How much horsepower can you get out of a 5.2 Magnum?

Stock 5.2 Magnum engines typically produce about 230 horsepower, with torque around 330 lb-ft. With targeted modifications, enthusiasts can push well past that: roughly 260–310 hp with bolt-ons, 320–360 hp with head and cam work, and 450 hp or more with forced induction—though reliability and durability depend on supporting upgrades and tuning. The exact outcome varies by year, configuration, and condition.

What is the 5.2 Magnum?

The 5.2 Magnum is Chrysler’s 318 cubic inch V8, part of the Magnum family that appeared in Dodge trucks and several related models beginning in the early 1990s. It is known for its torquey, broad-band character rather than peak horsepower, and it uses multi-point fuel injection with a cast-iron block. Because production spanned multiple model lines and years, the exact horsepower and torque can vary by application and calibration.

Stock horsepower benchmarks

Before planning upgrades, it helps to know the typical factory outputs for common 5.2 Magnum configurations.

• Common 5.2 Magnum (318) engines in Dodge Ram trucks and Dakota with MPI: about 230 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque


• Later model iterations with mild EFI updates: about 230–235 hp with torque in the 325–335 lb-ft range


• Marine or specialty variants may show slight calibration differences, but broadly stay in the low 200s horsepower

In short, stock 5.2 Magnums sit in the low-to-mid 200s horsepower range, with torque around the mid-300s lb-ft, depending on year and configuration.

Power upgrades: what’s realistic for a 5.2 Magnum

Enthusiasts pursuing more power should understand the practical paths, typical gains, and what each choice entails for the 5.2 Magnum’s internals and supporting systems.

• Bolt-on upgrades (air intake, high-flow exhaust, throttle body, ECU tune): typically +15–40 hp depending on the completeness of the kit and the rest of the system


• Camshaft and valvetrain upgrades (plus proper tuning and intake refinement): typically +20–60 hp, with larger gains when paired with head work


• Cylinder head work and intake porting (and larger valves): typically +40–120 hp depending on the degree of porting and flow improvements


• Forced induction (supercharger or turbocharger) with supporting upgrades: typically +150–450+ hp, highly dependent on boost level, fuel system capacity, and cooling


• Internal engine upgrades and stroker kits (upgraded rods/pistons, higher compression, or displacement increase): typically +20–60 hp from displacement/work plus any efficiency gains from tuning; higher-power builds require more comprehensive strengthening

Note: Real-world results depend on how completely the system is matched, tuning quality, fuel supply, cooling, and reliability considerations. For boosted builds, many owners also upgrade the fuel injectors, ignition, and cooling to maintain safe operation, and some builders recommend strengthening the bottom end for sustained high power.

Bottom line: what a 5.2 Magnum can deliver

With careful planning and the right parts, a 5.2 Magnum can cross into the 260–320 hp range in natural aspiration, and comfortably exceed 400 hp with forced induction, provided supporting systems (fuel, cooling, ignition) are upgraded accordingly. Very high-power builds (approaching or surpassing 500 hp) exist, but they require significant internal upgrades, meticulous tuning, and a willingness to invest in reliability and maintenance. Always align your goals with the engine’s condition, your budget, and professional guidance.

Summary

The 5.2 Magnum starts around 230 hp and can be boosted toward 260–320 hp NA with carefully chosen upgrades, while forced-induction routes can push well beyond 400 hp. Gains depend on year and configuration, and achieving high horsepower safely requires comprehensive upgrading of fuel, cooling, and internals. For most street applications, a balanced approach—bolt-ons plus selective head/cam work—offers meaningful gains without sacrificing reliability.

Is the Magnum better than the Hemi?

The main difference is that "Magnum" often refers to a specific engine family with conventional "wedge" heads, while "Hemi" refers to engines with unique hemispherical combustion chambers, which are designed for higher performance. However, a key point of confusion is that Chrysler combined the two names, as in the "5.7L HEMI Magnum," which was the name for early Gen III Hemi engines in vehicles like the Dodge Magnum RT, before the "Magnum" was dropped from the official name. 
Magnum engine

• Design: A series of conventional V8 engines, like the 5.9L 360, that used "wedge" style cylinder heads. 
• Performance: Good for low-end torque and reliable, but generally less powerful than a Hemi engine of a comparable displacement. 
• Legacy: A popular and durable engine, but it was eventually replaced by the more modern Hemi in many applications. 

Hemi engine

• Design: The name "Hemi" comes from its hemispherical combustion chambers, which allow for better cylinder head flow and more power. 
• Performance: Designed for higher performance, with better cylinder head flow, more aggressive cam timing, and higher compression compared to Magnum engines. 
• Legacy: The "Hemi" name has a long history in performance Mopar engines, especially the 426 cubic inch version from the muscle car era. The name was also used for modern engines, such as the 5.7L Gen III Hemi, which was introduced in 2003 to replace the Magnum engines. 

The "5.7L HEMI Magnum" 

• A marketing combination: Chrysler initially marketed the new Gen III 5.7L Hemi as the "HEMI Magnum," which was confusing but indicated it was a replacement for the previous Magnum engines. 
• Modern Hemi: This is a modern, overhead-cam, V8 engine with hemispherical combustion chambers, designed for improved performance and fuel economy. 

Is the 318 Magnum a good engine?

Yes, the 318 Magnum is generally considered a good, durable, and reliable engine, though it was originally designed for everyday use rather than high performance. It is known for its robustness, relatively simple design, and ease of maintenance, making it a dependable choice for daily drivers and work trucks. While not as powerful as larger engines like the 440 or 340, it provides adequate power for most tasks and can be significantly upgraded for more performance if desired.
 
Strengths of the 318 Magnum

• Reliability and durability: The 318 is famous for its long life, often reaching high mileage if properly maintained. Its robust iron block and simple design contribute to its reputation for being "bulletproof". 
• Ease of maintenance: The straightforward design makes it easier to work on and maintain, which is appealing to many owners. 
• Economical: For a daily driver, it offers decent gas mileage compared to larger engines and is known for its low maintenance needs. 
• Good for daily use: It provides enough torque and power for everyday driving, hauling, and light-duty trucks. 
• Performance potential: While not a high-performance engine in its stock form, it shares many internal components with the 340 and can be significantly upgraded with aftermarket parts for increased power. 

Limitations of the 318 Magnum

• Lower stock performance: The engine was originally designed as a workhorse with low compression, a two-barrel carburetor, and a low-performance camshaft, resulting in lower horsepower compared to other engines of its era. 
• Overlooked for racing: Due to the readily available power of larger engines like the 340 or 440, the 318 is often passed over by those seeking high-performance or racing applications. 

Is it the right engine for you?
The 318 Magnum is an excellent choice if you prioritize reliability and longevity for a daily driver or a project truck and are not looking for a high-performance race engine straight out of the box. If you want more power, there is a strong aftermarket support system to significantly enhance its performance.

How much hp does a 5.2 Voodoo make?

The 5.2L Voodoo is a Ford engine, with the naturally aspirated version producing 526 hp in the Shelby GT350. Modified versions can achieve over 1500 hp with upgrades like twin-turbochargers and reinforced internal components, though the specific horsepower and parts will vary based on the build.
 
This video shows a test drive of a supercharged GT350R with 850 hp: 58sHennessey PerformanceYouTube · Nov 26, 2019
Stock vs. modified

• Stock: The factory 5.2L Voodoo engine, used in the Shelby GT350 and GT350R, produces 526 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. It features a flat-plane crankshaft and a high-revving nature, with a redline over 8,000 rpm. 
• Modified:
  • Turbocharged: With twin-turbochargers, engines can reach over 800 hp at 8 psi of boost, and highly modified versions can exceed 1500 hp. 
  • Supercharged: Adding a supercharger, such as a 3L system, can increase output to 850 hp. 
  • Internal upgrades: Building a high-horsepower Voodoo often requires replacing stock components like pistons and rods with stronger parts, and reinforcing the block to handle increased power. 

This video shows an unboxing of a custom 1500 hp 5.2L VooDoo engine: 1mitsjusta6YouTube · Jan 10, 2020
Key characteristics

• Crankshaft: The signature feature is its flat-plane crankshaft, which gives it a unique sound and allows it to rev higher than traditional cross-plane crankshaft V8s. 
• Components: It uses a unique 5.2L engine block and heads, and has been used in various high-performance applications. 
• Application: The engine was a key component in the Ford Shelby GT350 and GT350R, but aftermarket companies also build and sell modified versions for custom builds. 

This video shows a review of a 850 hp twin-turbo Shelby GT350: 55sThatDudeinBlueYouTube · May 17, 2017

How much horsepower does a 5.2 Magnum have?

The standard 5.2L Magnum V8 engine produces around 230 horsepower, but this can vary slightly by model year and configuration. When modified, such as with twin turbos, the horsepower can be increased significantly, with one example reaching almost 500 wheel horsepower.
 
This video explains common problems and reliability of the 5.2 Magnum V8 engine: 57s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Dec 19, 2024

• Stock horsepower: The base engine's output was about 230 hp at 4,400 rpm, though a 1991 model produced 170 hp and a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab with the 5.2L could produce 230 hp. 
• Modified horsepower: With significant modifications like turbocharging, horsepower can be dramatically increased. One YouTube video showed a twin-turbocharged 5.2L Magnum making 498 wheel horsepower at 4,950 rpm. 
• Modification potential: Some owners have reported gains of 25 hp and 40 lb-ft of torque with just a camshaft upgrade. More extreme builds have the potential to exceed 600 wheel horsepower. 

You can watch this video to learn about a twin-turbocharged 5.2 Magnum engine reaching high horsepower: 57sRacingRamFamYouTube · Jul 28, 2021