How Much Is a 454 Engine?

By Slyng Team

Updated Feb 18, 2024

In Learn Feb, 2024

If you're a car enthusiast, you know that the numbers under the hood are essential. But what do they mean? How much is a 454 engine? We'll break down how much a 454 engine costs in this post. Spoiler alert: it's not cheap! But if you're looking for power and performance, then there's no substitute. So keep reading to learn more!

Table of Contents

    What Is a 454 Engine?

    A 454 engine is exactly what it sounds like: a big block of power. This engine has four ("quad") pistons and seven ("hepto") cylinders. It's also significantly larger than the smaller 350 engines on the market. Also, a 454 is most commonly found in heavy trucks, such as dump trucks or cement mixers, but you can find it in some muscle cars from years past, such as Corvettes. A 454 is truly a workhorse under the hood with a durable design and high horsepower.

    Who Manufactures A 454 Engine?

    Multiple companies manufacture any 454 crate engine that you see today. Some of these include Navistar International, Cummins Engine Company, and more! There may even be other businesses out there making brand new engines even though GM patented the technology behind them many years ago.

    How Much Is a 454 Engine
    Photo Credit: Motor Trend

    What Are The Features Of A 454 Engine?

    The classic 454 engine is a V8. Car manufacturers typically use cast iron to craft their blocks and heads, but some will use aluminum on certain engine parts to reduce weight. The pistons and cylinders can come in different sizes and configurations based on what you need.

    For example, some may have narrow cylinders and a suitable exhaust valve, while others have wide cylinders with a big oil pan. This way, car companies can fit as much power as possible into one single vehicle model, which helps generate more revenue for them. Specifically, a 454 engine can generate a maximum of 380 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. It's not the best when it comes to fuel economy, but it does get decent gas mileage for an engine this large.

    What Is A 454 Block?

    A 454 block is one of three components in a typical 454 engine build: the block itself, pistons, and cylinders. This is just the block where the cylinder heads are attached. It also holds all internal components, such as the crankshaft and bearings. The pistons and cylinder head can come in different sizes and configurations based on what you need. For example, some may have narrow cylinders while others have wide cylinders. This way, car companies can fit as much power as possible into a single vehicle model, which helps generate more revenue for them.

    What Is A 454 Crank?

    A 454 crank isn't technically part of an engine build, but it plays a critical role in powering your entire engine block. The crankshaft rotates multiple times per second and works with other parts, such as the spark plugs, thus spinning the head's valves to open and close appropriately during driving conditions, such as accelerating or decelerating. An issue with the crankshaft or valve seats can lead to trouble starting up your car or truck, so this part of an engine must be compatible with other 454 parts.

    How Much Is a 454 Engine
    Photo Credit: Pinterest

    How Much Is A 454 Chevy Engine Worth?

    Unfortunately, such a powerful and large engine doesn't come cheap! The average 454 chevy engine price is $2000+, but exact prices vary depending on the type of vehicle you have. Other factors that affect the cost include your budget for a replacement, market demand for used engines, cubic inches of oil capacity, and more.

    Car mechanics typically use a "flat rate" manual to determine how much a job should cost before beginning work. This manual helps them ensure they don't charge too much or too little per car part or service they provide. In this case, it can be helpful to look up the flat rate manual for 454 engines if you're having issues determining what kind of costs on stock heads or pump gas they may incur.

    Original Engine

    Original engines aren't just your typical bare engines. When purchasing an item, it's essential to know its original value. A 454 chevy engine price is $2000+. It's not the actual market value because that number changes based on how many are currently available, whether or not they're still under warranty, and other factors today's mechanics take into account when making purchases (or sales).

    Example Brands Of 454 Original Engine

    • GM – General Motors Company
    • Ford – Ford Motor Company
    • International – Navistar International Corporation (owned by VW Group)
    • Caterpillar – Caterpillar Inc.
    • Perkins – Perkins Engines Ltd.
    • Detroit Diesel – American Motores Corp. (owned by Daimler AG)

    Rebuilt Engine

    Meanwhile, a rebuilt 454 engine price is lower than the original. This is because mechanics strip the old components out and replace them with new ones—but they don't always have to be genuine parts. With this in mind, it's normal for a 454 rebuilt engine price to range from $500-$2500+.

    It has been claimed that refurbished engines are superior than factory-installed engines in terms of dependability, reliability, and warranty coverage. Your most dependable and cost-effective engine repair option is to replace your present engine with a rebuilt engine.

    Example Brands Of 454 Rebuilt Engine

    • GM – General Motors Company
    • International – Navistar International Corporation (owned by VW Group)
    • Caterpillar – Caterpillar Inc.
    • Chevrolet engine blocks
    • Detroit Diesel – American Motores Corp. (owned by Daimler AG)
    • Chevy big-block engines.
    How Much Is a 454 Engine
    Photo Credit: Five Star Engine

    Where Can I Buy A 454 Engine?

    Before purchasing a micro-polished 454 big block engine, or any other part for that matter, it's essential to know where you can buy one. Your best bet is to check with your local car mechanic for more information. They'll be able to recommend specific brands and dealers they trust, as well as provide installation and restoration services if needed.

    Another option is to test a car dealer. Although they typically don't sell their replacement parts, they buy them from other businesses such as mechanics and then resell them. Last but not least, you can look online for more options. Sites like eBay and Amazon frequently sell 454 engines and other car components at discounted prices due to a lack of inventory or demand for specific products. However, e-commerce sites aren't the only ones with good deals on new and used engines!

    Have A Quality 454 Engine Now

    As you can see, purchasing a 454 engine isn't something to take lightly. You'll need to think about your budget and the condition of your current one.

    A 454 engine price has a suggested retail price of $2000+. Given the hefty price, you'll get what you paid for in terms of quality, consistency, and performance. Also, quality control is assured of avoiding cancer and birth defects, reproductive harm, and other adverse effects. Quality 454 engines are a gem in the car enthusiast world, which is why Road Cartel is pleased to deliver that product to customers.

    We are your one-stop-shop for all things 454. We have a vast selection of long block and short block pressure-tested parts, including pistons, oil pump sets, rods, valves, sets of head gasket, intake manifold, and more. Our inventory changes daily, so check back often to find what you need at a great price. You don't have time to waste searching through hundreds of listings or waiting weeks for an order to arrive. We only work with trusted suppliers who can deliver quality products quickly and affordably right to your door.

    And if you ever have any questions about our products or services, give us a call. Our friendly staff will be happy to help. So click here now to browse our inventory today.