ljstella
04-27-2010, 05:42 PM
Just saw this posted on AutoBlog (http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/27/gm-e-rod-crate-motor-no-longer-just-for-the-shiftless/)
Back in November, General Motors unveiled a new crate motor at the SEMA show. Dubbed the "E-ROD," it was designed to meet the needs of the modern hot-rodder. It offered an out-of-the-box performance option for people who wanted to build a project vehicle, but who didn't want to worry about legal hassles that can come with using older engines. The E-ROD engine isn't really new... it's basically the base Corvette powerplant, adapted for mounting in just about anything. It's a 6.2-liter LS3 rated at 430 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque, and pointedly, it's also fully emissions compliant, which is the main draw.
Rather than just display the engine on a stand at SEMA, though, GM decided to install an E-ROD in a beautifully restored '55 Chevy, one that we recently had the opportunity to see up close again. It's a stunning show car in a fairly understated wrapper. The interior is particularly impressive, with its tri-tone fabrics and retro dash and gauge cluster that hides secret "Check Engine" lights. A fun project, no doubt, but there was one slight flaw – the E-ROD '55 Chevy was running an automatic tranny. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but the real shame was that the engine wasn't available with a manual transmission option.
Today, GM announced that they've remedied that situation. The Bow-Tie boys and girls have just released part number 19256487, a new E-ROD LS3 calibrated for manual transmissions. The only real difference compared to the automatic version is in the electronic control module's programming. The new version is available as of today for $9,375 – the same as the automatic version. So if you have a hot rod project that could use modern Corvette power, give them a call. More info in the presser after the jump, and a gallery of the E-ROD '55 Chevy and a Superformance Cobra MK III roadster (gasp!) with the E-ROD installed.
Just thought that those of you with projects and those without would like to see this.
Back in November, General Motors unveiled a new crate motor at the SEMA show. Dubbed the "E-ROD," it was designed to meet the needs of the modern hot-rodder. It offered an out-of-the-box performance option for people who wanted to build a project vehicle, but who didn't want to worry about legal hassles that can come with using older engines. The E-ROD engine isn't really new... it's basically the base Corvette powerplant, adapted for mounting in just about anything. It's a 6.2-liter LS3 rated at 430 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque, and pointedly, it's also fully emissions compliant, which is the main draw.
Rather than just display the engine on a stand at SEMA, though, GM decided to install an E-ROD in a beautifully restored '55 Chevy, one that we recently had the opportunity to see up close again. It's a stunning show car in a fairly understated wrapper. The interior is particularly impressive, with its tri-tone fabrics and retro dash and gauge cluster that hides secret "Check Engine" lights. A fun project, no doubt, but there was one slight flaw – the E-ROD '55 Chevy was running an automatic tranny. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but the real shame was that the engine wasn't available with a manual transmission option.
Today, GM announced that they've remedied that situation. The Bow-Tie boys and girls have just released part number 19256487, a new E-ROD LS3 calibrated for manual transmissions. The only real difference compared to the automatic version is in the electronic control module's programming. The new version is available as of today for $9,375 – the same as the automatic version. So if you have a hot rod project that could use modern Corvette power, give them a call. More info in the presser after the jump, and a gallery of the E-ROD '55 Chevy and a Superformance Cobra MK III roadster (gasp!) with the E-ROD installed.
Just thought that those of you with projects and those without would like to see this.