1955 Chevrolet E-ROD

Chevrolet revealed at the SEMA Show the E-ROD concept vehicle. It is a fully restored 1955 Chevy powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 E-Rod engine that delivers 430 hp and 424 lb.-ft. of torque. List price for the LS3 E-ROD package is $9,375.

The exterior wears factory-style chrome Bel Air trim, which accents the custom PPG colors applied by GM. On the inside, the E-ROD ’55 has an original-style appearance, with upholstery and other restoration items supplied by CARS Inc. The only noticeable variances include an IDIDIT adjustable steering column and Grand steering wheel.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Vintage style complements modern performance, efficiency and emissions standards in GM Performance Parts’ ground breaking E-ROD – a ’55 Chevy powered by the innovative, new E-ROD crate engine package. It includes a complete LS3 engine, emissions equipment and supporting components that enable classic cars to pass California’s stringent smog tests.

GM Performance Parts (GMPP) introduced the E-ROD concept vehicle at the 2009 SEMA Show, in Las Vegas. The E-ROD crate engine 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, www.gmperformanceparts.com. List price for the LS3 E-ROD package is $9,375.

“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.”

The core of the E-ROD package is the LS3 6.2L V-8 engine that is rated at 430 horsepower. Emissions equipment included with the package includes catalytic converters, a fuel tank evaporative emissions canister and more. GMPP worked closely with CARB and SEMA officials to develop the kit and secured approval that makes E-ROD-equipped vehicles legal in California and other areas that follow CARB’s recommendations and emissions standards. No other O.E.M. or aftermarket manufacturer offers a comparable, CARB-approved system.

“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.”

The E-ROD system components

The E-ROD kit carries part number 19244805 and includes the same, basic LS3 engine that’s found in the Camaro SS and Corvette (additional engine choices, including the LS7 and LSA, are planned for future packages). 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
• Instruction manual

In addition to the E-ROD system, the builder will need to source additional components to complete the assembly and get the vehicle running. They include:

• Fuel tank
• Fuel lines (re-circulating or returnless)
• Fuel pump
• Fuel tank vent line from the tank to the evaporative emissions canister
• Pure line from the canister to the engine purge solenoid
• Air induction system that incorporates the mass airflow sensor
• Exhaust system behind the catalytic converters

Additionally, the LS3 engine requires a front-end accessory drive system that is suitable to the vehicle. The instruction manual includes recommendations for the accessory drive kit, as well as the transmission, gear ratios and more.

The E-ROD kit does not include a transmission. GMPP recommends the GM Hydra-Matic electronically controlled 4L60-E four-speed automatic, part number 19156260, and transmission controller, part number 12497316.

The E-ROD ’55

GMPP’s proof of concept for the E-ROD package is the E-ROD ’55, which was built to illustrate a typical installation project. Importantly, it represents an attainable level of construction, blending basic restoration and modification details.

“It is a simple, clean and straightforward approach to building a ’55 Chevy,” said designer Dave Ross. “There are not many custom features that required labor-intensive fabrication; our goal was to depict how the E-ROD system could be incorporated in any classic vehicle, whether it’s a ’55 Chevy, street rod or ’69 Camaro.”

The exterior wears factory-style chrome Bel Air trim, which accents the custom PPG colors applied by GM. On the inside, the E-ROD ’55 has an original-style appearance, with upholstery and other restoration items supplied by CARS Inc. The only noticeable variances include an IDIDIT adjustable steering column and Grand steering wheel.

Also keeping with the elemental aesthetic of the car, the wheels selected weren’t expensive, billet-cut rims, but the simple, 18-inch steel wheels from the base Camaro. They’re trimmed with bright trim rings, lug nuts and center caps. They’re distinctive yet inexpensive.

“In many respects, this is a practical hot rod,” said Ross. “The attention to detail would make any rodder proud, but there’s nothing about this car that would prevent you from jumping in for a cross-country drive. It’s comfortable, powerful and efficient.”

GM Performance Parts – tested to the limits, backed by GM

GM Performance Parts crate engines undergo a 50-hour, full-throttle engine dynamometer validation that requires the engines perform from peak horsepower to peak torque. GMPP also installs crate engines in its own engineering vehicles for testing and continuous improvement. That commitment to quality and durability enables General Motors to back GM Performance Parts crate engines with a 24-month/50,000-mile warranty (whichever occurs first). All GM Performance Parts components carry a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty.

Enthusiasts who crave the latest technology, maximum horsepower and the expertise and confidence backed by GM, can purchase GMPP crate engines, blocks, heads, high-performance transmissions and components from GMPP Authorized Center dealers or any other GM dealership nationwide.