Modified 454 SS Has Us Pining for a Reboot of Sport Truck Category
When is Chevy going to give us another iconic sport truck like the 454 SS, or even an SSR?
Browsing through the Bring a Trailer listings has become something of a pastime for us. This time we spotted, and immediately perused, a 1990 Chevrolet 454 SS. For those who don’t know, this was an early 90s factory hot rod. Take the standard cab Chevrolet 1500 with the short box and drop a big block in it. The 7.3-liter V8 is good for 230 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. Though quaint for us today, since the garden variety 2019 Silverado with a V-8 makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, what would you rather have in your garage?
This is the truck that inspired all the performance trucks that many idolize. The Lightning? Introduced in 1993. Though they’d probably disagree with calling the 454 SS an inspiration, it’s impossible to deny that the Ford was at best a response to the 454. Since then you can indirectly trace many of the modern performance trucks back to the 454 SS. Raptor? Check. Silverado SS? Duh. When is Chevy going to take aim at the hot-rod truck segment again?
The 2019 Silverado is a good looking truck too. The LT5 from the ZR1 would make for a fun sport truck. Shoot, even the LS1 would make a nice partner for something with a little more ground clearance. Though the days of the lowered street truck seem to be behind us, a guy can dream can’t he?
What about that 454 SS?
Back to the BaT listing, there were some odd choices in our opinion, but a few we’d make if one of those black beauties ended up in our driveway. On the positive side, we’d definitely modify the exhaust, and would certainly replicate the 2- and 3-inch drop.
On the questionable side, and perhaps why this particular example only hit a bid of $7,200 (below reserve) were two items: the center console and the fuel cell. The ad notes that the OEM center console would be included in the sale, which is some consolation. The custom unit though isn’t one I’d choose. Turning to that fuel cell: though perhaps a better investment if you’re looking towards more serious modifications, a truck without major engines mods just brings questions. Was it raced? Maybe there was a nitrous system in place?
What would you do with a 454 SS? Join us in the forums and let us know!
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