1978 Chevy 4X4 e-Rod factory restored

[gchemist]

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/06/1...usaolp00000588

Among the Stingrays, Camaros and various concept vehicles Chevrolet has setup at its massive SEMA display, the one vehicle tugging at our heart strings the most might be the fully restored 1978 Chevy Performance Classic Truck Concept. While this truck's beauty is merit enough, Chevy also tucked its E-Rod powertrain under the hood of this machine giving it the classic styling of a '70s pickup with the 50-state-legal exhaust emissions.

This E-Rod package consists of a 5.3-liter V8 putting out 326 horsepower (about 80 hp more than the big-block, 454-cubic-inch originally offered in the '78 C/K trucks), and its mated to a 470-E automatic transmission with overdrive. To meet emissions regulations, it also includes catalytic converters, a fuel tank evap canister and a full two-year warranty. A Chevy rep said that the whole E-Rod system used on this truck costs around $10,000.

Even though this isn't Chevy's first E-Rod pickup, there's just something a little extra special of seeing a 1973-1987 C/K truck in this condition. Chevy acquired the truck from a private owner in Wisconsin, and did a full frame-off restoration at the General Motors Milford Proving Grounds. The Chevy rep we spoke with said that the truck had very little rust damage that needed to be repaired before the two-tone paint job was applied, and that it was already in decent shape when the project was started back in July. The end result is a truck that looks like it just rolled off the assembly line – right down to the side-saddled gas tanks.

Chevy issued a press release (posted below) for the 1978 Chevrolet Performance Classic Truck Concept, but we're guessing you'll want to spend more time checking out our full live gallery, above.



Wow!! $10,000 for the drivetrain!! That's affordable to build a daily driver!!