454 Big Block Engine Specifications

• The Chevy 454-cubic-inch Big Block engine is often thought as the epitome of GM muscle car prowess. It was developed in the mid-1960s via racing technology. Initially, the big-block engines were 396 cubic inches, and eventually a larger 454-cubic-inch engine was produced. The Big Block engine was used in a variety of GM vehicles, from station wagons to pickup trucks to muscle cars. While factory-production 454 engines were halted in 1974, GM still produces 454 crate engines for custom car enthusiasts.

Engine Construction (ZZ454)

• The 454-cubic-inch ZZ engine has a cast-iron block or a 4-bolt block with an aluminum head or a cast-iron head. This engine features hydraulic rollers along with forged-steel connecting rods and crankshaft. The pistons are made of forged aluminum and the rocker arms are stamped steel. The ZZ454 uses a cast-iron water pump, and GM recommends 92-octane fuel.

Bore and Stroke and Compression Ratio Specifications

• The ZZ454, along with other variations of the 454 engine, has a bore and stroke measurement of 4.25 inches by 4.0 inches. The compression on the ZZ454 performance engine is 9.6:1.

Horsepower and Torque Specifications

• The ZZ454 high-performance engine with cast-iron heads produces 425 horsepower and 500 foot-pounds of torque and weighs 590 pounds. The ZZ454 high-performance engine with aluminum heads produces slightly more horsepower (440) with the same 500 foot-pounds of torque, but weighs only 522 pounds.