How much HP does a 1990 454 SS have?
The 1990 Chevrolet 454 SS was a high-performance version of the Chevrolet C/K full-size pickup truck, boasting a massive 7.4-liter V8 engine that delivered an impressive amount of horsepower. But just how much power did this iconic muscle truck pack under the hood?
The 454 SS Engine Specifications
The 1990 Chevrolet 454 SS was powered by a 7.4-liter (454 cubic inch) V8 engine. This big-block V8 was rated at 230 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. The engine featured a cast-iron block and heads, with a compression ratio of 8.2:1. It was paired with a heavy-duty Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission.
Comparing the 454 SS to Other Muscle Trucks
While the 230 horsepower rating of the 454 SS may not seem overly impressive by today's standards, it was a significant amount of power for a full-size pickup truck in 1990. For comparison, the standard Chevrolet C/K pickup with the 5.7-liter V8 engine only produced 170 horsepower. The 454 SS was a true muscle truck, offering significantly more power and performance than the standard C/K models.
The Legacy of the 454 SS
The 1990 Chevrolet 454 SS was a landmark vehicle, bridging the gap between high-performance muscle cars and practical, full-size pickup trucks. It paved the way for future high-performance pickup models, such as the Ford F-150 SVT Lightning and the Dodge Ram SRT-10. The 454 SS remains a highly sought-after collector's item today, with its combination of brute power and classic Chevrolet styling making it a true icon of the muscle truck era.
