Michael S. Palmer’s 1992 Buick Roadmaster wagon is far from your typical family hauler. Powered by a Chevrolet Performance Connect & Cruise Crate Powertrain System featuring an LS3 E-ROD crate engine, this special wagon boasts an impressive 430 horsepower, transforming it into a high-performance machine.
Palmer, a lifelong car enthusiast and writer for the Internet Brands Automotive Group, found the perfect blend of power and reliability in the LS3 engine. “I think it is the perfect blend of power, modern convenience, and reliability, but it’s also still all motor and simple,” he says.
After the birth of his daughter in 2015, Palmer needed a bigger vehicle and chose the GM B-Body platform. He bought the Roadmaster in 2019, appreciating its rust-free condition despite some sun damage. Initially, it served as a daily cruiser until Palmer decided to embark on a more ambitious project.
With the help of Guaranty Chevrolet in Santa Ana, California, Palmer completed his first LS swap. The LS3 E-ROD was chosen to meet California’s strict emissions standards, ensuring the car remained street-legal across all 50 states. The E-ROD package includes emissions equipment, making it both environmentally friendly and high-performing.
The Roadmaster’s engine, paired with a Hydra-Matic 4L65-E four-speed automatic transmission, delivers 430 horsepower and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. The build also features a Holley mid-mount accessory drive system, Champion Cooling radiator, Magnaflow xMod exhaust, and various other high-performance components.
Beyond the powertrain, Palmer enhanced the car’s suspension with QA1 and Hotchkis components, added an Eaton Detroit Truetrac limited-slip differential, and upgraded the wheels and tires to American Racing VN507 Rodders with Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires. Wilwood brakes ensure the car stops as well as it goes.
The interior of the Roadmaster remains stock for now, though Palmer plans to replace it with components from a car in Canada. He has already added Dakota Digital gauges, a backup camera, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay for modern convenience.
Palmer’s passion for cars extends to potential future projects, including a C10 build with his daughter. One thing is certain: the LS engine will continue to be a key component in his automotive adventures.
Specifications and Performance
- Engine: 6.2L LS3 E-ROD crate engine
- Horsepower: 430 hp
- Torque: 425 lb.-ft.
- Transmission: Hydra-Matic 4L65-E four-speed automatic
- Suspension: QA1 and Hotchkis components
- Differential: Eaton Detroit Truetrac limited-slip with 3.42 gears
- Wheels: American Racing VN507 Rodders, 18 x 9.5
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport all-season, 255mm width
- Brakes: Wilwood
- Interior Upgrades: Dakota Digital gauges, backup camera, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay
Source: Chevrolet/The-Block
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