E-rod engine in Mid-80's trucks
Feb 2, 2013 | 03:55 PM
#1
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Teching In
Joined: Sep 2012
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E-rod engine in Mid-80's trucks
Anyone have experience with dropping an E-rod engine into a 1980's 4x4?
I have an '85 one ton GMC 4x4 with a blown engine and want to repower it with the LS3 E-rod motor. 430 hp, loads of torque, CARB approved. Since I'm in California, and want to drive it on the street I've checked this all out with the California Air Resources Board and California Bureau of Automotive Repair. As long as I install the engine EXACTLY the way it's designed to be installed, it'll pass inspection with the referees. NOTHING can be changed. A recent install of an LS3 E-rod into an older Toyota Land Cruiser was good until the referees found that the owner had changed the location of the catalytic convertors. He apparently cut and re-welded the exhaust pipes leading up to the convertors to fit inside the frame rails. The referees failed the vehicle, and now, as the guy from the BAR describes it, he's got an expensive trophy that he can put on the mantle over his fireplace. But he can't drive it on the street.
I don't want a trophy. Just a truck I can drive.
If my truck were a 2 wheel drive, the E-rod would probably fit without any difficulties. But since there's a transfer case in the way, it becomes a different story. Anyone know if this will fit?
Thanks,
Ward
I have an '85 one ton GMC 4x4 with a blown engine and want to repower it with the LS3 E-rod motor. 430 hp, loads of torque, CARB approved. Since I'm in California, and want to drive it on the street I've checked this all out with the California Air Resources Board and California Bureau of Automotive Repair. As long as I install the engine EXACTLY the way it's designed to be installed, it'll pass inspection with the referees. NOTHING can be changed. A recent install of an LS3 E-rod into an older Toyota Land Cruiser was good until the referees found that the owner had changed the location of the catalytic convertors. He apparently cut and re-welded the exhaust pipes leading up to the convertors to fit inside the frame rails. The referees failed the vehicle, and now, as the guy from the BAR describes it, he's got an expensive trophy that he can put on the mantle over his fireplace. But he can't drive it on the street.
I don't want a trophy. Just a truck I can drive.
If my truck were a 2 wheel drive, the E-rod would probably fit without any difficulties. But since there's a transfer case in the way, it becomes a different story. Anyone know if this will fit?
Thanks,
Ward
Last edited by Ward Gulley; Feb 2, 2013 at 04:49 PM.
Feb 10, 2013 | 07:10 PM
#2
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,985
Likes: 54
From: somewhere in TX
Communist bastards. You gotta do it and see if it all fit's it's only way to find out. Most of us don't go the crate and install routes but I understand for what you need and the communist state that you live in it is necessary to ever be able drive the vehicle once completed.
Last edited by 01WS6/tamu; Feb 10, 2013 at 09:53 PM.
Feb 11, 2013 | 12:35 AM
#4
From there website Replacement Parts Guidelines - Aftermarket, Performance and Add-On Parts Regulations
This is a grey area because it all depends on how the individual interpreting the rules view's said rules.
As long as the catalytic converters and 02 sensors are in the correct place like the original vehicle or kit you purchase, it should be legal. Not all chassis are built the same so they should realize that you may need tuck things in in-order for them to fit. Again it's all up to the guy enforcing the rules.
Good luck!!!
Engine Changes
Engine changes are legal as long as the following requirements are met to ensure that the change does not increase pollution from the vehicle:
*The engine must be the same year or newer than the vehicle.
*The engine must be from the same type of vehicle (passenger car, light-duty truck, heavy-duty truck, etc.) based on gross vehicle weight.
*If the vehicle is a California certified vehicle then the engine must also be a California certified engine.
*All emissions control equipment must remain on the installed engine.
*Vehicles converted to 100% electric drive, with all power supplied by on-board batteries are considered in compliance with the engine change requirements. All fuel system components must be removed prior to inspection. For additional information contact the ARB helpline at (800) 242-4450
After an engine change, vehicles must first be inspected by a state referee station. The vehicle will be inspected to ensure that all the equipment required is in place, and vehicle will be emissions tested subject to the specifications of the installed engine.
Engine changes are legal as long as the following requirements are met to ensure that the change does not increase pollution from the vehicle:
*The engine must be the same year or newer than the vehicle.
*The engine must be from the same type of vehicle (passenger car, light-duty truck, heavy-duty truck, etc.) based on gross vehicle weight.
*If the vehicle is a California certified vehicle then the engine must also be a California certified engine.
*All emissions control equipment must remain on the installed engine.
*Vehicles converted to 100% electric drive, with all power supplied by on-board batteries are considered in compliance with the engine change requirements. All fuel system components must be removed prior to inspection. For additional information contact the ARB helpline at (800) 242-4450
After an engine change, vehicles must first be inspected by a state referee station. The vehicle will be inspected to ensure that all the equipment required is in place, and vehicle will be emissions tested subject to the specifications of the installed engine.
As long as the catalytic converters and 02 sensors are in the correct place like the original vehicle or kit you purchase, it should be legal. Not all chassis are built the same so they should realize that you may need tuck things in in-order for them to fit. Again it's all up to the guy enforcing the rules.
Good luck!!!
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