How much horsepower does a 1966 Dodge Coronet have?
A 1966 Dodge Coronet's horsepower ranged from about 145 hp in base form to about 425 hp with the 426 Hemi option. The exact figure depends on the engine and configuration.
In 1966, Dodge offered the Coronet with a broad engine lineup, spanning economical six-cylinders to high-performance V8s. The advertised horsepower figures reflect the era’s gross ratings, which differ from modern net horsepower measurements. Here’s how the lineup breaks down and what each powerplant delivered from the factory.
Engine options and horsepower
The following engines were available for the 1966 Coronet, with approximate factory gross horsepower figures used in period brochures. Numbers vary by carburetion and optional equipment.
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- 2-barrel: about 230 hp gross
- 4-barrel: roughly 250–260 hp gross
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- 2-barrel: about 270 hp gross
- 4-barrel: about 335 hp gross
These figures illustrate the breadth of the 1966 Coronet lineup, from modest daily transportation to formidable drag-strip performance. Actual horsepower depends on the specific option package and the era’s rating method.
Notable performance variants
The performance benchmark for the 1966 Coronet came with the R/T (Road/Track) package, which could be ordered with the 426 Hemi. In that configuration, the engine was rated at roughly 425 hp gross, making it one of the era’s iconic muscle car combinations. Fewer than a handful of Coronet R/Ts were built with this setup, contributing to its lasting collector appeal.
Ratings context and how to read them
Armored in the era’s marketing, horsepower figures are typically gross horsepower measured at the engine before accessories and exhaust losses. Modern ratings use net horsepower, which accounts for alternators, cooling fans, and other components. When comparing vintage numbers to today’s standards, this distinction is important for context.
Why the numbers vary by model
Because the Coronet offered multiple body styles, trims, and carburetion configurations, the same engine block could yield different horsepower ratings. The 383 and 426 Hemi options, in particular, show a wide gap between entry-level and top-tier power due to carburetor count, exhaust tuning, and other factory choices.
Summary
The 1966 Dodge Coronet presented a broad horsepower spectrum: a base 145 hp slant-6, mid-range V8 options around 230–335 hp depending on carburetion, and a top-tier 426 Hemi with about 425 hp. For collectors and enthusiasts, the key takeaway is that the Coronet’s power depends largely on the chosen engine and trim, with the Hemi-equipped versions standing out as the era’s peak performance.
In any exploration of a 1966 Coronet’s power, it helps to know the specific engine code, carburetor setup, and whether the rating quoted is a gross horsepower figure from promotional materials or a net figure measured later. Those details shape the historical horsepower picture for this era of Mopar muscle.
