How many miles per gallon does a 454 SS truck get?

The 454 SS truck, a high-performance variant of the Chevrolet C/K pickup, is known for its powerful engine but not for its fuel efficiency. On average, a 454 SS truck can expect to get around 10-12 miles per gallon (MPG) in combined city and highway driving.

Understanding the 454 SS Truck's Fuel Economy

The 454 SS was produced by Chevrolet from 1990 to 1993 and featured a massive 7.4-liter V8 engine that produced 230 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine, combined with the truck's large size and weight, results in relatively poor fuel economy compared to more modern and efficient pickup trucks.

According to Source, the average fuel economy for a 454 SS truck is around 10 MPG in the city and 12 MPG on the highway. This means that a 454 SS truck will typically get a combined fuel economy of 10-12 MPG, depending on driving conditions and individual driving habits.

Factors Affecting Fuel Economy

Several factors can influence the fuel economy of a 454 SS truck, including:

• Engine size and power: The large 7.4-liter V8 engine in the 454 SS is a significant contributor to its poor fuel efficiency.


• Vehicle weight: The 454 SS is a large, heavy truck, which requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed, reducing fuel economy.


• Driving conditions: Aggressive acceleration, frequent stops, and driving at high speeds can all negatively impact the fuel economy of the 454 SS.


• Maintenance and tire pressure: Proper vehicle maintenance and keeping tires properly inflated can help optimize the 454 SS's fuel efficiency.

It's important to note that the actual fuel economy of a 454 SS truck may vary depending on the individual vehicle, driving conditions, and the driver's habits.

Improving Fuel Economy

While the 454 SS is not known for its fuel efficiency, there are a few steps owners can take to try to improve the truck's MPG:

• Drive conservatively: Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, and maintain a steady speed to maximize fuel efficiency.


• Use the recommended fuel: The 454 SS is designed to run on premium gasoline, which can help improve fuel economy compared to lower-octane fuels.


• Keep the vehicle well-maintained: Regular maintenance, such as tune-ups, oil changes, and tire rotations, can help optimize the 454 SS's fuel efficiency.


• Consider fuel-saving modifications: Upgrades like a more efficient exhaust system or engine tuning can potentially improve the 454 SS's MPG, but these modifications may also impact the vehicle's performance.

While the 454 SS is not known for its fuel efficiency, understanding the factors that affect its MPG and taking steps to optimize its performance can help owners get the most out of their high-performance truck.

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

A 454 big block engine typically gets 8-12 MPG, but this can vary significantly with the vehicle, driving style, and maintenance. Highway mileage can be higher (up to 15 MPG in some cases), while city driving or towing will result in lower numbers, sometimes as low as 5-7 MPG. Factors like rear-end gearing, an overdrive transmission, and engine tuning greatly influence fuel economy. 
Typical fuel economy

• Overall average: 8-12 MPG for a mix of city and highway driving. 
• Highway: 12-15 MPG is achievable under ideal conditions, especially with modern updates. 
• City/Towing: Expect to see 5-10 MPG, with city driving being on the lower end. 

Factors that influence MPG

• Vehicle/Gearing: Rear-end gear ratios significantly impact mileage. A higher gear (like 4.10) is less efficient than a lower one (like 3.08) for highway cruising. 
• Transmission: An overdrive transmission helps improve mileage, especially for highway driving, by allowing the engine to run at lower RPMs. 
• Driving style: Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration, will reduce fuel economy. Driving at lower, consistent speeds will yield better results. 
• Vehicle condition and modifications: A well-maintained engine, proper tire inflation, and performance upgrades like headers can help, though some modifications like certain carburetor upgrades may hurt efficiency. 

How many miles per gallon does a Chevy SS get on the highway?

Fuel economy isn't a forte for the Chevy SS, as it gets just 14/22 mpg city/highway. However, a 4.7-second 0-60 mph time makes up for that.

What are common problems with 454 SS trucks?

Reliability & Common Problems of a V8 7.4L 454 Engine
You might notice a ticking sound, a stronger exhaust smell, or a raspier engine note. Another issue is the manifold itself cracking, which shows similar symptoms.

How much horsepower does a 454 SS truck have?

The 454 SS truck's horsepower varies slightly by year: it produced 230 horsepower in 1990 and 255 horsepower from 1991 to 1993. Torque was 385 lb-ft for the 1990 model year, increasing to 405 lb-ft in 1991 and later years.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the engine of the 454 SS truck: 49sMotorWeekYouTube · Dec 20, 2018

• 1990: 230 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque.
• 1991–1993: 255 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. 

This video shows the 1990 Chevy 454 SS truck: 43sFast Lane Classic Cars (FastLaneSTL)YouTube · Apr 25, 2025