How much horsepower does a 1970 Dodge Super Bee have?
The horsepower of a 1970 Dodge Super Bee varied by engine choice: 335 hp with the 383 cubic-inch V8, roughly 375–390 hp with the 440 Magnum options, and about 425 hp with the 426 Hemi option.
To understand the question in context, Dodge offered a range of powerplants for the Super Bee in 1970, reflecting the era’s appetite for straight-line performance. Horsepower figures from that year are SAE gross ratings, which can differ from modern net measurements and sometimes appear higher when compared to current standards. Below are the primary engine choices and their typical outputs for the 1970 Super Bee.
Engine options and horsepower
The following list outlines the main engines available for the 1970 Super Bee and their approximate horsepower figures under the era’s SAE gross standard.
- 383 cu in (6.3 L) V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor — 335 hp
- 440 cu in (7.2 L) Magnum V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor — approximately 375–390 hp
- 440 cu in with Six-Pack (three two-barrel carburetors) — about 390 hp
- 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi V8 — 425 hp
These figures reflect the spectrum of performance models Dodge offered in 1970. Buyers could choose a modest setup or step up to the Hemi for peak power, with different carburetion and drivetrain configurations influencing the final performance.
Context and impact on drive
Horsepower alone does not tell the whole story. Torque delivery, gearing, vehicle weight, and available options all shaped how the Super Bee felt on the road or at the drag strip. The model’s appeal lay in offering multiple power paths within a single line, catering to a range of enthusiast demands.
Notable variants and historical notes
Base and mid-range choices
The 383 and 440 Magnum options were widely chosen by buyers seeking strong performance without the top-tier price tag or rarity of the Hemi.
426 Hemi as the apex option
For collectors and performance purists, the 426 Hemi-equipped Super Bee stands as the era’s pinnacle, delivering formidable acceleration and a distinctive presence that endures in classic-car lore.
Summary
In 1970, the Dodge Super Bee offered a spectrum of horsepower from 335 hp with the 383 engine to 425 hp with the 426 Hemi, with the 440 Magnum variants occupying the middle ground. The exact figure depended on the engine and configuration, and today’s enthusiasts should note that these numbers come from SAE gross ratings used at the time, which differ from modern net horsepower measurements.
