SEMA Show: GM Drops Greener LS3 Crate Engine into Georgous '55 Chevy

To create a bit of a buzz around its new line of comparatively greener and more fuel efficient crate motors called 'E-Rod', General Motors prepared an eye-catching 1955 Chevrolet for the SEMA Show. The fully restored Chevy features a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 E-Rod engine that cranks out 424 lb.-ft. of torque. The list price for the E-Rod LS3 package, which does not include a transmission nor some other necessary components such as the exhaust system behind the catalytic converters, is $9,375.

"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 Jamie Meyer, product marketing manager for GM Performance Parts.

"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," he added.

For more details on GM's new E-Rod package, check out the release below.

The E-ROD system components (from GM Press Release)

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.