What to look for on 454?

[brainpause]

I love my little 2014 Chevy Sonic. Comfortable, good mileage, XM radio, good acceleration from standstill.

 

But I miss my 2006 Silverado. Wish my (soon-to-be) ex had not made me sell it. Did not know she was filing for divorce when we sold it, but that's another story.

 

Anyhoo, I wanted a truck with the 8.1/Ally combo, but I can't find one with at least an extended cab that I want to spend the money on.

 

So, I've been looking at 90's models with the 454 in it.

 

Found one that looks good in the pictures. It's a 1994, and emailed the owner for more info.

 

Two Questions:

What should I do if I go look at one? Particular problem areas?

When did the flat tappets go away?

 

Larry

[grampadirt]

I'd stay away from anything '95 or older simply because they are OBDI ECM controlled.I have a '95 and wish I knew this before I bought it.Pretty much all mfgrs. had to go to OBDII in '96 per government mandate.OBDII offers many more options for controlling,upgrading & tuning.My 454 has many miles on it and still pulls my loaded toy hauler fairly well but I still wish it was an OBDII burb.I believe the horsepower increased also in '96.