Cummins Turbo Diesel in a A-body??

That's a pretty aggressive project you're getting ready to bite off 64SRT8Dart.

The engine (B 5.9), as you noted, is very heavy (12 valves are almost 200lbs heavier than a Hemi and 24 valves weigh OVER 1100 lbs); it's very long (40"); and, probably most important, it's very tall (39"). That means it's as tall as it is long. To make it work, you're looking at a major investment in body and frame mods, and front suspension work just to move it around. That uni-body stuff is not going to work - for very long, that is. You'd probably be better off starting with a frame and just splice the body onto it.

I'm kinda like you, in that I've wanted to build a hotrod diesel as well, but to help me attain such a goal, I would pursue either a rat rod; a dedicated rail; or race vehicle set up to take the massive low end torque and horse power.

Obviously, as someone noted above, anything can be accomplished these days. It all boils down to our 'endurance', financial and othewise.

Good luck whatever you pursue and post up some pics.

Southernman