General Motors Performance Parts E-Rod Motor Program - Open Wide

Underneath looking up you can see the four converters in position "wrapping" the six-speed box; plenty of clearance.

View from underneath the roadster shows the exhaust system minus mufflers, making for an uncluttered and spacious under-carriage.

SO-CAL opted for an in-tank fuel pump, similar to a Camaro unit, which comes with outlet and return line capabilities. The engine can be installed as a "deadhead", meaning no return line or with a return line-the return line used in this fuel system.

The original '32 gas tank was retained; note the fuel tank evaporative emissions canister line (silver in color, center of photo) needs to be adapted to the tank as it is a vital component to the emission system.

Pictured is the supplied fuel tank evaporative emissions canister; SO-CAL chose to mount it in the trunk. It's sealed so fumes shouldn't be an issue. Also, it must be mounted higher than the tank itself.

The fly-by-wire throttle is supplied but rodders will most likely modify (as shown) to fit the style of car.

Supplied GMPP LS3 engine wiring harness and engine control module were mounted under the dash against the firewall. It can be mounted in the engine compartment but keep away from excessive heat (exhaust) or in an area that may be exposed to splash from driving in wet conditions.

First stop on the Arizona run was SO-CAL Speed Shop in Phoenix owned and operated by Frank (right) and Mary (not shown) Streff. The Streffs have a twin to Chapouris' roadster and also have a '53 Ford pickup in matching SO-CAL colors. (Recreation of the Alex Xydias pickup from the early dry lakes days.)

Chapouris (left), Bob Everts (middle), and Paul Dunaway (right) talk over the neat fit the LS3 is within the Deuce highboy engine compartment. Everts has a Deuce highboy three-window coupe that is painted in SO-CAL colors.

Pictured is Clyde "Ross" Morgan (left), a well-known artist whose medium is bronze and has made some incredible dioramas featuring early Fords. Chapouris (center) gives more technical data on the E-ROD to both Ross and Paul (right).

Tony Piner (left), a well-known SoCal-now-Arizona hot rodder and Bonneville 200 MPH Club Life Member with multiple records to his credit, was another stop on our quick lap. He took in the sights and enjoyed seeing the LS3 swap.

On our homeward bound leg of the Arizona trip we visited Garth Bowie (left) who once appeared on the July '83 cover of STREET RODDER. He's an incredible metalman currently working on the restoration of an extremely rare Jaguar XPE 2.