How much horsepower does a 1970 454 have?
The 1970 Chevrolet 454 cubic-inch big-block offered two primary tunes: the LS5 with about 360 horsepower and the top-line LS6 with about 450 horsepower, both rated gross at the crank. The exact figure depended on the model and how the engine was configured on the assembly line.
To understand the question more clearly, it helps to look at the two main 454 options from that year, how horsepower was measured at the time, and why modern readers often see different numbers when comparing era ratings to today’s standards. The following sections lay out the two primary configurations and the measurement context that surrounds them.
Two 454 configurations available in 1970
Here are the two widely documented 454 configurations Chevy offered in 1970, with the horsepower the factory advertised for each. Note that these are gross horsepower ratings from the era.
- LS5 454 cubic-inch V8 — approximately 360 horsepower (gross) and about 500 lb-ft of torque. This engine was common in Chevelle SS 454 and related high-performance models.
- LS6 454 cubic-inch V8 — approximately 450 horsepower (gross) and about 500 lb-ft of torque. The LS6 was Chevrolet's upper-tier option for peak performance in the SS 454 lineup.
These figures reflect the era's rating methodology and the engines' factory configurations. Real-world performance depended on the car, gearing, exhaust, and overall condition.
Gross vs net: why numbers differ over time
The horsepower numbers published for 1970 were gross ratings, measured at the crank with minimal accessories. Decades later, the industry shifted to SAE net horsepower, which accounts for belts, accessories, exhaust, and emissions controls. As a result, modern comparisons of the same engines yield lower net figures even though the basic displacement and tuning were similar.
In practice, enthusiasts today often refer to the LS6's 450 horsepower (gross) as the defining figure, while the LS5's 360 horsepower (gross) is viewed as a strong but more economical option within the same family. The key point is that the 454-equipped Chevys of 1970 delivered strong straight-line performance for their time, with the LS6 offering the peak power in the Chevelle SS 454 lineage.
Additional considerations
Power numbers are just part of the story. Car weight, drivetrain configuration, gearing, tire choice, and the car's overall condition all influence how that horsepower translates to real-world performance. For collectors, confirming whether a given car has an LS5 or LS6 engine—and the exact build—helps explain observed performance differences.
Summary
The 1970 Chevrolet 454 offered two primary performance tunes: the LS5 at about 360 horsepower and the LS6 at about 450 horsepower, both gross ratings. The higher figure came from Chevrolet's top-line Chevelle SS 454, while the LS5 served as the more common option within the same family. Understanding the era's gross rating system explains why these numbers appear elevated when compared to net horsepower figures used in later decades. For buyers and collectors today, verifying the exact engine configuration is essential to gauge true performance potential.
How much horsepower does a 1970 Chevy 454 have?
The 1970 Chevy 454 engine came in two main versions: the LS5 and the LS6. The LS6, found in models like the Chevelle SS, produced a powerful 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, while the LS5 version had a lower rating of 360 horsepower. The LS6 is considered one of the most powerful production muscle car engines of its era.
You can watch this video to see a 1970 Chevelle SS 454 in action: 51sChris Drives Cars with Chris MoranYouTube · Jun 13, 2025
1970 Chevy 454 Horsepower Breakdown
- LS6 Version:
- Horsepower: 450 hp @ 5600 rpm
- Torque: 500 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
- Key features: Solid lifters and a high-compression ratio
- LS5 Version:
- Horsepower: 360 hp @ 5400 rpm
- Key features: Hydraulic lifters
What is a 1970 Chevelle SS 454 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $84,933 for a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 at auction over the last three years was $660,000.
How many 1970 Chevelle SS 454 were made?
There were a total of 8,773 1970 Chevelle SS models equipped with the 454 engine. Of these, 4,475 were the more powerful LS6 version. It is important to note that this figure includes both the Chevelle SS coupe and the El Camino, but specific production numbers for each body style are not available from Chevrolet.
- Total 454 models: 8,773
- LS6 454 models: 4,475
- Note: The total includes both two-door coupes and El Camino pickups.
What year did 454 have the most HP?
The 1970 model year has the most powerful 454 engine, specifically the LS6 version, which was officially rated at 450 horsepower. This engine was available in high-performance vehicles like the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 and El Camino SS 454.
- 1970: The LS6 engine produced 450 horsepower.
- Earlier/Later years: Other 1970 versions of the 454, such as the LS5, produced around 360 horsepower, and after 1971, the horsepower ratings of 454 engines began to decline due to emissions regulations and other factors.
