When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Looking at a 1973 vett with a 454 in it. I don't know anything about this engines reputation. I've only owned c2's with 327;s in them. Is it considered a good engine or is it a dog. I'm looking for some opinions on this motor. Also, what kind of extra value does this add as he is asking quite a bit more than a comparable 73 with a 350-190 horse motor? Any advice on this engine would be most helpful, thanks in advance
The 454 is the Biggest "Big Block" that GM ever factory installed into a Corvette. The 454 weighs in at about 200 LBS more than a Small Block. By '73 the emissions laws were unquestionably impacting power output, but the Catalytic converter didn't enter the picture till 1975. The '73 would still have a points distributor from the factory.
Overall the 454 was considered a reliable engine. The extra front end weight impacts handling, but the biggest problem is "heat". The engine gets hot, and that in turn gets the pass compartment hot. The Big Block C3's are known to have some cooling system issues, but they can be addressed by the aftermarket....
I can't really give you a "value" for how much a Big Block adds to the car's value (over a comparable car with a Small Block) - I'd look to some of the Collector Car price guides for that info.... Displacement does give you low RPM torque, and on the street - torque is King. Drive it and see what you think about it...
A 454 Chevy engine is a workhorse and has been around for a long time. From a stock hp and torque perspective I wouldn't consider any 454 engine a dog, sure it not big numbers for hp but still respectable for stock.
Value??? That's subjective to the buyer, I would place a higher value on a SB car than a BB car for no other reason than I don't care for a BB car. I have owned both in C2 and C3 cars, BB is more costly to maintain, runs hotter etc. than a SB car.
My $.02 of advice and $10 will get you a beer at the Trump Hotel in DC.
Depends on if it is bone stock or has had the smog equipment removed and compression boosted back up. The factory did not know how to meet the EPA requirements without choking the engine to death back in those days. It is the same 454 that came in the 1970 with the exception of the smog equipment. For a C2 guy the 70 would be like a 427/390 engine.
Thanks for the info, I didn't think about the heat aspect. The c2's I owned the coupe was definitely hotter in the passenger compartment but sure was nice driving it on cool days. I can't easily drive the car as it is 8-9 hours away. I haven't driven a c-3 in 20 years but don't remember much about it. Some good advice so far, I appreciate it.
I have owned a '73 454 for about three years now. It's my first Corvette and here's my take. Stock, the engine is a torque monster but a bit tame. I had my engine rebuilt with a higher compression ratio and a more aggressive cam, the smog equipment was gone when I bought it. I did not want a high HP finicky motor, so the build is in the vicinity of 360 hp. The car now pulls like a freight train, I'd compare it to a strong electric motor pushing the car. It's not a 'kick in the back, it just keeps pulling until I'm past 100 mph and feeling a bit uncomfortable as the suspension still needs some work. The heat issue is real. I have installed a Dewitts radiator and so the motor runs cool, but the cockpit gets hot, especially in our Texas summers. Solution is to install a good heat barrier inside the car - on my to do list. One other thing, if you do most of the work on the car yourself, as I do, you'll appreciate having small hands and lots of tools that can each into tight spaces. The 454 really fills the engine bay in the Corvette. Good luck.
I have a 72 454 4 speed that I've owned from new and I would agree with pretty much everything that's been said with the exception of the heat. I have never noticed any excess heat in the cockpit (no air conditioning) and since day one the highest the engine temperature has ever gotten is 200 and then only on very hot days with city driving. The engine itself is not neck snapping fast but has tons of torque at any speed. And you can definately feel the extra weight over the front wheels (no power steering). It has been extremely reliable and has never been opened up or out of the car. Carb has been rebuilt. One thing to consider is mpg. Around town it's about 9, on the highway 14-15 is tops even at a steady 55 mph. At 70 it drops to 12-13 But then who buys these for fuel economy. 47,500 miles.
Looking at a 1973 vett with a 454 in it. I don't know anything about this engines reputation. I've only owned c2's with 327;s in them. Is it considered a good engine or is it a dog. I'm looking for some opinions on this motor. Also, what kind of extra value does this add as he is asking quite a bit more than a comparable 73 with a 350-190 horse motor? Any advice on this engine would be most helpful, thanks in advance
I sure wish I had my 73 coupe back. It was a 454 with 4-speed, 3 owner with 50k miles.
For an original car the 454 can add about 25% over the base model.
The 454 cars are a different bird......silky torque everywhere...but small *** camshaft......they do respond HUGE to timing, headers and a little jetting......knocks a whole second off the 1/4 mile....put a cam in one and you have a 13 second car......
They are fun but a total turd with timing set to factory spec.....
The car does look to be in excellent condition. I'm interested in the car because of that reason. Its also a color combo that I like but I have never been interested in big block cars. I always drove my vettes for cruising pleasure, not that interested in speed. Seven Hills does a really thorough job of writing up their cars. If that car had a 350 in it id have already bought t but it doesn't. Anyway still thinking of it and really appreciate all the replies so far.
The car does look to be in excellent condition. I'm interested in the car because of that reason. Its also a color combo that I like but I have never been interested in big block cars. I always drove my vettes for cruising pleasure, not that interested in speed. Seven Hills does a really thorough job of writing up their cars. If that car had a 350 in it id have already bought t but it doesn't. Anyway still thinking of it and really appreciate all the replies so far.
Don’t let the 454 deter you…..you will like it…..
Beautiful paint on this car too……
Damn nice open road cruiser……
I would have one concern about this car. The trim tag says 927 which translates to Dark Blue Metallic The body is painted what looks like 922 Medium Blue Metallic
Seven Hills 1973:
Seven Hills 1973
1973 Dark Blue Metallic
I would verify the paint color. The lighting in their showroom could be playing tricks on me. Certainly if you are seriously contemplating purchasing this car, a color change will affect the value.
Others with '73s painted in Medium Blue or Dark Blue can chime in.
Last edited by '73and'75; Dec 22, 2021 at 11:17 AM.
I would have one concern about this car. The trim tag says 927 which translates to Dark Blue Metallic The body is painted what looks like 922 Medium Blue Metallic
I would verify the paint color. The lighting in their showroom could be playing tricks on me. Certainly if you are seriously contemplating purchasing this car, a color change will affect the value.
Others with '73s painted in Medium Blue or Dark Blue can chime in.
I agree that is not a 927 color car, I own a 73 927 color car.
Hard to tell the color with the lighting the way it is. My brother lives near that dealer so I've been there a couple of times and drove a couple of his cars that I had a mild interest in. All his cars looked good the times I was there and he seemed like a good guy. Also saw him at Bloomington Gold when they were holding it in St. Charles at Pheasant Run. Must be a decent dealer as he's been in business quite awhile
1973 454
