One of the more well known GMT400 special editions is probably the Chevrolet 454 SS Pickup Truck. Introduced in 1990 as a performance package for the C1500 shortbed regular cab pickup, the 454 SS borrowed many of the design elements from the available Sport Equipment Package and added the 7.4L big block V8 from the heavy duty trucks (along with a few other things).
Only available for 4 years, true examples are rare, but they are often copied. All true 454 SS trucks will be regular cab, shortbed, fleet side trucks with the RPO code B4U.
The following features were consistent in all 454 SS trucks:
- C1500 Regular Cab/Fleetside/Shortbed
- 2WD
- L19 7.4L V8 Engine
- 14 bolt 9.5″ semi-float locking rear differential
- Automatic transmission
- Heavy duty cooling
- Quick ratio 12.7:1 steering box
- 1.3″ Front anti-roll bar
- 46mm Bilstein shocks
- Chrome 6 slot 15″ wheels with 275/60R15 tires
- Sport mirrors
- Gloss black grill with red badging
- Body color bumpers
- Composite headlights
- Front air dam with fog lights
- 454 SS badging on bedsides
- Silverado interior trim level
- Bucket seats with center console
Production Numbers
The 454 SS is relatively rare, but examples can still be found. Stock/unmolested trucks are even less common due to both the age and performance nature of the vehicle. Make sure you verify it is a true 454 SS if that is what you are looking for.
| 1990 | 13,748 |
| 1991 | 983 |
| 1992 | 1,379 |
| 1993 | 843 |
| Total | 16,953 |
1990 : The first generation
The first model year of the 454 SS had the most differences versus the later models.
The powertrain at inception consisted of the L19 7.4L/454 straight from the heavy duty trucks. No changes were made, rated at 230hp@3600rpm and 385ft-lbs@1900rpm. The first year had a single exhaust system. The transmission was the 3 speed automatic TH400, and the 9.5″ SF rear differential had a 3.73:1 ratio.
1990 454 SS’s were only available in Onyx Black with Garnet Red interior. The trucks did not even have a tachometer!
Base price in 1990 was $18,295. More trucks were produced the first year than any other, to the tune of about 13,748.
1990 454 SS Performance Specifications
| Horsepower | 230 @ 3600rpm |
| Torque | 385 @ 1900rpm |
| 0-60mph | 7.7 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 15.9s @ 87 mph |
1991 : Improvements
In 1991, Chevy made a handful changes to improve the performance of the 454 SS pickup.
By upgrading to a new dual exhaust system, the L19 gained 25 horsepower and 20 ft-lbs of torque. The new output was now 255hp@4000rpm, and 405 ft-lbs@2400. This is the highest the L19 would be rated from the factory in any platform.
After the engine, the transmission was upgraded to the heavy duty 4L80E 4 speed automatic transmission. This allow them to change the rear axle ratio to 4:10:1 for improved acceleration.
The only color combination is still Onyx Black with Garnet Red interior…however now we get a tachometer! Thanks GM.
Even with all these improvements, only 983 454 SS’s were produced in 1991.
1991 454 SS Performance Specifications
| Horsepower | 255 @ 4000rpm |
| Torque | 405 @ 2400rpm |
| 0-60mph | 7.1 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 15.7s @ 87 mph |
1992-1993 : We have colors…sort of.
Very few changes were made in the last two model years, but one stands out.
Rather than being limited to the Onyx Black/Garnet Red color combination, your could now order a 454 SS in Summit White, or Victory Red! The grills and trim cladding were still black, but the bumpers and mirrors were painted body color.
Interior was now available in blue, beige, and gray colors.
Base price in 1992 was ~$20,585 with 1,379 trucks produced.
Price increased to $21,240 for the last year, with 843 trucks produced.
1992-1993 454 SS Performance Specifications
| Horsepower | 255 @ 4000rpm |
| Torque | 405 @ 2400rpm |
| 0-60mph | 7.1 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 15.7s @ 87 mph |
