How much horsepower does a 1966 Dodge Charger have?
The horsepower of a 1966 Dodge Charger varied widely depending on the engine option, ranging from roughly 230 hp in the base 318 V8 to 425 hp with the 426 Hemi in high-performance setups.
In 1966, Dodge offered several V8 options for the Charger, including the 318, 383, and the legendary 426 Hemi. Factory horsepower ratings of that era were published as gross horsepower at the crank, and numbers differed based on carburetion, exhaust, and whether the car carried a performance package. The following overview covers the main engine options and their factory ratings.
Engine options and horsepower
Below are the primary factory-quoted horsepower figures for the Charger’s available engines in 1966. The values reflect the gross horsepower ratings used by Mopar at the time.
- 318 cu in V8 with two-barrel carburetor: 230 hp gross
- 383 cu in V8 with two-barrel carburetor: 270 hp gross
- 383 cu in V8 with four-barrel carburetor: 335 hp gross
- 426 cu in Hemi V8 with four-barrel carburetor (R/T/optional): 425 hp gross
Note: These figures are gross ratings from the period and do not reflect modern net horsepower, which is typically lower after accounting for accessories, emissions equipment, and drivetrain losses.
R/T performance and notable variants
The Road/Track (R/T) package was the high-performance trim for the 1966 Charger. In practice, the high-performance configurations most often associated with R/T included the 426 Hemi or the 383 with a four-barrel carburetor, delivering substantially more performance than the base Charger.
Understanding the era’s horsepower ratings
During the 1960s, horsepower numbers were published as gross horsepower, measured with the engine running under test conditions and with minimal accessories. Net horsepower, which deducts the power used by the alternator, power steering, exhaust, and other equipment, did not become standard in marketing materials until later. As a result, contemporary readers should expect lower net figures if comparing to modern standards.
Impact on collector value
Today, the presence of a 426 Hemi or other high-performance engine can significantly influence a 1966 Charger’s value, as enthusiasts seek out authentic powerplants and period-correct performance options.
Summary
In short, a 1966 Dodge Charger offered a spectrum of horsepower. The base 318 V8 started around 230 hp gross, while the 383 V8 provided around 270–335 hp depending on carburation, and the top-tier 426 Hemi delivered about 425 hp gross. The exact figure depends on the engine and configuration, and modern comparisons should account for gross vs. net horsepower and drivetrain losses.
What was the fastest car in 1966?
The fastest car in 1966 was the Ford GT40 Mk.II, with a top speed of over 212 mph. This race car was dominant, famously securing a 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that year, ending Ferrari's winning streak, notes Wikipedia and Facebook posts.
- Ford GT40 Mk.II: Powered by a 427 cubic-inch V8 engine, it was designed for endurance racing and was incredibly fast, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
- 1966 Le Mans victory: The GT40's success at Le Mans in 1966 was a significant moment in motorsport history, and the three Ford GT40s that finished 1-2-3 were a testament to its engineering and speed.
How much horsepower does a 1966 Dodge Charger 383 have?
325 bhp
The 383 4-barrel was rated at 325 bhp (242 kW) and the 426 Street Hemi at 425 bhp (317 kW) remained as options.
What is a 1966 Dodge Charger worth today?
The price for a 1966 Dodge Charger can range from approximately $11,550 to over $110,000, depending on its condition, mileage, and features. A 1966 Dodge Charger in good, average condition typically sells for around $41,650, while exceptionally well-maintained or rare models, such as a 426 Hemi, can fetch much higher prices at auction.
- Average Condition: ~$41,650
- Low End (poor condition, high mileage): ~$11,550
- High End (excellent condition, rare features): Over $110,000
- Recent Auction High: A 1966 Dodge Charger sold for $110,000 at auction.
- Recent Auction Low: A 1966 Dodge Charger sold for $11,550 at auction.
How much horsepower does a 66 Charger have?
The 2-barrel was rated at 290 hp (220 kW). The four-barrel engine was rated at 330 hp (250 kW) and was identified on the air cleaner as "383 / FOUR BARREL".
