In 1990, Chevrolet equipped its light half-ton pickup truck with a 454-cubic-inch big-block L19 engine with electronic fuel injection (EFI). The mill initially produced 230 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, but was upgraded to 255 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque for the 1991-1993 model years. A three-speed Turbo Hyda-Matic automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential. The 454 engine is best known as the power source for the 1970-1974 Corvette, but Chevrolet also installed it in the Caprice, Chevelle, and El Camino. Despite the engine’s formidable displacement, the truck’s performance was mediocre at best, accelerating to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and hitting the quarter mile in 15.7 seconds at 87 mph.
The Chevrolet 454 SS was one of the performance-oriented pickup trucks that followed a popular formula in the early ’90s: stuffing a powerful big-block engine into a small, lightweight platform. The favorable weight distribution up front made them ideal for tire wear. While the 454 V8 offered time-tested reliability, it was also known for a few issues, including problems with the cylinder head, exhaust manifolds, and shrinkage. The engine also suffered from overheating, especially in trucks carrying heavy loads.
Also, the 454 station wagon was a gasoline, with an estimated fuel economy of 10 mpg city and 11 mpg highway. According to Hagerty, while a Concours-rated (world’s best) 1990 Chevrolet 454 SS can fetch $92,300 at auction, most sell for much less: a truck with an Excellent rating sells for $63,800 , a good rating for $32,600 and a fair rating for $13,900.
