1976 Chrysler Slant-Six Hot Rod Now Fuels an Entire Home
SmallEngineMechanic via YouTube
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For gearheads, one of the favorite pastimes is dreaming about engine swaps for their project cars. However, there are limitations. Engine size is a primary concern, as fitting a V12 into a Miata is quite challenging. Other factors include cylinder configuration, electronics compatibility, and more. However, there is one application for horsepower and torque that offers nearly limitless possibilities—a true blank canvas—and that is gensets. This is what makes the choice of a 225-cubic-inch Chrysler slant-six particularly intriguing.
There's a lot to say about this engine, but we must start by acknowledging its aesthetic appeal. The unconventional generator engine, which powered various workhorse vehicles from 1959 to 1991, is neatly housed within its wheeled cart. SmallEngineMechanic on YouTube constructed this whole-home backup power system, painting it blue to coordinate with the other equipment while meticulously wiring it. Take a moment to look inside that cabinet.
And then there’s the hardware. On one side of the genset, the engine's distinctive feature is clearly visible: the block is tilted 30 degrees off-center. Moving to the opposite side, you’ll notice it has been modified to operate with throttle-body injection using Holley Sniper EFI. While many generators use propane or natural gas, this one runs on gasoline, likely for convenience.
The cylinders have been bored .060 over, paired with new pistons, rings, bearings, and a rebuilt head. It also boasts a fresh oil pump and water pump—essential elements for a stationary power unit.
It's not clear how much power this particular slant-six generates, but stock versions typically produced between 145 and 180 horsepower. Regardless, it can provide up to 30 kilowatts of backup power—significantly more than a Ford F-150 Lightning's 9.6 kilowatts—while operating quite quietly. The exhaust is barely audible; in fact, the radiator fan is the loudest component. While that might not align with the expectations for a hot rod, a quieter engine is preferable when it's powering your air conditioner as you sleep.
In the video below, you can watch SmallEngineMechanic troubleshoot the genset to figure out why it wasn't running correctly. The issue turned out to be a faulty ignition coil that caused it to sputter after about 20 minutes of operation. Replacing the coil and adjusting the governor gain were all it took to get the unit running smoothly, as demonstrated with a mobile military load bank.
I won’t claim to be an expert on gensets—this one features a single-phase Stamford alternator and a Basler DGC 2020 digital controller, for those interested—but I'm simply excited to see the Chrysler slant-six still operational. While engines like these could use a break occasionally, they were designed to work.
Have a tip or question for the author? Reach out directly: caleb@thedrive.com
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1976 Chrysler Slant-Six Hot Rod Now Fuels an Entire Home
While some individuals construct these engines for the quarter-mile, this particular one was enhanced for backup power purposes.