We’ve featured a ton of Chevrolet 454SS pickups here on Barn Finds over the years. When they debuted in late 1989 (as a 1990 model) they were almost instant collectibles. Some purchasers ran them hard and enjoyed them while others squirreled them away in hopes of a big payday in the future. They were only produced for four years with a total production number of 17,000 units. This one is from 1991 and can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $15,000. Located in Walker, Louisiana, this example looks like it has been treated well over the past 30 years. Check it out!
According to Hemmings.com, the performance of the 454 cubic inch V8 was bumped to 255 horsepower and 405 lb-ft. of torque. The automatic transmission was upgraded to the 4L80E and gearing was changed to 4.10s. The 0-60 time was improved to 7.2 seconds while the quarter-mile time cut 2/10ths to 15.7 seconds. Unfortunately, the fuel-injected engine sucked down a gallon of gas for every 10 or 11 miles driven!
The interior looks pretty good although you can see some of it is a bit sun-faded. The seller is honest in pointing out the flaws of the truck. Here is a photo of the dash pad. The seller states they have the original red dash which is included with the sale. There is also a small spot of wear on the driver’s seat that you can see in this photo.
As expected from a truck that has been driven, there are a few issues on the exterior as well. The worst is probably the spot near the driver’s door that you can see in this photo. The seller is apparently the second owner and as stated before, this truck appears to have been taken care of. What do you think of these single-cab performance trucks?
Old enough to remember test driving one in 1991. I liked it a lot but as I recall the window sticker indicated “very thirsty.” 10 mpg city and 11 on the highway, no doubt due to the “drag” axle and the 3 speed auto box. A real dragster. Just the same, someone will tell me if I am wrong, I think it was the only 454 in any sort of performance guise in 1991. I don’t remember them selling well, but apparently a lot of people saw collector item.
Neither the 454 or 460 Ford ever got any kind of decent gas mileage and it wasn’t expected either.In my mind I came up with a 350 tpi, like from the Camaro and Corvette, powered SS 350 half ton Chevy when these 454’s came out. With a choice of several colors and two bold stripes down the hood. Seemed like a cool idea at the time anyway.
Nice one here in great shape but if I’m getting nine or ten miles to the gallon in a fuel injected computer controlled half ton short bed it better do 0-60 a lot quicker that this one!
Too bad the 454 had peanut size intake openings. Not even true oval ports heads! Now the truck is almost 20 yrs old, needs some better breathing heads and FI setup.
Time flies when you’re having fun. This trucks almost 30 years old.
My math sucks! Yes 30 yrs old!
jerry z,
You’re invited to my next birthday!
If you don’t mind 4 to 8 miles to the gallon….THIS IS THE TRUCK FOR YOU!!!
Yea a good set of heads and a cam have been know to make over 100 rwhp. I know Edelbrock make a decwnt head for ir but if I were going to build a 454 I would drop the dough on some AFR heads.
454 LSX swap