Clocking a sub-16 second quarter mile time isn’t a really hard task to accomplish. Clocking that quarter mile time in a 4,400-pound vehicle is a different story, especially when it’s a pickup truck. This 1990 Chevrolet 454 SS, found here on Craigslist in Wichita, Kansas, could make quick runs to the hardware store even quicker for interested buyers.
The terms big block and horsepower hadn’t been synonymous since roughly two decades before this truck was produced. While the 230 horsepower rating on this truck’s big block didn’t change that, the 385 ft/lbs of torque at least made an attempt to get back to the days of real power. With Ford’s Mustang GT running a 15.6 second quarter mile in 1991, it makes this truck’s 15.8 second quarter mile a little more respectable.
The seller of this 454 SS states that the truck is exceptional inside and out and the pictures seem to verify that claim. With only 86,000 and no accidents in its history, this one becomes even more intriguing. While the red interior is a little much, it was a sign of the times in 1990.
The all-black colors with red accents and chrome wheels give this one a stealthy look, even for a pickup. Finding a decent example of a truck like this that hasn’t been used and abused is becoming a tall task. This example looks very clean and worth considering for future collectibility. So, what does the market look like for these muscle trucks? And is the $15,000 price tag reasonable for such a nice example?
I had one great truck only a two seater have a saleen truck now
These were a nice truck in their day, and smog equipment or not, they still went like Jack, the Bear. I came close to buying one very similar to this one, only with about 10K miles (It was only 3 years old at the time). I was a little cautious because something didn’t seem right. I’m glad I did as the guy who bought it found out that it was under investigation. Apparently the vendor was an accountant for a good sized produce company, and he embezzled funds to finance his car flipping business. The SS 454 was just one of the vehicles that got repossessed. I had a co-worker who bought a Ford Ranger from the same vendor, and almost lost it….
Yes it is a gas hog, but I think it is a nice truck and a reasonable price. I could not afford to drive it here in Canada being we get screwed on fuel prices but still would love to own it.
My youngest son had a red one of these in 1995 and it was quick, he hit a deer one night and the body shop offered to pay his loan off and give him another used Chevy truck for his, so he did and was happy because the other truck had a 350 v8 and was cheaper to drive.
He would not have had a SS then, I believe all SS454’s were black.
In 1990-91yes. 92-93 you could also get red or white.
Read again. He didn’t say they would give him another SS , they said another Chevy truck.
This is a half-assed attempt at cloning a 454SS, despite the ad’s claim that it’s not a clone. For starters, the decal on the tailgate is totally screwed up. The bowtie should aligned with the “Chevrolet” script. Beyond that, the center caps should be chrome, with red bowtie inserts, not black caps. Then, it’s missing it’s standard equipment bodyside moldings, with red “1500” identifiers. BUT, the most glaring point, is that there is no center console!! All SS models had a standard center console, NOT a fold-down console/seat combo. Buyer Beware!!
I politely disagree about it being a clone. i think it has been repainted, thus explaining the decal placement and body side moldings. The center caps…. I agree they are wrong, but the originals probably broke or were stolen. I have also never seen one with the folding center seat either. Could it have been an option?
But the give-away that it is not a clone is that the ad has the VIN which shows the 8th digit being an “N”. N-code is TBI-7.4L which was only available in the 1500 series in the 454SS.
I agree looks factory under the hood, I dont see it being valuable enough for someone to clone it. A guy could get the seat out of a salvage yard or work out a deal with the dealership.
“And is the $15,000 price tag reasonable for such a nice example?” No.
Love it except for the red interior, to me it’s like riding around in a dead animal.
I am knocking this truck, or any of these trucks.
But, an original Lil Red Express, with the 360 is on record for doing the quarter mile in 15.7 at 88 mph. With a few changes, Holley 4 bbl, Holley intake and different heads, the prototype motors did the 1/4 in 14.7. Today, with some advice from a company like Hughes Engines ( I have no connection to them ) it could look stock, stroke over 400 cubes, and likely make 400 hp, easy.
http://www.dodgeconnection.com/LilRedInfo.html
Nice truck, but the Lil Red is the original Muscle Truck.
A few questions.
First, weren’t these actually not that fast?
Second, why is the plastic dash various shades of red and maroon? Was it parked in the hot sun for years or just the plastic aging?
Well, it being big block fast…?? Not exactly…these were a slug!! I had a 94 F150 lightning and my buddy had one of these new. He kept badgering me to race him. My lighthing would put 2 car lengths on his slug truck every time!! These were a joke of a performance truck!! Nothing but stickers on a short bed.
I now have a 2001 F150 lightning 500+ horsepower. where are these chevys now??Bring it!! Stupid idea by the bowtie boys!!
Yeah maybe a little bold but Chevy never did match up with ford in the performance truck segment. Nice try. They still can’t catch up! The new Shelby F150 raptors are 700+ horsepower. …..Chevy who???
@Rob yes those were the original bad a $$ trucks!! Great power and fast as he//!!
Would love to have a stroked red express!!
A buddy bought one new, less than a year later he & another friend “Upgraded” it with Holley, MSD & TCI 700R. Then it became what gm meant to build. Everything was better, gas mileage when towing his drag car went from 6-8mpg to 12-14mpg.