system for the Cuda, which features a big 80mm turbo from BorgWarner out in front for everyone to see. The smaller turbo is a 66mm unit. Together, the blanketed, wrapped and wastegated compressors churn out an impressive 80 psi of boost.
Tuned by Gorilla Performance, Torc roars with an impressive 1,500 rear-wheel horsepower on a 500 shot of nitrous, showcasing the true potential of the engine combo.
To support four-digit power, Torc’s fuel system underwent extensive upgrades. A PPE Dual Fueler, Fuelab lift pump, and Industrial Injection 5×18 race injectors ensure an efficient and powerful fuel delivery system. A custom tank feeds the lift pump.
To handle the immense power generated by the Cummins engine, Weaver crafted a 48RE-based transmission featuring a triple-disc converter, manual valvebody, and short output shaft conversion.
Beyond the eye-catching exterior, Torc’s engine bay is also a work of art. The inner-engine compartment is a careful dance of metalwork that complements the natural contours of the 6.7L Cummins engine. Custom inner fenders, a recessed firewall, and an enclosed front radiator support showcase the level of craftsmanship invested in every detail.
Diesel of the Week is sponsored by AMSOIL. If you have an engine you’d like to highlight in this series, please email Engine Builder Editor Greg Jones at [email protected].
