454 SS pickup questions

[Mikester]

Hi Folks,

wasn't sure where to post this..please move if inappropriate...

A friend of mine is interested in a 90`454 SS truck.

However owner Claims it's a ´90 but here are my questions:

1. How Long where the dial disc gauges used and when where the modern type gauges first used? This one has the modern style once which has me confused. Or did they make an Export model as well?

2. Engine code, where can it be found on the block itself ? He Claims it has 270 HP but the highest ever made were 255 if I remember correctly (91 onwards)?

3. Decals, where they brick style in 90 only and script style later or the other way around?

Thank you for your help!!

 

[someotherguy]

1990 would have the moonie gauges, and no tach, even on the 454SS. Difference is the higher top speed shown, which was either 100 or 110; I forget - I do have a pic of the 1990 454SS moonie cluster around here somewhere though.

Needle style gauges w/tach came with 1991, though electrically they are more like the 1988-1990 moonie gauges, with the same connector and the built-in speed sensor buffer instead of external DRAC module like a 1992-1995 truck would have. This makes recalibrating the speedo for gear or tire size changes a bit more of a pain.

By the way 1991-1993 would be the years to get IMO because they have the higher HP engine (255 vs. 230), 4L80E overdrive automatic, vs. the TH400 3 speed in the 1990 model. Plus moonie gauges suck.

AFAIK there is no 270HP model so he's blowing smoke.

Not sure what you mean on the decal style.

You want to know the year model though, it's easy. 10th digit of the VIN. 1990 is L, 1991 is M, 1992 is N, 1993 is P... http://www.someotherplace.com/info/GMT400VINCARD.JPG

Richard

 

[GMCTRUCKS]

Your right the 1990 had moonie gauges now mine did have a rpm gauge only because I installed a mini one on it right above my steering wheel column.

 

[Justin S]

If you think the truck isn't legit, look at the vin number behind the windshield to see if it still has the factory rivets, and if it matches the glove box and door.

 

[Mikester]

Thanks everybody!

 

[shovelbill]

if GM used the 6 sided rivet then, they were easy to make.......just put em in a drill chuck, twice.....then fine tune. fooled most LEO's back in the day.

 

[someotherguy]

If you think the truck isn't legit, look at the vin number behind the windshield to see if it still has the factory rivets, and if it matches the glove box and door.

Other nice ways to indicate if the truck is a real 454SS. That was the only model you could get the 454 in a 1/2 ton truck. Some other clues, too...so by decoding the VIN (see the link I posted in my first reply) -

1st digit "1" (USA production)
2nd & 3rd digits "GC" (Chevrolet brand, complete vehicle)
4th digit "D" (5,001-6,000 lb GVWR)
5th digit "C" (2 wheel drive)
6th digit "1" (1/2 ton)
7th digit "4" (2 door regular cab)
8th digit "N" (454 TBI engine)
9th digit will vary ("check" digit for internal auditing)
10th digit will vary by year (but for 454SS will only be L, M, N, P for 1990-1993)
11th digit "Z" (Fort Wayne, Indiana plant - not 100% sure but I *think* all 454SS came from here)
12-17th digits are the serial #

So in other words, 1GCDC14NxxZxxxxxx

Richard

 

[Justin S]

Also it would have a 14 bolt 5 lug rear end

 

[Blackwater]

Your right the 1990 had moonie gauges now mine did have a rpm gauge only because I installed a mini one on it right above my steering wheel column.

I swapped instrument clusters with a 2500 with a tach.

Also it would have a 14 bolt 5 lug rear end

I remember them having 12 bolt five lug.

 

[90halfton]

I swapped instrument clusters with a 2500 with a tach.



I remember them having 12 bolt five lug.

No. 14 bolt. Only 14 bolt from factory with 5 lugs