How much power does a 454 motorhome have?

It has great power to 4500-5000. They should be the same till like 88-89 unless its cam size or something. The only thing that really holds those motors back from more serious mods is the dismal 7.9:1 compression ratio.

When did the Chevy 454 RV engine come out?

Manufactured by Chevrolet, the 454-cubic-inch big-block V-8 is a workhorse used in a multitude of applications. The reliability and high torque made it an ideal choice for everything from light duty trucks, to SUVs and motorhomes. In its current displacement capacity, the engine debuted in 1970.

What’s the compression ratio on a motorhome 454?

The only thing that really holds those motors back from more serious mods is the dismal 7.9:1 compression ratio. That really limits how far you can go with your cam choice before things start to suck pretty bad.

What should the stock cam be on a 454?

If you want to cam the stock motor I’d keep the cam under 220* duration and even at that I’d consider a higher stall converter to get you out of the lower RPM range quickly. The stock truck cam is around 190* duration, FYI. I picked a 204/214 and it helped at lot.

It has great power to 4500-5000. They should be the same till like 88-89 unless its cam size or something. The only thing that really holds those motors back from more serious mods is the dismal 7.9:1 compression ratio.

Manufactured by Chevrolet, the 454-cubic-inch big-block V-8 is a workhorse used in a multitude of applications. The reliability and high torque made it an ideal choice for everything from light duty trucks, to SUVs and motorhomes. In its current displacement capacity, the engine debuted in 1970.

The only thing that really holds those motors back from more serious mods is the dismal 7.9:1 compression ratio. That really limits how far you can go with your cam choice before things start to suck pretty bad.

If you want to cam the stock motor I’d keep the cam under 220* duration and even at that I’d consider a higher stall converter to get you out of the lower RPM range quickly. The stock truck cam is around 190* duration, FYI. I picked a 204/214 and it helped at lot.

How does ignition timing work on a Chevy 454?

Fuel takes a certain amount of time to burn. As the engine rpm increases the time the fuel remains in the engine decreases exponentially, thus ignition timing is advanced to allow more time for combustion. Mark the timing mark on the harmonic balancer with the white marker to make it more visible for the timing light.

What kind of engine is a 1988 Chevy 454?

Specifications for the 1988 454 RV Engine by Jeff Slater Manufactured by Chevrolet, the 454-cubic-inch big-block V-8 is a workhorse used in a multitude of applications. The reliability and high torque made it an ideal choice for everything from light duty trucks, to SUVs and motorhomes.

Is there a problem with my 454 engine?

I have asked a number of people and have been told that it is a motor home issue caused by the dog house engine cover and that the 454 was redesigned around that time to increase engine heat to increase millage. My question remains, is it just my 454 or have other people had the same problem?

What to do if your RV has a 454 problem?

The plug wires burn out from the heat. I was told to get a good set and replace evvery 25000 miles. I figured may I would cut holes in side panels to let the heat out. In aviation we always figured the heat outlet should be twice the inlet size. Good luck. George ▶ Reply Thank you for the comments George.

What was the horsepower of a 1988 454 RV?

Horsepower output varied slightly and was application specific, but typically count on 350 hp to 400 hp, with torque slightly higher, coming in at 450 lb.-ft. The large bore and stroke made the vast majority of power available just off idle, enabling it to be a very capable towing and RV platforms.

Is the Chevy 454 used in motor homes?

A popular choice for recreation vehicles, the Chevy 454 found its home in motor-homes, although it was never originally designed for that purpose. The volume of engines produced, vast parts availability and relatively cheap cost made the transplant extremely attractive.

When did the Chevy 454 engine come out?

In 1988 the engine was typically found in a long list of Chevrolet pickup trucks, Vans and SUVs, including the popular C3500 truck series, as well as the GMC Suburban line of full-size sport utility vehicles. Many reputable engine builders offer turnkey solutions based on the Chevy 454 for a number of vehicles.

Can a big block V-8 be lifted from a motorhome?

The guys over at Hot Rod magazine wanted to prove it’s possible to make big horsepower from a Chevrolet big-block V-8 lifted from a junk1986 motorhome. Why a motorhome? Well, they can be had stupidly cheap, not counting the extra work it takes to remove the engine and then dispose of the lifeless RV.