An aluminum-headed 440-horse monster in a box!
If you’re going to put a big-block in your project car, why not add some aluminum heads into the mix? GM Performance Parts took the venerable 454 HO, swapped the cast iron production heads for a set of our oval-port aluminum castings, and created the ZZ454. Not only do the aluminum cylinder heads flow more air, but you also drop almost 100 pounds off the nose of your car - dramatically improving performance.
The aluminum heads of the ZZ454/440 account for 15 horse improvement over the iron-headed 454 HO. These oval-port aluminum heads use huge 2.25" intake and 1.88" exhaust valves as well as small combustion chambers to add to the efficiency of the 454" big-block. The bottom end includes a Gen VI four-bolt block, a forged steel crank, forged
connecting rods, and forged pistons. A roller camshaft with a .510/.540" lift specs delivers a big -block loping idle as well as add to the high performance punch of the entire crate engine.
The ZZ454/440 is delivered as a complete assembly including water pump, balancer, intake manifold, and 14" automatic transmission flexplate. All you need to do is add your carburetor, ignition, and starter to complete the project. Of course, all of these parts are available through your GM Performance Parts dealer.
ZZ454/440 Tech Specs:
Part Number: 12498777
Engine type: Chevy big-block V8
Displacement (cu in): 454
Bore x stroke (in): 4.25 x 4.00
Block (P/N 12561353): Cast iron with 4-bolt main caps
Crankshaft (P/N 14096983): Forged steel
Connecting rods (P/N 10198922): Forged steel
Pistons (P/N 10215228): Forged aluminum
Camshaft type (P/N 24502611): Hydraulic roller
Camshaft lift (in): .510 intake/.540 exhaust
Camshaft duration (@.050 in): 211° intake/230° exhaust
Cylinder heads (P/N 12363392): Aluminum oval port; 110cc chambers
Valve size (in): 2.25 intake/1.88 exhaust
Compression ratio: 9.6:1
Rocker arms (P/N 12368082): Stamped steel
Rocker arm ratio: 1.7:1
Water pump (P/N 12484890): Cast iron, long-style
Flexplate (P/N 10185034): 14"
Recommended fuel: 92 octane
Ignition timing: Base 4° BTDC, 26° Total
Maximum recommended rpm: 5500
Balanced: External
NOTE: Distributor with melonized steel gear MUST be used with engines with steel camshafts, or engine damage will occur. GMPP HEI distributor P/N 93440806 is recommended.