Loading

How much HP is a stock 454?

A stock 454 cubic inch V8 engine typically produces around 350 horsepower (HP). This powerful engine was commonly used in large American cars and trucks during the 1960s and 1970s.


Detailed Overview of the 454 Engine


The 454 cubic inch (7.4 liter) V8 engine was first introduced by General Motors in 1970 and was produced until 1996. It was primarily used in Chevrolet and GMC trucks, as well as some full-size Chevrolet and Cadillac passenger cars. The 454 was known for its impressive torque output, making it well-suited for towing and hauling heavy loads.


The stock 454 engine, as it was originally manufactured, had the following key specifications:



  • Displacement: 454 cubic inches (7.4 liters)

  • Horsepower: Approximately 350 HP

  • Torque: Around 500 lb-ft

  • Compression Ratio: 8.25:1

  • Valvetrain: Overhead valve (OHV) design with two valves per cylinder


These stock power figures were considered quite impressive for the time, as the 454 was one of the largest and most powerful production engines available in American vehicles. However, the engine's performance was somewhat limited by the emissions control regulations and fuel economy concerns of the 1970s and 1980s.


Modifying the 454 for More Power


Over the years, many enthusiasts have modified the 454 engine to produce significantly more horsepower and torque. Common upgrades include installing larger carburetors, high-performance camshafts, headers, and other performance parts. With the right modifications, it's possible to increase the output of a 454 engine to well over 500 HP.


However, it's important to note that the stock 454 engine, as it was originally manufactured, typically produced around 350 HP. Any claims of significantly higher horsepower figures would likely be the result of extensive modifications and not representative of the engine's stock configuration.

How much horsepower does a 454 big-block have stock?


The 454 EFI version was rated from 230 hp (172 kW) to 255 hp (190 kW) and from 385 lb⋅ft (522 N⋅m) to 405 lb⋅ft (549 N⋅m) of torque. The 1991–1993 454SS made 255 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 405 lb-ft of torque at 2400 rpm thanks to dual 2.5" catalytic converters.



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.



How much horsepower does a supercharged 454 have?


SC HELLION 454
This CBM engine is Supercharged, it puts out 900+ hp @ 6800 RPM's and 875 ft-lbs of torque using 10lbs of boost. It has a compression ratio of 9.1.



How to get 500 horsepower out of a 454?


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. Credit the flow rate of the excellent Pro Comp aluminum cylinder heads and extra work performed by Dr. Js for some of the power.



How much HP does a Cammed 454 make?


The 454 responded very well to the cam upgrade, as the peak numbers jumped from 376 hp and 482 lb-ft with the stock cam to 428 hp and 507 lb-ft of torque. An increase of 52 hp is always welcome, especially when it comes with a sizable jump in peak torque.



How much horsepower will a 454 have with twin turbos?


1000 hp on 91 Octane Pump Gas.



Does a cam give you more HP?


A roller cam does not add any horsepower at all it just makes the engine more reliable and allows you to use a stronger valve spring to keep the valve train in track of its movements better. The stronger spring means that the push rod and the lifter will follow the profile of a cam at high RPM.



How much horsepower is out of a 454?


In general, a properly tuned production automotive engine produces 1.0-1.5 hp per cubic inch. Where a particular engine falls depends on many factors, so we'll use 1.3 hp per cubic inch as a middle figure. That means a 454 can support almost 600 hp (454 x 1.3 = 590.2). Indeed, many do.



How much horsepower does a 454 small block have?


454 Small-Block

Motown 454 Power
LB-FTHP
4,100564.8441.0
4,200574.0459.0
4,300579.4474.3



How much HP does a 454 have stock?


So the average stock 454 is 250hp. They changed the rating system from gross horsepower to net horsepower in 1972 net is more realistic but not always dead on.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.