How much horsepower does a 318 Magnum have?
The 318 Magnum V8, Chrysler’s 5.2-liter member of the Magnum engine family, typically produces around 230 horsepower in common late-1990s applications. Exact figures vary by year, vehicle, and measurement method.
Overview of the 318 Magnum
The term "Magnum" refers to Chrysler’s modernized small-block V8 lineage introduced in the early 1990s. The 5.2-liter (318 cu in) Magnum was widely used in trucks and SUVs, with horsepower largely hovering around 230 hp across many model years, while torque remained strong in the 310–330 lb-ft range. Differences in dyno testing standards (SAE net vs gross) and emissions equipment can yield small variations in published horsepower.
Typical horsepower by configuration
Below is a concise breakdown of the common horsepower figures for the 5.2L Magnum 318 engine in mainstream Dodge/Ram trucks and SUVs. Note that torque also varies by application and year.
- 1992–1995: 5.2L Magnum (318) — about 230 hp with roughly 310–330 lb-ft of torque.
- 1996–1998: 5.2L Magnum (318) — about 230 hp; torque generally 320–330 lb-ft.
- 1999–2000: 5.2L Magnum (318) — about 230 hp; torque around 320–330 lb-ft.
In a broader sense, some early or specialty configurations and emissions setups may show minor deviations. The horsepower figure is commonly cited as 230 hp in most consumer applications during the Magnum era.
Why the numbers vary
Engine output can vary due to the measurement standard used, changes in fuel delivery (carbureted versus fuel-injected), exhaust and intake tuning, and the vehicle’s compression and emissions controls. This can lead to small differences in published horsepower between model years and markets.
Notes on horsepower measurements
Historically, pre-1996 ratings were often published as gross horsepower, while post-1990s ratings use SAE net horsepower, which is typically lower. When comparing numbers, consider the testing method used by the manufacturer for each year.
Bottom line
For the widely used 318 Magnum, expect roughly 230 horsepower in most late-model applications, with torque in the 310–330 lb-ft range. If you’re chasing precise numbers for a specific vehicle, check the factory-spec sheet or the VIN-based build sheet for that exact year and model.
Summary
The 318 Magnum’s horsepower generally centers around 230 hp, with variations of a few horsepower and several tens of pound-feet of torque depending on year, vehicle, and measurement standards. It remains a durable and enduring choice in Dodge/Ram applications from the early 1990s through the early 2000s.
