SEMA and California Agencies Solve Titling Dilemma

[Got the Bug]

It looks like SEMA and the State of California have come up with a plan to address specially constructed vehicles in California. SB100 will continue in its current form, but they will now offer two other options. A complete GM (only complete drivetrain opton available at this time) LS3 powertrain package ($7,900) that meets smog requirements will be offered or you'll need to buy a "green rod" kit that costs $6,000.

This might work if you want to build a mild Hot Rod to cruise around in, but the new option probably won't fly with average Cobra buyer. The 500 SB100 exemptions will still be the only option for most people.

SEMA and California Agencies Solve Titling Dilemma for Hobbyist Vehicles

http://www.sema.org/news/2009/11/02/...byist-vehicles

"How much should I expect to pay for the “retrofit” kit? How much should I expect to pay for the GM engine and powertrain?

The retrofit kit is a collection of emissions-related parts with specifications developed by SEMA for which a variety of aftermarket manufacturers will be able to supply components. On average, the kit should cost approximately $6,000. The labor to install the package will likely cost an additional $5,000. If you choose to use a new engine and powertrain package from GM, the current LS3 package will retail at an estimated $7,900. GM will also offer a number of other emissions-approved engine packages with a variety of performance options and price levels. Estimated installation cost for the GM system is approximately $6,000."

[*13*]

Again, our small numbers are hardly major factors in the pollution problem. Why waste the time & money...we are easy targets

[Randy Rosenberg]

Seems like the choices are rather limited for those who either do not want to replace their engine or do not want to take the chance that the retro-fit kit will work (or cannot afford to do either). With such few options and with so many incorrectly titled vehicles in CA (est: 72,000), the question really is: how much funding does CA have to identify/prosecute those who do not correct their vehicle's title by the end of 2010?

Owners of these incorrectly titled vehicles who do not want to change their engines will have to make a decision prior to Jan 1, 2010 whether to apply for SB100 Smog Exemption (and take the chance that they may not get an SB100 Sequence Number) or continue to drive/own with no further changes. By applying for SB100 Smog Exemption and NOT receiving an SB100, owners will be left with no choice, as these owners will have already identified themselves to CA as owning an incorrectly titled vehicle.

One can only speculate as to how many will apply for SB100 Smog Exemption on Jan 1, 2010... This year the sequence numbers were available for many months. How many owners will apply for SB100 Sequence Numbers based upon this Amnesty Program? Who knows...

[Don]

From the GM LS3 announcement at the SEMA Show. Not sure if there is a manual transmission version, but one of the comments specifically mentions for automatic transmissions. MSRP is $9,375. Web site contains a search feature to find dealers by zip code along with any discounted prices. Appears the configuration is more readily adapted to Rods, 55 Chev used as an example, than a Cobra. " The Future of Hot Rod Performance "


" Part# 19244805 The E-ROD kit features a 6.2-liter LS3 crate engine, rated at 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque. It also includes a GMPP LS3 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 LS3’s electronic throttle), air filter, and a full instruction manual "


http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/ho...4=NovemberFuel "

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by Don

From the GM LS3 announcement at the SEMA Show. Not sure if there is a manual transmission version, but one of the comments specifically mentions for automatic transmissions. MSRP is $9,375. Web site contains a search feature to find dealers by zip code along with any discounted prices. Appears the configuration is more readily adapted to Rods, 55 Chev used as an example, than a Cobra. " The Future of Hot Rod Performance "


" Part# 19244805 The E-ROD kit features a 6.2-liter LS3 crate engine, rated at 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque. It also includes a GMPP LS3 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 LS3’s electronic throttle), air filter, and a full instruction manual "


http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/ho...4=NovemberFuel "

This is might be a boon for new Hot Rod builds, since the GM engine with an automatic is the popular choice.

[Don]

From Hemmings.com, note the comment regarding CARB. While not an authentic engine for the era, offers an alternative

GM Performance Parts unveils E-Rod program:

In some parts of the country, issues have been mounting concerning the legal registration of specially constructed vehicles — that is, any vehicle created from parts or a “kit” rather than those built from an existing chassis. These would include kit cars that use brand-new frames, such as Cobra replicas and street rods built on newly manufactured frames, as is common practice today. California, in particular, has been calling for such vehicles to be held to new-car emissions standards, creating waves throughout the old-car hobby and the aftermarket industry.

Now, after collaborating with SEMA to create a solution, GM Performance Parts has introduced a solution in the form of smog-legal crate engine packages. Presented to the industry at last week’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, GMPP showed the E-Rod System and its components while explaining its development. In short, the introductory package, which consists of a 6.2-liter LS3 engine rated at 430hp, comes with a complete EFI system, including (among other things) a wiring harness and pre-calibrated engine controller. When combined with the package’s OE-style exhaust manifolds and catalytic converters, plus the included mass-airflow sensor and evaporative emissions canister, the package replicates the engine in a 2010 Camaro SS,

" and thanks to close work with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the package will be accepted in California and other areas that use similar emissions test standards. "

Other packages are in the works, including a more budget-oriented 5.3-liter and a more powerful 7-liter (427-inch) LS7, and even though these requirements don’t affect all vintage car owners, the complete nature of these packages does make them appealing.

For more details and updates, watch www.gmperformanceparts.com.
- By Terry McGean

[Randy Rosenberg]

In short, the introductory package, which consists of a 6.2-liter LS3 engine rated at 430hp, comes with a complete EFI system, including (among other things) a wiring harness and pre-calibrated engine controller. When combined with the package’s OE-style exhaust manifolds and catalytic converters, plus the included mass-airflow sensor and evaporative emissions canister...

I would like to see if someone can fit this in an SPF or other Cobra Replica...

[RodKnock]

The LS series of GM engines seem to be more popular installs in the RCR offerings like the SLC (Super Lite Coupe), RCR40, etc.:

http://www.gt40s.com/forum/gt40-tech...gine-gt40.html

[Got the Bug]

If the Factory Five guys were smart, they would modify their '33 Hot Rod to accept the LS3 engine as an option. I bet they'd get a decent bump in incremental sales to easily compensate for any development costs. I sent them an email suggesting that they do it.

If I had the room and a few more bucks to throw at it, I'd like to build one myself.

[snakebitekit]

question for my neighbors to the west?
If the car is registered in Arizona as a 1964 Cobra and I move to SOCAL what would be required to re-register my car in SOCAL?

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by snakebitekit

question for my neighbors to the west?
If the car is registered in Arizona as a 1964 Cobra and I move to SOCAL what would be required to re-register my car in SOCAL?

You would have to re-register the car in California as special construction vehicle and take it through the SB100 process.

This thread has post that details the process. You need to secure one of the 500 SB100 exemptions that the State distributes on the first business day in January.

SB100 newbie question

[PANAVIA]

I am tempted by the Erod concept -- but at the end of the day, you still have a Chevy motor under your Cobra's hood, which is just not emotionally fulfilling.

Maybe if I tell myself the ERod motor is a Holden // GTO motor maybe that would make it better.

realistically, - I am more likely to use a 3V ford mustang GT motor myself.

http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts...KeyField=10584

Secondarily; we {the royal we} are competing for valued SB100 slots with the masses; anyone who wants to build an alternate fuel / electric car from a hobbyist standpoint.

This is only one reason why SB 232 was so important. -- man ....we got to try to resurrect that.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by PANAVIA

I am tempted by the Erod concept -- but at the end of the day, you still have a Chevy motor under your Cobra's hood, which is just not emotionally fulfilling.

Maybe if I tell myself the ERod motor is a Holden // GTO motor maybe that would make it better.

realistically, - I am more likely to use a 3V ford mustang GT motor myself.

http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts...KeyField=10584

Secondarily; we {the royal we} are competing for valued SB100 slots with the masses; anyone who wants to build an alternate fuel / electric car from a hobbyist standpoint.

This is only one reason why SB 232 was so important. -- man ....we got to try to resurrect that.

Maybe Ford will eventually step up and build their version of the EROD motor.