Wednesday, November 4, 2009

‘55 Chevy introduces E-ROD crate engine package

After we saw the Corvette Grand Sport with Heritage Package, GM introduced today at this year’s SEMA Show a 1955 Chevy powered by the innovative, new E-ROD crate engine package.

“E-ROD represents a revolution in hot rodding by offering an unprecedented, emissions-legal engine and emissions system that carries approval from the influential California Air Resources Board (CARB),” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, product marketing manager for GM Performance Parts. “We developed this system because it’s the right thing to do, but our engineers did not sacrifice the performance that stirs hot rodders in the first place. It is a compromise-free package that delivers great power and efficiency, with the emissions of a modern vehicle.”

According to the manufacturer, the core of the E-ROD package is the LS3 6.2L V8 engine capable to deliver an impressive 430 hp. This package will be available on the opening day of the 2009 SEMA Show through GM dealers, authorized GMPP retailers and via the GMPP Web site, at a price of $9,375. Standard elements of the kit include: 6.2-liter LS3 crate engine, rated at 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque, GMPP LS3 engine wiring harness, GMPP engine control module, exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters. oxygen sensors and sensor bosses, fuel tank evaporative emissions canister, mass airflow sensor and sensor boss, accelerator pedal (for use with the LS3’s electronic throttle), air filter and an instruction manual.

“With the E-ROD system, you’re getting 160 percent more horsepower than the original small-block V-8 offered in 1955, but with emissions performance and efficiency that wasn’t even dreamt of half a century ago,” said Meyer. “This is how modern hot rods will be built. They’ll have the efficiency of a modern GM high-performance vehicle, be environmentally conscious and emissions-compliant – all while providing the owner with a smaller carbon footprint.”