The California Air Resources Board has approved a 5.3-liter V8 crate engine for installation in 1995-and-earlier cars and trucks that predate OBD II on-board emissions diagnostics.
The certification is the second in the so-called E-ROD line of crate engines to get approval for use on some 20 million pre-1996 vehicles on California roads. Both manual and automatic versions of the E-ROD 5.3L are approved. GM Performance Parts said in a statement.
All E-ROD crate engines include required emissions equipment, such as catalytic converters and a fuel tank evaporative emission canister, along with an engine control module calibrated for a balance of performance and efficiency. GM said it is the only automaker with authorized, emissions-compliant high-performance aftermarket engines.
“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.
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 a suggested price of $7,125 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 mid-size GM trucks.