SS 454! That single model designation was Chevrolet’s big news in 1970 and today, 55 years later, it means huge $$$ in the collector car market. And, while the hype continued through 1973 (the ’73 was an odd duck and is far from keeping with the vibe established by the ’70-’72 variants), no succeeding versions outshone 1970’s 450 HP LS6 powerhouse. Long gone, and in many circles forgotten by 1990, the moniker returned, though now reversed to “454 SS” and being worn by a half-ton pickup – my, how the times had changed. Today’s 1990 find, a freshman-year example of Chevy’s performance pickup, is showing some minor wear but claims reasonable mileage. It’s located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is available here on eBay for a current bid of $6,800, with a reserve that has not yet been met.
According to Motor Trend, GM’s Bowtie division assembled 17K 454 SS trucks between 1990 and 1993 with the majority seeing the light of day in the inaugural year. All were finished in black, at first, but then red and white were offered later in the production run. For the most part, changes were minimal from year to year though some mechanical improvements commenced in ’91. Our 78K mile example looks to be in pretty fair shape with just some paint fade noted on the hood’s leading edge. Speaking of the hood, it’s an add-on cowl induction piece that seems to grace too many old hot rods these days – of course, it’s a matter of choice. The seller tells us that this 454 SS underwent a repaint about ten years ago and it’s crash-free. It’s no biggie, but catching a glimpse of the cargo bed would be helpful.
The 454 CI engine in this SS truck is hardly up to 1970 standards, but that’s no surprise. It’s a 230 net HP version fed by a throttle body fuel injection unit and spinning a three-speed automatic transmission – likely a Turbo-Hydramatic 400, (now referred to as a 3L80 and functioning in its final year). The engine in this truck appears to have rusty aftermarket valve covers and an open-element air cleaner but appears to be stock beyond that. The seller claims it “runs and drives as it should.”
The interior is an interesting combination of red and black but research indicates that it’s red, or “Garnett” as it’s officially called, that it should be – perhaps the seats are replacements? The rest of the environment is actually quite clean and is a reminder of the angular/boxy style that was popular in late eighties/early nineties interiors. The seller states that the A/C system works.
So, will this Chevy become the next big thing in vintage performance? It’s debatable but my crystal ball gets lousy reception. Regardless, this 454 SS is certainly a curiosity piece and an indicator that Chevrolet saw where the interest in pickup trucks was heading. Other than the silly hood scoop, and that’s minor, I’d suggest this specific truck has ongoing possibilities, depending upon, of course, where the reserve is set. What’s your thought, a collectible worth considering?
These are great but they are guzzlers. These had to get the worst MPG of any passenger vehicle ever built. EPA combined 10 MPG. There’s one on fuelly.com that averages 6.8 miles per gallon
You’re kidding right? If you are worried about the mileage its not the Truck for you. We dont buy muscle trucks and cars because they get 35 MPG
No i’m not kidding. 7 mpg is terrible even for a truck.
3 spd autoloader, as Jim mentioned, and im guessing a fairly steep rearend? Wow didn’t know it was that bad.
The new owner will probably not care one bit 😃 🏁 😎
3.73:1 which helps explain the lousy fuel mileage.
JO
Never understood the hype. I had a 454 with the same horsepower in my ’97 3500 dually. Still got the same gas mileage and had a 5 speed. This is just a truck to haul stuff.
Sure…if a DeLorean can achieve ‘collectible sportscar’ status, anything can.
I’d have to remove those silly 454 SS stickers.
If you haven’t figured out by now that these aren’t collectable, you deserve to own one!
Nice ones bring $30,000. Highest on BAT is $80,000. Likely too rich for your blood. No need to feel bitter.
Beware the faded glitz at what lurks below. All 454s are not the same as GM designed it to be used in multiple vehicles. My dually could burn more fuel in a quarter mile than a jet plane. 454s were never ment to gas savers. Buyer be warned and control your emotions.
I had two,a 1990 and a red 1993. I liked the 93 better because of the 4spd auto trans. It had 4:10 gears and was thirsty over 70. I think I averaged 8mph
Test drove vehicle when they first came out, ended up buying a Toyota 4×4 extra cab for less money. It was also had better performance. Or at least to me it did.
My 91 K2500 454, with 4-speed and 3.73 gears gets 11.5 mpg. Bought it to haul cattle, hay and feed. Didn’t buy it for mileage. at 191K miles still going strong.
Stout, and well chosen combination Mark. 👌 👍
My 93 suburban with the same engine gets 10-11 depending on how I drive it. I think that the 7.75-1 compression ratio is what kills the power. 230HP from 454, its the slowest truck I have ever owned but I wouldn’t give it up. They are a product of their time I guess. The TBI motors have a reputation of being simple and reliable, a lot of them out there with 300+ thousand miles. A set of Gen6 vortec heads (100cc chamber instead of 118) and a cam would wake it up for cheep. I think the 454ss had 20 extra HP due to having true dual exhaust?