Ep 2. Diesel Swapped Drag Racing Torino Wagon!

In season 9 episode 2 of the popular automotive series Roadkill, titled "Diesel Swapped Drag Racing Torino Wagon!," hosts David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan take on another wild project. This time, they decide to take a 1972 Ford Gran Torino station wagon and swap out its gas-guzzling V8 engine for a more fuel-efficient diesel motor.

The episode opens with Freiburger and Finnegan discussing their latest idea as they drive around in an old delivery van. They decide to look for a Torino wagon that they can use for their project, and soon find one in a junkyard. The car is in rough shape, with a smashed front end and missing engine, but the hosts are undeterred.

After towing the car back to their shop, they set to work on the diesel swap. The goal is to make the wagon more economical while still being fast and fun to drive. They decide to use a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine, which they pull from a GMC truck and then modify to fit the Torino's frame.

With the engine in place, the hosts turn their attention to the transmission. They choose a 4L80E automatic gearbox, which they modify to work with the diesel motor. They also install a custom driveshaft and rear end, which they salvaged from a junked Chevy van.

Once the mechanical work is done, the hosts move on to the interior. They decide to forgo a complete restoration and instead give the car a more street-racer feel. They install racing seats, a roll cage, and a custom dashboard with an array of gauges and switches.

With the Torino up and running, the hosts take it to the drag strip to see how it performs. They know that the car probably won't be as fast as their previous projects, but they're still hopeful that it will be competitive.

At the track, the hosts take on a variety of challengers, including a classic Chevy Nomad wagon and a heavily modified Pontiac GTO. The Torino puts up a good fight, but it's clear that it's not quite as quick as the other cars.

Despite its relative lack of speed, the hosts are thrilled with their creation. They love the fact that they were able to make a fast, fun car that's also fuel-efficient. They also appreciate the unique look and feel of the Torino wagon, which stands out among the other muscle cars on the track.

As the episode winds down, the hosts reflect on their latest project. They're happy with how it turned out, but they know that they'll always be looking for their next challenge. They're already planning their next crazy idea, and viewers can't wait to see what they come up with next.

Overall, "Diesel Swapped Drag Racing Torino Wagon!" is a fun and exciting episode of Roadkill that showcases the hosts' talent for creating unique and innovative vehicles. With plenty of racing action and behind-the-scenes footage, it's a must-watch for any gearhead.