Engine Damage: The sand ingestion was fatal for the original 318 engine, effectively "self-boring" the cylinders and leaving the car sidelined for years afterward. Legacy of the ORC roadkill garage s02e04 the off road challenger

The episode begins with Eric and Sam discussing their next project. They want to build a car that can handle the rough terrain of off-road racing, but with a twist. They stumble upon a 1970 Dodge Challenger in a junkyard, which sparks their interest. The classic muscle car has a reputation for being a beast on the road, but can it be transformed into a capable off-road machine? In Season 2, Episode 4 of Roadkill Garage

In Roadkill Garage Season 2, Episode 4, David Freiburger and Steve Dulcich transform a former dirt-track 1970 Dodge Challenger into a "Mad Max-style" desert-bashing machine. The build, featuring a 318ci V-8, was heavily modified for off-road use before a 70 mph sandstorm severely damaged the car during testing. Watch the full episode on Prime Video.  Challenger climbs a steep, rutted hill using momentum

• Challenger climbs a steep, rutted hill using momentum and a low-first-gear approach.
• Mud bog sequence where tires throw roost and diff temps monitored.
• Sand section shows flotation with 15–18 psi and controlled wheelspin.

Key Modifications & Engineering

The hosts perform several key modifications to prepare the Challenger for the dirt:

The Outcome: While the car provides a day of fun "ripping around," it eventually faces a 100-year sandstorm with 70 mph winds that damages its 318 engine, setting the stage for future revivals in later episodes. Key Vehicle Facts