The latest video from the world’s only POSSIBLY ASE-Certified entertainer has just hit the internet and already has over two-and-a-half MILLION views. This adventure-seeker, comedian, and part internet troll capitalizes on the appeal of a staged train wreck and packs it full of Tannerite, high-octane, and boost! Few things in the automotive world will evoke more of a response than meddling with a MOPAR. Building an LS-swapped General Lee and handing the keys to WhistlinDiesel is possibly the best yet.
You’ll Laugh, You’ll Cry, You’ll Cringe
If Andy Kaufman, the “anti-comedian” from the ‘70s and ‘’80s, has taught us anything, it’s that entertainment can come in many forms. In his latest video, Cody Detwiler, better known as “WhistlinDiesel,” channels the comedic spirit of Kaufman in a way that makes you wonder whether he actually possesses any talent or if this is all just a play. You get sucked in as you watch the video trying to keep up with statements akin to a Facebook “Anything but the correct name!” post to the appeal of destroying something in the name of entertainment. Somewhere between the eye-rolling and face-palms, you begin to wonder what Cody really does know about cars. Like Andy Kaufman, we’d bet there’s much more than meets the eye.
While viewing this video, Cody gives plenty of opportunities to get offended, with the largest middle finger going out to the MOPAR crowd when he tosses a twin-turboed LS engine into a ’69 Dodge Charger dolled up to resemble the General Lee. Good ol’ WhistlinDiesel gives the Pentastar crowd plenty of time to mourn and then focuses the disdain onto the rest of the viewership. Most assuredly pleased with the powertrain swap, it’s likely the GM crowd continues viewing with a smirk as they receive a few jabs during the rest of the video.
Anyone who doesn’t have a dog in the “MOPAR or no car” fight will find plenty of cringe-worthy moments as Cody and company put this LS-swapped Charger through several shenanigans that were once all-too-common in Hazzard County. The Duke boys’ single-handedly consuming much of the Charger vehicle’s production is widely known off-screen, and this vehicle will likely suffer a similar fate.
LS-Swapping The General Lee
If you want to provoke a response with an “LS-swap the world” theme, starting with the most rural version of the Mona Lisa is a great start! In this video, and the only reason you’ll ever see a Dodge Charger on this website, that iconic orange Charger gets a sweet-looking LS-swap thanks to the folks at Holley and 3:16 Speed. Cody doesn’t get into much detail about the engine, but you can see the level of detail that went into the build.
The Holley manifold and dash mean it’s a safe guess that a Holley EFI regulates the boosted engine, and Cody gives the company plenty of credit for making this all possible. After an awkward moment that could only be compared to being the guard in charge of overseeing conjugal visits, we find out the turbos are 76mm Precision Turbo units with a TurboSmart boost control. Overall, the engine is designed to, “go through any of the hell you throw at it.”
The LS/LT engine is known for producing lots of power under boost and still being quite drivable at part throttle. And, even for as great as that LS engine sounds in its new surroundings, this is video, so the appearance has to equal the antics. Placing the engine and turbos slightly above the hood line gives this MOPAR small-screen cred while letting those turbos breathe fresh, yet dusty air.
Just like the Duke boys’ General Lee, Cody describes his LS-swapped version as “The World’s Fastest General Lee.” A challenge that may very well be addressed by one of the Pentastar faithful in the future. Cody also claims the engine pumps out “1,600 horsepower,” but he also calls coilover shocks leaf springs in this video.
Of course, much of the video is for entertainment purposes only, which it does quite well. We found ourselves laughing out loud several times (in between the cringes), and we think you will too. I mean, any place that has a dry-erase “Days Since Last Incident” board that registers in hours with steps going to it should surely make for entertaining viewing, right?