Chevy 454 Firing Order [With Diagram]

The 454 engine was part of General Motors’ big-block engine family, which also included the 396, 402, and 427 engines. The 454 engine was introduced in 1970 and was produced until 2000 when it was replaced by the Vortec 8100 engine.

The firing order depends upon the usage of the Cylinder and the engine. The firing order for the engine ensures that the power strokes of the engine occur in the correct sequence and that the engine runs smoothly.

454 Firing Order

  • Firing order for a 454 Chevy is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Explanation of the 454 firing order

In a V8 engine, there are eight cylinders arranged in two banks of four cylinders each, with each bank of cylinders positioned at a slight angle to each other. The 454 V8 has a firing order of 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. This means that the cylinders are numbered starting from the front of the engine on the driver’s side.

The firing order of 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 means that the spark plugs in the cylinders fire in that sequence, starting with cylinder 1 and then proceeding to cylinder 8, then to cylinder 4, then to cylinder 3, and so on. If the firing order is incorrect, the engine may not run at all or may run very poorly, with a rough idle and low power output.

Torque Specifications

Fastener TypeTorque Spec
Main cap bolts396 -427 ft. - lbs
Connecting Rod Bolts Connecting Rod Bolts50 ft. - lbs
Rocker Arms Studs50 ft. - lbs
Oil Pump Bolts Oil Pump Bolt65 ft. - lbs
Cam Sprocket Bolts20 ft. - lbs
Harmonic Damper Bolt85 ft. - lbs
Harmonic Damper Bolts Front Cover Bolt58-78 ft. - lbs

How do I find the number one cylinder on a 454 engine?

To find the number one cylinder on a Chevrolet 454 V8 engine, you will need to locate the timing mark on the harmonic balancer and then rotate the engine to the top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke of the number one cylinder.

To align the timing marks on the harmonic balancer and the time pointer on the engine block, use a socket and ratchet on the crankshaft bolt.

If it’s not, rotate the engine 360 degrees (one full turn) and recheck the position of the timing mark on the balancer and the rotor.

If you are not sure whether the engine is on the compression stroke of the number one cylinder, you can use a compression tester to check cylinder pressure or remove the valve cover and watch the valves on the number one cylinder. The intake valve should close and the exhaust valve should just begin to open as the engine reaches TDC on the compression stroke.

Firing orders with similar vehicles

  • Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500 pickups
  • Chevrolet Suburban
  • Chevrolet Chevelle
  • Chevrolet Camaro

What happens if the firing order is incorrect on a 454 engine?

If the firing order is incorrect on a Chevrolet 454 V8 engine, the engine will not run properly, and it may experience a variety of symptoms, including Rough running, The engine may run poorly, with a noticeable lack of power and a rough idle. Backfiring, If the spark plugs are firing at the wrong time, it can cause unburned fuel to be ignited in the exhaust system, resulting in loud pops or backfires. Misfiring, An incorrect firing order can cause the spark plugs to fire in the wrong sequence, which can lead to misfires and a loss of power. Damage to the engine, In extreme cases, an incorrect firing order can cause serious engine damage, such as bent valves or damaged pistons, which can be expensive to repair.

It’s important to ensure that the firing order is correct when servicing or repairing the engine and to follow the manufacturer’s specifications to avoid these issues. In case you see some issue with the engine, always make sure to get it checked by a qualified mechanic. They will guide you better, don’t try to fix it yourself because you might mishandle things and there are higher chances of damaging the engine.

Check Out 5.7 Chevy Firing Order

The firing order applies to

Engine Firing Order
454 Mark IV 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
454 LS6 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3
454 HO 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
454 SS 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3

What is the recommended coolant capacity for a 454 engine?

The coolant capacity for a 454 engine is typically around 4 to 5 gallons (15 to 19 liters) of a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water. The recommended coolant capacity for a Chevrolet 454 V8 engine depends upon the model of the engine.

To ensure that you have the correct coolant capacity for your specific engine, you should refer to the engine’s specifications or consult a qualified mechanic.

It’s important to use the correct type and amount of coolant in your engine to maintain proper cooling and prevent overheating, which can cause serious engine damage.

Jake Mayock