The 454 Chevy V8 engine is widely considered as one of the most iconic engines in General Motors’ history. The fourth generation of the Chevy Big Block was only produced for a few years in the early- to mid-1970s, and was available in GM products like the Chevy Chevelle, Chevy Corvette, and GMC Sprint. In a nod to the storied history of the Big Block engine, one GM fan built a functional Lego 454 Chevy V8 engine.
Measuring in at roughly 48 inches long, 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide, the Lego creation is actually almost the size of a fourth-gen 454. Of course, the Lego variant weighs in around 40 pounds, which is significantly lighter than a genuine V8 engine.
One of the more interesting aspects of this Lego 454 build is the fact that it runs. In fact, the builder uses old Lego electronics from the 1980s that are able to time the distributor and spark plugs! Using BASIC for code, the builder is also able to use an old computer to program how the engine “runs.”
Besides that, the builder claims that his model has everything one might expect to find inside a real Chevy 454, including pistons, camshafts and timing gears.
Another very cool feature of this Lego build is that it also boasts a functional transmission. Complete with a clutch and flywheel, this contraption allows the builder to shift gears and even find reverse!
As cool as this build is at face value, it’s even more mind-boggling when considering that the builder constructed his 454 engine from scratch, with no instructions or guidelines. Indeed, it’s difficult to deny that this Lego build is quite fascinating.
For more information on the finer details of this Lego 454 Chevy V8, be sure to check out this FAQ page.
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Comments
If it does not have real spark plugs and burn real gasoline, it is not a “funcional engine”, just a plastic model that imitates a real engine.
Well but hey 2,000 parts later and the thing moves and doesn’t seize up.
I would say this guy sure gets An E for Effort.
Trey, thank you for featuring my Lego model!
“Functional” is relative. 🙂 Of course there is no gasoline, oil, or spark. Lego is for just for fun (and for me it was a way to pass time during the pandemic.)
I’m glad you featured it! That’s really cool!
So unbelievably cool. I would love to see it. I have a 454 sitting in my garage wating to go into my 65 Chevy Biscayne. You must have had some pretty good tech & specs on the block and components.
Where do you live? I may display it at Brickfair Virginia, early next month.