Specifications for a 1990 Chevy L19

• The L19 engine had been used in many vehicles over the years, from muscle cars to pickup trucks. In 1990, Chevrolet limited the L19 engine to only two vehicles: the C1500 454 SS and C/K3500. While these two trucks were totally different from each other, with the SS being a sport truck and the C/K3500 being a utility truck, the two engines were identical.

Horsepower

• The horsepower of an engine rated its ability to move weight long distances. The L19 engine produced 230 horsepower in 1990.

Torque

• The torque measurement was the twisting power that the engine produces. This rating directly affected the acceleration of the vehicle. The 1990 Chevrolet L19 engine produced 385 ft.-lb. of torque.

Internals

• The Chevy L19 had a bore, or cylinder width, of 4.25 inches and a stroke, or the piston travel inside the cylinder, of 4 inches. The total displacement of the engine was 7,440 cubic centimeters, or 454.016 cubic inches. When advertised, the engine's displacement was rounded down to 454 cubic-inches. The L19 engine, also called a 7.4 liter, had a compression ratio of 7.9 to 1.

Economy

• The SS 454 C1500 was the only L19-equipped vehicle tested by the EPA for fuel economy. This engine got 10 mpg in the city and 11 mpg on the highway.