Design

• Like most other American V-8 engines, the 454 is configured in a 90 degree "V" and was manufactured with a cast iron block and cylinder heads. Some early performance versions used aluminum heads or--an even rarer option--blocks.
  
  

Displacement

• The 454 engine displacement is achieved by using the same cylinder bore as the previous 427 ci engine, but lengthening the crankshaft stroke from 3.76 to 4 inches. All physical dimensions are the same as other passenger car big block engines.
  
  

Power Output

• Power ratings were at their peak in 1970 with more than 450 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque from the high performance versions, while standard performance 454s were rated at slightly lower levels. Emission requirements and "SAE net" output measurements reduced the ratings in following years. No longer in production, the 454 is still available as a crate engine from GM with an output similar to the earliest version.