454 V8

[R Dogg 56]

Anyone know of any major problems this engine is known for?

[Extreme]

I have never heard of any major problems with the 454. It has been around along time as a well proven engine. They seem to get around 12-13 mpg empty.

[C/K Man]

1988-2000 actually encompasses 3 different versions of the 454. 1988-90 would be the Mark IV TBI engine. These are usually 2 bolt main blocks, and are pretty much identicle to any late 1970's carbureted 454. They use a Quadrajet intake manifold with a water heated adapter to mount the TBI unit. In 1991, the Mark V was introduced. This is a modernized Mark IV with a one piece TBI manifold, cast aluminum valve covers, 4 bolt mains, one piece oil pan gaskets and rear main oil seal. Horsepower and torque are the same as the earlier 454's. In 1996, the Mark VI, or Vortec 7400 was introduced. This engine was basically a Mark V with port fuel injection and roller lifters. It has substantially more horsepower and torque than the TBI 454's. None of them are known for being toublesome.

[R Dogg 56]

Awesome. Thanks

[Charlie in TX]

Anyone know of any major problems this engine is known for?

Burning oil. All GM big blocks do it some. Even the new 496. I would guess normal to be a quart every 1000 - 1500 miles after brake-in.

[C/K Man]

That's true if you compare a big bore engine to a small bore engine. A 454's oil consumption is consistant with a Ford 460 or a Dodge 440.

[BDBWTE]

Only problems I know of is that they have oil starvation on start up in the lifter valley and the timing chain.

[bigwhite91]

mine is a 91 454 in a 3500 hd and it uses 1 quart evey 1000 miles which is usal for a engine that works. main thing is keep it change every 3-4000 miles and check it often and keep it full and use the same brand of oil every time. just not sludgeoil aka penzoil.mine has 177,000 miles and runs strong. i never seen 12-13 miles per gallon more like 8-9 mpg.