Chevy 454 Engine: The Iconic Big Block - VehicleHistory (2025)

Braden Carlson

Jun 10, 2021

The Chevy 454 cubic-inch big-block engine was a staple of the GM lineup for over 25 years. Could it be what you’re looking for?

Chevy 454 Engine: The Iconic Big Block - VehicleHistory (1)

The Chevy big-block engine started life as an evolution of the iconic automaker’s muscle car lineup to expand its horizons into bigger engines with more power. It first debuted in 1970 as an upgrade to the equally iconic Chevy 427 big-block V8.

Unfortunately, the Chevy 454 big-block engine came just in time for the oil crisis of the 1970s brought on by the embargo on the U.S. by the Organization of Petrol Exporting Countries (OPEC).

By the mid-70s, high gas prices and growing fuel economy restrictions effectively snuffed the great battle between American automakers seeking dominance in the muscle car field. It truly was a devastating blow to the muscle car legacy.

That makes it all the more impressive, then, that the legendary Chevy 454 big-block V8 managed to claw its way through the oil embargo and live a healthy life on to the next millennium.

While it wasn’t available in production cars after 1976, it continued to be a staple of the Chevrolet and GM pickup truck lineup until 2001 when it was finally discontinued in vehicle production.

Throughout its production and until its final days found under the hood of GM trucks, the Chevy 454 was also a staple of drag cars across the nation and remains so to this day. You can still purchase a 454 big-block V8 crate engine from Chevy themselves, which only confirms its firmly planted legacy.

Whether you’re looking to buy a classic muscle car, need a cheap truck or van for towing and hauling, or want to build a performance engine for a race car, the 454 is a great option. Let’s take a look at the history of the Chevy 454 and what vehicles you’ll find it in.

Chevy 454 Engine: The Iconic Big Block - VehicleHistory (2)

Chevy 454 Big-block History

Most people familiar with Chevy engine terminology will be familiar with the LS designation of engines due to the LS family of small block engines that became available with the Corvette in the 90s and continues production into today. However, long before the LS1 was introduced, GM used the LS designation for the family of 454 big-block engines.

In 1970 the LS5 and LS6 454 big-block V8 engines became available to the public in various GM vehicles. Additionally, the LS7 came to fruition but was never available to the public on standard Chevy or GM vehicles. It was, however, available as a crate engine for high-performance uses.

The most powerful variants of the 454 were in the year 1970 because this was before the oil embargo and tightening emissions restrictions. The 1970 LS5 came with 360 horsepower, and the 1970 LS6 came with an impressive 450 horsepower.

Unfortunately, after 1971 the LS6 was phased out, and engineers dropped the LS5’s horsepower to 245. The downward spiral continued with the LS4 making only 215 horsepower in 1975. Finally, it ceased being available on passenger cars after the 1976 model year.

In 1973, the 454 first became an option in the Chevy and GM truck lineup. It was available as an option for all Chevy trucks until 1979, when Chevy made it exclusively available to heady-duty trucks, meaning it was no longer an option for half-tons.

In 1987, the 454 switched from a carburetor to fuel injection, bumping power to 255 horsepower and 405 lb.-ft. of torque.

The final variant of the Chevy 454, known as the Vortec 7400, first became available in 1996 and would remain available until 2001 in some vehicles. However, after 2001, the 454 no longer was an option for production GM vehicles.

Chevy 454 Engine: The Iconic Big Block - VehicleHistory (3)

What Vehicles Came with a Chevy 454?

As before mentioned, the 454 came in various cars from 1970 to 1975. If you’re pursuing a classic muscle car or looking through junkyards to find yourself a 454, here are the cars you should be looking for:

  • 1970–1976 Chevrolet Caprice
  • 1970–1975 Chevrolet Chevelle
  • 1970–1975 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  • 1970–1975 Chevrolet El Camino
  • 1971–1972 GMC Sprint
  • 1970–1974 Chevrolet Corvette

That being said, it is worth noting that the 454 big-block V8 was an option across all of those platforms. So, even if you find one of these models from these years, it won’t necessarily have a 454 in it.

Chevy GM Trucks, SUVs, and Vans also came with the 454 spanning a wide date range from 1973 to 2001. However, after the year 2000, it was only found in heavy-duty trucks and RVs. Here are the trucks and SUVs you’ll find the 454 in.

  • 1973–2000 Chevrolet/GMC C/K GMT-400 platform trucks 2500 and 3500
  • 1973–1999 Chevrolet Suburban 2500/GMC Suburban 2500 (option)
  • 1973-1996 Chevrolet/GMC Van
  • 1996–2000 Chevrolet Express 3/4 or 1 ton
  • 1998–2001 Chevrolet Kodiak/GMC TopKick/Isuzu H-Series 4500 5500

Additionally, the Chevy 454 HO crate engine is still available from Chevy to this day. So, if you don’t feel like trudging through a junkyard to find one and you need one for a project, you can still buy one brand new.

Chevy 454 Engine: The Iconic Big Block - VehicleHistory (4)

Chevy 454 Engine Specs

The Chevy 454 uses a typical old-school V8 design like you’d find on small block engines like the Chevy 350 or Chevy 305. Though things like compression, fuel injection, and emissions systems have changed over the years, the basic 454 construction remains identical to the day it first came from Chevy.

The 454 uses a cast-iron engine block and aluminum cylinder heads and used this construction throughout its entire production run.

Additionally, the bore and stroke remained the same throughout the entire production run as well. The cylinder bore is 4.25-inches (107.95 millimeters), and the stroke is four inches (101.6 millimeters).

Finally, all 454s use standard camshaft-in-block construction with pushrods to control the valves.

The compression ratio varies depending on which engine you got.

  • The LS5 454 engine has a compression ratio of 10.25 to 1
  • The LS6 454 engine has a compression ratio of 11.25 to 1
  • The Vortec 7400 454 engine has a compression ratio of 8.5 to 1
  • The 454 HO crate engine has a compression ratio of 8.75 to 1

Consistent bore and stroke over the years mean that parts are interchangeable, and a whole host of aftermarket parts are available. This being the case, parts are very readily available should you need to repair a 454 equipped vehicle.

Chevy 454 Engine: The Iconic Big Block - VehicleHistory (5)

An Iconic Part of Chevy History

Overall, the Chevy 454 stands out as an iconic part of Chevrolet, GM, and motorsports history. Though it goes down as one of the least powerful big-block V8s Chevy ever produced due to the stringent emissions regulations and the OPEC oil embargo, it still graces drag strips to this very day.

Furthermore, there are still plenty of trucks, vans, and SUVs on the streets with the iconic 454 engine rumbling away under the hood. Furthermore, it laid the path for more modern variants of the big-block Chevy engine like the Vortec 8100.

So, if you’re looking for a new tow vehicle in the form of a classic Chevy or GM truck or SUV, one equipped with a 454 is sure to offer the torque you need to get yourself, your friends and family, and whatever you’re hauling where you need to be.

A Chevy as new as a 2000 Suburban or 2000 Silverado 2500 is available with the legendary big-block.

So, you can have the big old school engine with a touch of modern amenities, should you so choose.

Furthermore, the 454 is a great option if you’re looking for a crate engine for your race car or a mid-seventies GM or Chevy classic muscle car.

As always, though, remember to use our free VIN research tool to inspect a vehicle’s history before purchasing used. As long as the 454 you’re buying has been decently cared for and doesn’t show any obvious signs of being on its way out, you’re likely to get thousands and thousands of miles out of it without any major issues.

Photos: Chevrolet

Frequently Asked Questions

Apr 8, 2022

Is a 454 big block a good engine?

The 454 big block is a very good engine to go with if you are looking for something that can output a lot of power, and fit in a lot of classic cars and trucks. This is a classic engine from Chevrolet and stock it makes great power from the factory, if you upgrade it you can get even more out of it.

An added benefit for the 454 is that the popularity of these engines has led to there being a lot of parts available for them. If you are building a new engine from the ground up there are many different aftermarket parts brands that you can buy parts from that will fit it.

The main issue that you face when you get a 454 is that you have to make sure that you have adequate cooling for it. These engines do tend to run hot and it is a good idea to get an oversized radiator for them and make sure to check your coolant regularly to make sure that none is boiling off.

How much horsepower does a 454 big block have?

There have been many different versions of the 454 engine that were made by Chevrolet from 1970 through 2001 and a lot of them come with different amounts of horsepower. The original version in the 1970 Corvette came with 390 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. If you had the upgraded Holley carburetor the power was increased to 450 horsepower and the torque stayed the same at 500 pound-feet.

In 1987 Chevrolet introduced a fuel-injected version that was used in the GM C1500, C/K2500, and C/K3500 and this produced 230 to 255 horsepower and 385 to 405 pound-feet of torque. This made more sense to use in trucks where torque was more important than horsepower.

Nowadays you can still buy a 454 crate motor new and stock they put out 438 horsepower and 500-pound feet of torque. There are engine builders out there that have modified the 454 to be able to produce in excess of 2,000 horsepower for drag racing applications so the 454 is a very capable platform if you are looking for a big block V8.

Which is better a 454 or a 350?

The 350 and 454 are two great engines that were produced by Chevrolet and choosing the right one for your car really depends on how you plan on using it. In general, if you plan on drag racing or just driving around town to car shows there is nothing quite like a 454. The amount of torque that the engine produces is exceptional, and the noise of a 454 is on another level compared to a 350. The downside is the 454 is a very heavy and hot engine so it may not be fun to drive long distances with.

The 350 is a great choice if you want something that is more daily drivable, or one that is better out on a track with turns. A 350 would be much better in a car that you plan on taking to a track since it is significantly lighter than a 454. This results in vehicles with 350 motors usually handling better since they do not have so much weight over the front of the vehicle. Where the 350 struggles though is it does not have nearly the torque of a 454.

Both the 350 or 454 are great reliable engines and going with either one of them would be great for a classic American sports car.

Owner Reviews

messageEdit Write a Review

HollowPoint on February 7, 2022

All my bigblocks have been cast iron

What Mcfarlingmak said. Also you did not mention the progression from the W motor to the Mark IV designation. Chevrolet wanted to name the next engine Mark V but that was already taken. Good simple review. Also the BB weights right at 200 lbs more than the SB chevy. Also now you can get crate engines based on the SB chevy with 454 ci.

Jack D on July 26, 2022

Iron heads

"The 454 uses a cast-iron engine block and aluminum cylinder heads and used this construction throughout its entire production run." Is that a fact? What am I to make of these 049 heads on my engine? Overall good article, just giving you a hard time about what might have been a thinko.

joe on April 2, 2024

I'll give you two stars because you're not totally right

The 454 uses a cast-iron engine block and aluminum cylinder heads and used this construction throughout its entire production run. This is totally incorrect. All Chevy Big Blocks except for racing engines and special engines were all cast iron.

Mark McFarling on January 14, 2022

Mcfarlingmark@yahoo.com

Only special order versions of the 454 had aluminum heads. A Holly carb doesn't give you 60 hp Fact check your stuff.

Abdulrahim Aljudaibi on January 8, 2023

454 fuel consumption

Does anyone know how to create better fuel consumption for 454 engine in a Suberban vehicle?

Bill S on August 10, 2023

Bore and stroke

I might be mistaken but isn't the 454 a 4.25"x4.25"

Victor Armitage on December 14, 2021

Varmitage46@gmail.com

This is a lot of good information Thank you

Braden Carlson

An automotive journalist for over six years, Braden Carlson has contributed to a variety of auto websites, including Team Speed and LS1Tech. When he’s not writing or under one of his project cars, you’ll often find him producing video and photography for his "Cursed Forever" YouTube channel.

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  • Chevy 454 Engine: The Iconic Big Block

Chevy 454 Engine: The Iconic Big Block - VehicleHistory (2025)

FAQs

What year was the most powerful 454? ›

The most powerful variants of the 454 were in the year 1970 because this was before the oil embargo and tightening emissions restrictions. The 1970 LS5 came with 360 horsepower, and the 1970 LS6 came with an impressive 450 horsepower.

Is a 454 big block a good engine? ›

Yes, the 454 is the perfect block for performance enthusiasts or anyone wanting to enhance the reliability of their stock setup. Some of the most impactful chevy 454 engine upgrades worth considering include: Cams: Upgrading the camshaft in a Chevy 454 can significantly improve engine performance.

When did Chevy stop making the 454? ›

The revised 454 (now known as the Vortec 7400) was good for a whopping 290hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, and it was offered until 2001 (the final year for commercial and recreational vehicle use).

How much HP can a 454 big-block hold? ›

The budget 454 not only managed to exceed 500 hp, but did so in spectacular fashion with peak numbers of 565 hp at 5,900 rpm and 532 lb-ft of torque at 5,400 rpm.

How much horsepower does a 1971 454 big-block have? ›

In LS5 trim in 1971, even with a more emissions-friendly 8.5:1 compression ratio, the 454 was rated at 365 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

How many miles can you get out of a 454? ›

Out of the factory with a few mild modifications, improved intake and exhaust, will net about 475HP, and if well maintained, using high quality oil, a new motor that is not pushed hard will run 150,000 miles or more.

How many miles per gallon does a 454 big block get? ›

It will pull anything you put behind it. It gets 10mpg with a load or without. I have gotten 11.5 empty before , but very seldom. I don't need a long distance tow vehicle..

How much does a 454 big block cost? ›

Estimated Price $14,895

All engines can be custom painted to match your vehicle at your request.

Will a 454 fit in place of a 350? ›

Best Answer. You will probably need to change the frame motor mounts as they are usually taller & further forward on a big block to allow clearances from the firewall & cross member. Other than that, it should go right in.

How far can you bore a 454 big block? ›

That's because the classic, Mark IV big-block is limited to about 0.100-0.125-inch maximum overbores. On a 454ci engine with a stock, 4.00-inch stroke, a 0.100-inch overbore delivers a 476-inch displacement, while a 0.125-inch overbore will give you a 481-inch Rat.

What year did the 454 get fuel injection? ›

This decision would hold throughout the 1980s, with the Chevy 454 gaining a fuel injection boost in 1987. This motor, dubbed the L19, featured the same cast iron heads as the motor it replaced and maintained the same hydraulic flat tappet lifter cam, with the primary update being a throttle-body FI system.

Did the Camaro ever have a 454? ›

454CI V8, SOUNDS GOOD, 4SPD MANUAL TRANS, PWR STEER/BRAKES, RUNS & DRIVES WELL!! This 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS 454 is a mean green machine. After all, it has been upgraded with big block power, four-on-the-floor, and four-wheel disc brakes.

Is a big block faster than a small block? ›

More power: Big block engines often have more and larger cylinders, translating into more and larger explosions. These crank the engine harder and faster, generating more power.

What is a Chevy Rat motor? ›

Chevrolet Division, General Motors. That 454 was a member of the engine family known by racy types as the Rat Motors, so called because the small-block Chevy V8s were known among the same gasoline-scented folks as the Mouse Motors.

What was the real horsepower of LS6 454? ›

LS6 454 was rated at 450 ponies for the Chevelle, but 460 for the Corvette for marketing reasons. A slightly less lethal version was available, rated at 360 horses. Note the carb spacer; it raised the air cleaner for the cowl induction setup.

What year did Chevy make the 454 SS truck? ›

From 1990 to 1993, the 454SS was the high-performance variant of the Chevrolet C/K series of trucks. Specifically, it was a C1500. All were rear-wheel-drive examples with the single cab/short box configuration, equipped with a massive 7.4-liter (454 cubic-inch) V8 engine borrowed from the C3500.

What was the biggest engine in 1970? ›

What is the muscle car with the biggest engine? - Quora. General Motors had 455 cubic inch motors in the Pontiac GTO, Olds 442, and Buick GS, and Chevy had the 454 in the Chevelle SS and Monte Carlo SS454 in 1970–1971.

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