Opening Up the Rat’s Nest

The idea of a 454-cubic-inch Chevrolet engine is now a production reality. Somebody get the record books out; there’ll be a few changes needed

by Steve Kelly

Improved performance with only a moderate decrease in fuel mileage is the reasoning behind the auto industry’s move to large-displacement cubic-inch V8’s. A few years back, a 350-cubic-inch engine seemed mammoth, but these are now the baby engines in most car makers’ lines. Engines have crossed the 450-inch mark this year, and nearly every car maker offers a plus-400-cubic-inch engine. Chevrolet has increased their 427 V8 by 27 cubic inches, resulting in a 454 V8 that is fitted to Chevelles, Chevrolets, and Monte Carlos. And when the Corvette and Camaro for 1970 make their debut later in the year, it quite likely will be fitted to them also; one option will surely be a cast aluminum alloy block. At present the 454 comes in three horsepower ratings: 345 @ 4400 rpm,…

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Hot Rod (Digital) - 1 Issue, October 1969

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