(June 25, 2011) GRAND BLANC, Mich. — Efficiency isn’t a word typically associated with hot rods, but when the GM Performance Parts (GMPP) E-ROD 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air hit the road for this summer’s Hot Rod Power Tour, it delivered an average of 23 mpg on the drive from Florida to Michigan. That was with a 430-horsepower LS3 V-8 under the hood and emissions performance comparable to a new Camaro SS.

Behind this classic cruiser’s balanced performance was the GMPP-engineered E-ROD crate engine system, which features emissions equipment designed to make it compliant with increasingly stringent emissions laws. In fact, the E-ROD LS3 in the GMPP ’55 carries Executive Order (EO) number D-126-30 from California Air Resources Board (CARB), making it legal for installation in pre-OBD II (1996-and-earlier) vehicles in that state.

It also delivers on the expectations of a new generation of hot rodders and custom car builders, where greater fuel economy and lower emissions play more important roles in their projects.



“The world of hot rodding is changing, and GMPP is leading the way with engine systems and supporting components that enable enthusiasts to build a car that complies with the law, satisfies their desire for a cleaner hot rod and doesn’t sacrifice the performance they want,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, product integration manager for GM Performance Parts. “With fuel prices not showing any signs of retreating, greater fuel economy is definitely a welcome benefit, too.”

Fresh off the Power Tour, the E-ROD Bel Air will be shown at the GM Performance Parts display at the Barrett-Jackson Orange County Auction, Friday through Sunday. It will be joined by the Lingenfelter E-ROD 1955 Chevy pickup, which is powered by the new E-ROD 5.3L. A CARB EO number is expected for the E-ROD 5.3L this summer.

Both vehicles feature the GMPP 4L65-E electronically controlled automatic transmission and new GMPP Supermatic transmission controller, which enables a simple plug-in installation to match the plug-in features of the E-ROD engine control system.

Visitors to the Barrett-Jackson Orange County auction can view and inspect the E-ROD classics and talk with GMPP officials about installing an E-ROD system and GMPP transmission in their own project vehicle. The GMPP display will also include the newest crate engines, LSX high-performance LS engine parts, Supermatic transmission kits and more.

“This is a great opportunity to speak directly with our experts about the details of the systems and what it takes to install one,” said Dr. Meyer.

All of the E-ROD engine packages, transmissions and Supermatic transmission controllers are available through authorized GM Performance Parts retailers, GM dealership parts departments and via gmperformanceparts.com. The engines are backed by a two-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.

GMPP engineers are working with CARB for approval to allow E-ROD engines to be installed in “special construction” vehicles. They would include vehicles with new bodies that come with new vehicle identification numbers, such as the Lingenfelter E-ROD ’55 truck, which features a Dynacorn reproduction body and the chassis of a late-model TrailBlazer SS.

The E-ROD ’55 Chevy is powered by the E-ROD LS3 engine for automatic transmissions (part number 19257230) It is also available in a manual-transmission package (part number 19257234).

The Lingenfelter E-ROD truck features the E-ROD 5.3L for automatics (part number 19258004), which is rated at 315 horsepower. It is also available for manual transmissions (part number 19258008).