Which Chevy Trucks Came With a 454 V8 Engine?
Bottom line: The 454 big‑block powered the 1970‑1979 Chevrolet C/K series, the 1978‑1981 Silverado, and the 1978‑1981 Suburban. Those three models are the only factory‑installed trucks that rolled off the line with the 454 V8.
Which Chevy Trucks Came With a 454 V8 Engine?
Image: Which Chevy Trucks Came With a 454 V8 Engine? – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The 454‑powered trucks kept the classic Chevrolet boxy shape that made the C/K line famous. Inside, owners got a roomy cab with bench seats and a simple dash that let you focus on the road, not the gadgets. The 1978‑81 Silverado added a more squared‑off front end, while the Suburban kept its long‑wheel‑base look, making it feel like a small RV on wheels.
When I first sat behind the wheel of a 1979 C10 with a 454, the sheer size of the engine under the hood was impressive – a massive iron block that seemed to promise unstoppable torque.
Performance & Mileage
The 454 V8 was a true workhorse. It produced 250‑280 hp and a whopping 430‑460 lb‑ft of torque, which meant you could haul a trailer or fill a bed with gravel without breaking a sweat. Fuel economy was modest by today’s standards – roughly 10‑12 mpg on the highway – but that was expected for a big‑block of this era.
Because the engine was shared with Chevrolet’s performance cars, many owners found the trucks surprisingly quick for their size. The low‑end torque made city driving smooth, and the power band stayed strong up to 5,500 rpm.
Price & Rivals
When new, the 454‑equipped C/K trucks sold for about $5,500‑$7,500, depending on trim and options. The Silverado and Suburban were priced a bit higher, reflecting their newer styling and extra features like power steering and upgraded brakes.
At the time, the main competition came from Ford’s F‑Series trucks, which offered the 460 V8 in limited models. Dodge’s D‑Series also had a 440 big‑block, but none matched the 454’s blend of torque and durability.
Quick Reference Table
| Engine | Mileage (mpg) | Price (USD) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970‑1979 Chevrolet C/K 10/20/30 (454 V8) | 10‑12 | $5,500‑$7,500 |
|
| 1978‑1981 Chevrolet Silverado (454 V8) | 10‑12 | $6,200‑$8,000 |
|
| 1978‑1981 Chevrolet Suburban (454 V8) | 9‑11 | $7,000‑$9,000 |
|
FAQ
What years did Chevy offer a factory 454 V8 in a truck?
The 454 appeared in Chevrolet trucks from 1970 to 1979 in the C/K series, and again in the 1978‑1981 Silverado and Suburban models.
How many miles can a 454‑powered truck get?
Expect around 10‑12 mpg on the highway and 8‑10 mpg in city driving, depending on load and maintenance.
Is a 454 Chevy truck worth buying today?
For collectors who love classic American power, the 454 trucks are valuable. They offer raw torque, easy parts availability, and a nostalgic driving experience.
Got a story about a 454 Chevy truck? Share it in the comments below!
Source: Read Official News
