GRAND BLANC, Mich. - The E-ROD 5.3L crate engine package is the second in GM Performance Parts' (GMPP) E-ROD lineup to receive a California Air Resources Board Executive Order (EO) number - D-126-31 - making it legal for installation in pre-OBD II cars (1996-and-earlier) in the Golden State.
The E-ROD 5.3L is offered in two calibrations - one for automatic transmissions (part number 19258004) and one for manual transmissions (part number 19258008). They join the E-ROD LS3 systems (manual and automatic calibrations), which carry EO number D-126-30.
GMPP E-ROD systems are the only OEM crate engine solutions that enable authorized, emissions-compliant high-performance engine replacements for approximately 20 million pre-1996 cars, trucks and SUVs in California, regardless of the make, model or original powertrain. All E-ROD systems include important emissions equipment, such as catalytic converters and a fuel tank evaporative emissions canister, along with an engine control module that's calibrated for an excellent balance of performance and efficiency.
GM Performance Parts E-ROD systems also deliver on the expectations of a new generation of hot rodders and custom car builders, for whom greater fuel economy and lower emissions play more important roles in their projects.
"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. "You can use E-ROD systems for any pre-OBD-II vehicle, whether it's an import vehicle that could use a V-8 transplant, classic trucks and off-roaders of all types or cars from the muscle car era and, especially, the later years when the muscle disappeared. All these applications - and more - are open to E-ROD engines, because no other manufacturer offers a similar crate engine system with a CARB EO number."
The E-ROD 5.3L is rated at 326 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 350 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. It carries an MSRP of $7,125 (check with your local GMPP dealer for a more affordable "street" price) and is based on the 5.3L V-8 with an aluminum cylinder block that is used in the Chevrolet Silverado and other full-size and midsize GM trucks.
The E-ROD 5.3L and E-ROD LS3 systems are available now from GMPP dealer and online at gmperformanceparts.com.
E-ROD system details
The roster of equipment that makes the E-ROD 5.3L engine emissions-compliant includes:
* A brand-new GM 5.3L crate engine
* 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.
GMPP also recommends the Hydra-Matic 4L65-E (part number 19156260) four-speed automatic overdrive transmissions for use with the 5.3L Deluxe, along with GMPP's Supermatic transmission controller (part number 19257634).