How much horsepower does a 1979 Dodge 360 have?
In broad terms, the 360 V8 used by Dodge in 1979 produced roughly 170–180 horsepower in SAE net ratings, with four-barrel variants pushing toward 190–200 hp depending on equipment and tuning. Exact figures vary by model and configuration.
What the 360 was in 1979
The 360 cubic-inch V8 was part of Chrysler's LA engine family, used across Dodge pickups, vans, and some cars during the late 1970s. By 1979, emissions controls and the shift to SAE net ratings affected published output, and engines wore different carburetion and exhaust configurations depending on market and application.
Power by configuration
Below are the typical horsepower ranges you would find for a 1979 Dodge 360 depending on the carburetion setup. These figures reflect SAE net ratings common at the time rather than gross numbers used earlier.
- 2-barrel carburetor: about 170–180 horsepower; torque in the 270–290 lb-ft range.
- 4-barrel carburetor: about 190–200 horsepower; torque around 290–320 lb-ft.
Concluding note: The 360's rating could drift a bit higher or lower depending on market, emissions package, and whether a factory performance option or heavy-duty variant was installed.
Variants and applications
Common Dodge applications in 1979
The 360 found homes in a variety of 1979 Dodge models, most notably pickups and vans. The exact horsepower depended on the chosen configuration and any manufacturer-specific options for that vehicle line.
- Pickup trucks with 2-barrel carbs: typically around 170–180 hp.
- Pickup trucks with 4-barrel carbs: typically around 190–200 hp.
Concluding note: In practice, buyers and builders could see slight variations based on emission hardware, compression level, and regional specifications.
Factors that influenced the horsepower
Several factors determined the actual power output of a specific 1979 Dodge 360. The following items explain why two identical engines could produce different numbers in practice.
- Compression ratio and cam timing: Higher compression and more aggressive cam profiles typically increased horsepower, but could reduce low-end torque and required premium fuel.
- Carburetion and intake: Switching from 2-barrel to 4-barrel carbs or using different intake manifolds altered breathing and power delivery.
- Exhaust and emissions: Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter placement, and other emission controls reduced peak horsepower compared with earlier, pre-emissions engines.
- Fuel quality and altitude: Lower-octane fuel or high altitude could reduce power output.
- Transmission and gearing: The engine's effective horsepower at the wheels depends on drivetrain; 3-speed or 4-speed transmissions and axle ratios affect acceleration and perceived power.
Concluding note: Real-world performance depended on the entire drivetrain and the specific model year’s emissions and equipment.
How horsepower was measured in 1979
In 1979, the automotive industry largely used SAE net horsepower ratings for published figures, a standard that factored out drivetrain losses and included typical operating conditions. This is different from earlier gross horsepower ratings used in decades prior, or from modern “SAE J1349” testing rules that changed in the 2000s.
Note: The exact number for any given 1979 Dodge 360 will depend on the vehicle model (pickup, van, or car), the market (U.S. vs. export), and the specific emission-control equipment installed by that year.
Summary
The 1979 Dodge 360 typically produced SAE net horsepower in the range of roughly 170–180 hp for the common 2-barrel configuration and about 190–200 hp for 4-barrel setups, with torque commonly around 270–320 lb-ft depending on the setup. These numbers illustrate the era's emphasis on emissions control and the variability across Dodge’s lineup.
Final note
This article provides typical ranges rather than a single exact figure. If you have a specific vehicle (VIN, model, or factory code), you can pin down the precise horsepower by referencing that car's original window sticker or a factory service manual for the 360 engine installed in that model and year.
Bottom line
For a quick takeaway: expect about 170–180 hp in the common 2-barrel 360 and roughly 190–200 hp in the 4-barrel versions, with real-world numbers influenced by emissions gear, compression, and drivetrain configuration.
Summary of key points
- 1979 Dodge 360 horsepower varied by carburetion and equipment: ~170–180 hp (2-barrel) or ~190–200 hp (4-barrel).
- Emissions controls and SAE net ratings shaped published numbers; real-world output depended on model and options.
- For absolute precision on a specific vehicle, consult the original window sticker or factory manuals for that VIN and model.
