Did the Dodge Dart come with a 440?
The Dodge Dart is a classic American car that has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts for decades. Known for its affordability, compact size, and performance options, the Dodge Dart was produced by Dodge from 1960 to 1976. One of the most common questions among muscle car enthusiasts is whether the Dodge Dart ever came equipped with the legendary 440 cubic-inch V8 engine. Let’s dive into the history and details to answer this question.
The Dodge Dart and Engine Options
Throughout its production years, the Dodge Dart offered a variety of engine options to cater to different customer needs, ranging from economical inline-six engines to powerful V8s. However, the 440 cubic-inch V8 engine, a hallmark of Mopar performance, was not a factory-installed option in the Dodge Dart. The 440 engine was typically reserved for larger Dodge models like the Charger, Coronet, and Polara, as well as Plymouth models like the GTX and Road Runner.
Special Cases: The 440 in the Dart
While the Dodge Dart did not officially come with a 440 engine from the factory, there were instances where enthusiasts or aftermarket tuners installed the 440 into the Dart. The compact size of the Dart made it an excellent candidate for engine swaps, and the 440’s immense power made it a popular choice for drag racing and custom builds. These modifications were not factory-standard but rather the result of creative engineering by car enthusiasts.
Why the 440 Wasn’t a Factory Option
There are a few reasons why Dodge didn’t offer the 440 in the Dart directly from the factory:
- Size Constraints: The Dodge Dart was a compact car, and the 440 engine was physically large. Installing it would have required significant modifications to the engine bay and other components.
- Market Positioning: Dodge positioned the Dart as an affordable and practical car, while the 440 was aimed at high-performance models in the lineup.
- Safety and Handling: The immense power of the 440 could have overwhelmed the Dart’s chassis and suspension, potentially leading to safety concerns.
Conclusion
In summary, the Dodge Dart did not come with a 440 engine from the factory. However, its lightweight design and compatibility with Mopar engines made it a favorite for engine swaps, including the installation of the 440. If you’re considering a project car or want to learn more about classic Mopar vehicles, feel free to reach out to Kevin’s Autos for expert advice and assistance!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower did the 440 really have?
And while the Mopar 440 does several things very well, we've always felt that with a few tweaks the engine was capable of well over the 375 horsepower rating it got from the factory.
What engine was in the 1964 Dodge Dart?
'64 was basically the same car. Three trim levels: 170, 270, and GT. Base engine was a 170 cubic inch slant six. The optional engine was a 225 slant six.
What engine did the Dodge Dart have?
Engines. The Dart has three engine options: a Tigershark 16-valve 2 L engine, a "Tigershark" 16-valve 2.4 L MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine, and a 16-valve 1.4 L MultiAir Intercooled turbo engine used also in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.
Was the 440 faster than the 426 Hemi?
Off the showroom floor, a 440 Magnum was faster than a 426 Hemi in the 1/4 mile due to the extra weight of the Hemi. That's not a myth, that's a fact. Once modified, of course Hemi power is almost unlimited.
What vehicles did Dodge put the 440 in?
6 Legendary Muscle Cars Built With The 440 'Six Pack' Engine
- By Ron King March 24, 2024 2:45 pm EST.
- 1969-½ to 1971 Dodge Super Bee 440 Six Pack.
- 1969-½-1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440 6-Barrel.
- 1970-1971 Dodge Charger 440 Six Pack.
- 1970-1971 Dodge Challenger Six Pack.
- 1970-1971 Plymouth GTX Six-Barrel.
How much horsepower does a 440 Dodge Dart have?
375 horsepower
But with 375 horsepower and 480 lb. -ft. of torque in its 3,200-pound platform, the 440 Dart GTS had a better power to weight ratio than most 426 Street HEMIs and could run easy mid-thirteens with slicks and decent traction.
Is there a V8 Dodge Dart?
Engine choices included the 225 cu in (3.7 L) slant-six, and the 318 cu in (5.2 L) and 361 cu in (5.9 L) V8s were also available in various configurations. Phoenix convertibles were equipped with V8 engines.
How much is a 1964 Dodge Dart worth today?
The value of a 1964 Dodge Dart 270 can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $9,950 for a 1964 Dodge Dart 270 in good condition with average spec.
Did the Dart come with a 440?
Dodge Dart 440 (1962)
Included was the standard equipment of the Dart and Dart 330, plus backup lights and exterior moldings. The Dart 440 was available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door hardtop, 4-door hardtop, 2-door convertible and 4-door station wagon.
How many 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440 were made?
Total GTS production for 1969 was 6,285 hardtops and 417 convertibles. Only 640 of the hardtops were M-codeequipped. Hurst was involved, too. The cars rolled off the Hamtramck (Dodge Main) line as E63-code 383 models and were shipped to Hurst's conversion facility, where the 440 engines were installed.
