Specifications for a Chevy 7.4L V8 Engine
by Phil WhitmerThe 7.4L (454 cubic-inch) V8 was a big-block engine manufactured by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors starting in 1970. It was the second-largest Chevy production engine after the 8.2L, or 502 cubic-inch motor.
Applications
Starting in 1970, near the end of the muscle-car era, Chevy used the 454 in high-performance cars such as the Camaro. It powered Corvettes from 1970 until 1974 and Chevelles until 1975. From 1996 until 2001, GM built a truck version of the 454 called the Vortec 7400.
7.4L Variants
Three variants of the 7.4L Chevy 454 were produced besides the truck version. The 500-horsepower LS7 version wasn't sold in production cars, but was offered as a Chevrolet crate engine. The LS6 version used in the 1970 Camaro and Chevelle produced 450 horsepower. The standard model LS5 put out 360 horsepower.
Technical Information
The LS5 454 used in the 1970 Corvette Stingray displaced 454.2 cubic inches. Its bore and stroke was 4.25 inches by 4 inches. With a Rochester 750-cfm four-barrel carburetor, it generated 390 horsepower at 4,800 rpm. Its torque rating was 500 foot-pounds at 3,400 rpm. Its compression ratio was 10.25:1.
