--- title: "Diesel-Swapped Lamborghini Gallardo Has a Twin-Turbo Cummins Behind the Driver" description: "This wrecked 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo was brought back to life with a twin-turbocharged Cummins diesel engine." date: "2023-04-16" modified: "2023-04-16" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/diesel-swapped-lamborghini-gallardo-has-a-twin-turbo-cummins-behind-the-driver" categories: - "Lamborghini News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # Diesel-Swapped Lamborghini Gallardo Has a Twin-Turbo Cummins Behind the Driver ![]() I've seen a few interesting [Lamborghini]() engine swaps before, mostly with LS motors. However, I've never seen a Lamborghini with a diesel engine before this one. The team at 1 Way Diesel Performance found a completely wrecked 2004 Lamborghini [Gallardo ]()and not only decided to bring it back to life it but also stuff its midship engine bay with a twin-turbo straight-six Cummins diesel. The [Cummins]()-powered Gallardo was featured on Motor Trend's Texas Metal Loud and Lifted show, which documented the build from beginning to end. And it might be one of the most ambitious and interesting Lamborghini builds I've ever seen. ![]() When 1 Way Diesel Performance found the Gallardo, it was essentially just half of a shell. There was no powertrain, no suspension, no interior, and it was missing an entire rear quarter panel. There was barely enough left to qualify it as a Lamborghini Gallardo and what was still there was smashed and bent. It was a mess. However, it also presented unique blank canvas opportunity to build something interesting. After straightening out what was left of the frame, a new quarter panel and hood were bought, to complete its body. Then the firewall had to be cut out and custom fabricated, so as to fit the monster Cummins diesel engine. Everything from the motor mounts, to the headers, to the intake manifold also needed to be custom fabricated to make the engine fit. All of that custom fabrication not only functions but turns the engine bay into a work of mechanical art. As unusual as a Cummins straight-six diesel is in a Lamborghini, 1 Way Diesel Performance did manage to retain some of its original character, by pairing the Cummins with a six-speed open-gate manual. In fact, aside from the protruding firewall, the interior looks almost stock, with only slightly modified Gallardo seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and gauges. The custom starlight headliner is an interesting touch but doesn't seem out of place in a mid-engine Italian supercar. You don't get to see or hear the Cummins-swapped Gallardo run in the *Motor Trend* episode but 1 Way Diesel Performance posted a couple of videos of it running on [*Facebook* ]()and it sounds like no other diesel I've ever heard. It obviously lacks the top end wail of the Gallardo's original V10 but it still actually sounds pretty exotic, as it dumps black smoke from its exhaust. This Cummins-swapped Gallardo won't be to everyone's taste, especially diehard Lamborghini fans. However, it's hard to not be impressed by the amount of work, craftsmanship, and customization that went into making what might be the prettiest oil-burner I've ever seen. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()