GM claims 23-mpg average in E-ROD 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

First introduced in 2009, the GM Performance Parts (GMPP) E-ROD program was born with the mission of creating fuel-efficient, emissions-compliant engine packages for hot-rodders.

Now the program is back in the news as GMPP claims that an E-ROD-powered 1955 Bel Air returned 23 mpg on a trip from Michigan to Florida while producing emissions comparable to those of a new Camaro SS.

All of that green doesn't come inexpensive--or easy. Rodders are DIY folks by nature, but the scope of the conversion required to make the E-ROD Bel Air efficient and emissions-compliant is not for the faint of heart or the electrically inept. To quote the GMPP press release:

To make them emissions-compliant, the E-ROD engine packages include:

• A brand-new General Motors crate engine, LS3 or 5.3L

• GMPP 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 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 (recirculating or returnless)

• Fuel pump

• Fuel-tank vent line from the tank to the evaporative-emissions canister

• Purge line from the canister to the engine purge solenoid

• Air induction system that incorporates the mass airflow sensor

• Exhaust system behind the catalytic converters

• A “check engine” light (wiring and circuitry is included in the kit)

So what price progress? The GM Performance parts site claims pricing varies by retailer, but AutoWeek contacted a Detroit-area Chevrolet dealership to get an idea and came away with the MSRP of $9,500. That's just an engine package though, not including the recommended 4L65E transmission and controller.

GM Performance Parts also offers E-ROD versions of the LS7 and LSA high-performance V8 engines, so if the 5.3L LS3 doesn't get your blood moving (or empty your bank account), you can always go up from there.

Full GMPP press release below:

GMPP E-ROD Concepts Highlight New Era of Efficient Hot Rodding at Barrett-Jackson's Orange County Event

1955 Chevy with CARB-Approved 430-HP LS3 V-8 Averages 23 MPG with Low Emissions

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 impressive 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.

The key to 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. “And 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, June 24-26. 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 GMPP's Web site: gmperformanceparts.com. The engines are backed by a two-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.

GMPP engineers are working with CARB for approval that would 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.

E-ROD system details

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).

To make them emissions-compliant, the E-ROD engine packages include:

• A brand-new GM crate engine: LS3 or 5.3L

• GMPP 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 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

• Purge line from the canister to the engine purge solenoid

• Air induction system that incorporates the mass airflow sensor

• Exhaust system behind the catalytic converters

• A “check engine” light (wiring and circuitry is included in the kit)

Additionally, each engine requires a front-end accessory drive system suitable to the vehicle. The instruction manual includes recommendations for the accessory drive kit, as well as the transmission, gear ratios and more. GMPP offers two configurations of the accessory drive systems to suit different applications; and each allows the installer to easily delete air conditioning. They include part numbers 19155066 and 19155067.

GMPP recommends the LS1 Engine Installation Guide (part number 88959384), which illustrates basic procedures and offers helpful tips on installing an LS engine into older vehicles.

The 4L65-E transmission used in both vehicles carries part number 19156260 and the new Supermatic transmission controller carries part number 19257634.

By Andrew Stoy