How much horsepower does a 1978 Dodge 360 have?
The 1978 Dodge 360 cubic-inch V8 powered a broad range of cars and trucks, and its horsepower varied by model, option package, and how the rating was measured. In practice, most 360s from that year produced roughly 160–210 horsepower in net ratings, with some configurations advertised higher figures in gross terms.
To understand why the numbers differ, it helps to note how horsepower was measured in 1978 and how Dodge applied those ratings to different applications.
Ratings in 1978 and what they mean
In 1978, engine horsepower figures were typically presented as SAE net horsepower, which accounts for accessories and exhaust and generally yields lower numbers than the older gross ratings. This means brochures and official documents for Dodge models in that year reflect output that already considers the car’s actual running configuration with emissions equipment and other hardware installed. Differences across Dodge models stemmed from exhaust systems, cam timing, compression ratios, and whether the engine used a 2-barrel or 4-barrel carburetor, among other factors.
Estimated horsepower by configuration
The following categories cover the common 360 combinations Dodge used in 1978 and the approximate horsepower you could expect in typical configurations.
- 2-barrel carburetor (entry-level/regular-duty): roughly 150–170 hp (net).
- 4-barrel carburetor (standard in many passenger cars and trucks): roughly 180–200 hp (net).
- High-compression or performance-oriented options (police, heavy-duty trucks, or special packages): roughly 200–210 hp (net), with some promotional figures for certain configurations advertising higher gross outputs.
For context, some high-performance or high-compression 360 configurations advertised gross horsepower in the 230–270 hp range, but those numbers aren’t directly comparable to the net ratings used on most Dodge cars and trucks in 1978.
How to identify the exact number for a specific vehicle
To determine the precise horsepower for a particular 1978 Dodge 360, check the vehicle’s original brochure, the emission-control equipment installed, the model code, and the engine options listed on the build sheet. If you have access to the original window sticker or the VIN plate, you can cross-reference with Mopar historical data or service manuals for the exact rating of that configuration.
Summary
In 1978, the Dodge 360 offered a range of horsepower outputs depending on carburetion, compression, and emissions equipment. Net horsepower for most standard configurations typically landed in the 160–210 hp band, while gross numbers advertised for some setups could be higher. For a precise figure, identify the exact model and option package and consult period Mopar literature or build sheets.
Summary: The Dodge 360’s horsepower in 1978 varied by model and options, but common estimates place it in the 160–210 hp range, with higher gross ratings for select configurations. Always verify by model and build specifics for accuracy.
Is the Mopar 360 a good engine?
Mopar's LA-series small-block 360 is a solid performance design featuring a healthy 4-inch bore, a relatively long 3.58-inch stroke, long 6.123-inch rods, and a desirable 18-degree cylinder head valve angle-the last three being things you pay a lot extra to get in a Chevy.
How much horsepower does a 360 Dodge have?
The higher-power engine has a Mopar Performance single-plane intake. The 360 cid engine with 10.5:1 compression generates 425 horsepower. The 360's oil pan was different from the 318's. Many 360s used dished pistons to improve fuel economy and emissions.
How much horsepower does a 1979 Dodge 360 engine have?
The 1978–1979 Li'l Red Express truck used a special high-performance 360 4-barrel engine with factory production code EH1 that was rated at 225 SAE Net HP in production form The EH1 was a modified version of the E58 360 police engine (E58) producing 225 hp (168 kW) net at 3800 rpm due in part, that as it was installed ...
How much horsepower did a 1978 Dodge 360 have?
In 1978, compression ratios were relatively low due to emissions regulations—typically around 8.0:1—but the engine still produced between 150 and 175 horsepower, with torque figures in the 250–280 lb-ft range depending on application.
