How much horsepower does a 5.9 Magnum have?

Typically around 245 horsepower, with exact figures varying by year and vehicle application.

The 5.9 Magnum is Chrysler’s 360 cubic inch V8 used across several Dodge and Jeep models during the 1990s and early 2000s. Horsepower ratings shifted a bit depending on the car, truck, emission standards, and whether the rating was gross or net. This article breaks down the typical ranges you might see for common 5.9 Magnum configurations and explains how to pinpoint the exact number for a specific vehicle.

What is the 5.9 Magnum?

The 5.9 Magnum refers to Chrysler’s 360 cubic inch V8 engine that gained the Magnum branding during its use in Dodge Ram trucks, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and related models from the early 1990s through the early 2000s. In most installations, the engine delivered roughly mid-200s horsepower with torque typically around 335–360 lb-ft, though exact output varied by year, model, and rating method (gross vs net).

Typical horsepower ranges for common 5.9 Magnum configurations

The following figures reflect widely cited factory ratings for popular 5.9 Magnum configurations from the 1990s and early 2000s. They are intended as baselines; exact numbers can differ by year, market, and the measurement standard used by the source.

• Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ), 1993–1998: approximately 245 hp


• Dodge Ram pickups (late 1990s–early 2000s), 5.9L Magnum: approximately 245 hp


• Dodge Dakota (mid-1990s), 5.9L Magnum: roughly 210–230 hp

Conclusion: In most mainstream applications, the 5.9 Magnum sits around 245 hp, with some early or lighter-duty variants showing lower numbers depending on the exact year and rating method.

Notes on measurement and variation

Power figures can be listed as gross (older measurements, before emissions controls) or net (modern measurements, after accessories and emissions). Net horsepower is typically lower than gross. When comparing sources, check whether the rating is gross or net and the model year, since those factors can swing the number by a noticeable margin.

Summary

The 5.9 Magnum generally produces about 245 horsepower in most late-1990s to early-2000s applications, with some earlier or lighter-duty configurations showing lower outputs. For an exact figure on a specific vehicle, consult the original window sticker or official factory documentation for that year and model.

Is the Magnum better than the Hemi?

The main difference is that "Magnum" often refers to a specific engine family with conventional "wedge" heads, while "Hemi" refers to engines with unique hemispherical combustion chambers, which are designed for higher performance. However, a key point of confusion is that Chrysler combined the two names, as in the "5.7L HEMI Magnum," which was the name for early Gen III Hemi engines in vehicles like the Dodge Magnum RT, before the "Magnum" was dropped from the official name. 
Magnum engine

• Design: A series of conventional V8 engines, like the 5.9L 360, that used "wedge" style cylinder heads. 
• Performance: Good for low-end torque and reliable, but generally less powerful than a Hemi engine of a comparable displacement. 
• Legacy: A popular and durable engine, but it was eventually replaced by the more modern Hemi in many applications. 

Hemi engine

• Design: The name "Hemi" comes from its hemispherical combustion chambers, which allow for better cylinder head flow and more power. 
• Performance: Designed for higher performance, with better cylinder head flow, more aggressive cam timing, and higher compression compared to Magnum engines. 
• Legacy: The "Hemi" name has a long history in performance Mopar engines, especially the 426 cubic inch version from the muscle car era. The name was also used for modern engines, such as the 5.7L Gen III Hemi, which was introduced in 2003 to replace the Magnum engines. 

The "5.7L HEMI Magnum" 

• A marketing combination: Chrysler initially marketed the new Gen III 5.7L Hemi as the "HEMI Magnum," which was confusing but indicated it was a replacement for the previous Magnum engines. 
• Modern Hemi: This is a modern, overhead-cam, V8 engine with hemispherical combustion chambers, designed for improved performance and fuel economy. 

Is the 5.9 V8 Magnum a good engine?

Yes, the 5.9 Magnum is generally considered a good, reliable, and powerful engine, especially when it receives proper maintenance. It is known for its low-end torque and durability, with many owners reporting high mileage, but it does have some common issues like intake manifold and exhaust manifold bolt problems. While its fuel economy is poor, its overall strength and longevity make it a solid choice if properly cared for. 
Pros of the 5.9 Magnum

• Power and torque: It offers excellent low-end torque and was one of the most powerful V8s of its time, making it great for towing and hauling. 
• Durability: The engine is known for its robustness and can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance. 
• Parts availability: The 5.9 Magnum was used in many Dodge vehicles, so parts are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. 

Cons of the 5.9 Magnum

• Fuel economy: It is not fuel-efficient, typically averaging around 12-13 mpg. 
• Common issues: A major known weakness is the plenum gasket leak on the intake manifold. Another common problem is broken exhaust manifold bolts, particularly on the passenger side. 
• Head cracks: The original cylinder heads are prone to cracking, especially if the engine is overheated or abused. 

How to maintain and improve the 5.9 Magnum

• Address the plenum gasket: Replace the stock plenum gasket with an upgraded aftermarket one to prevent leaks. 
• Check exhaust manifold bolts: Inspect and replace broken or rusted exhaust manifold bolts. 
• Perform regular maintenance: Change the oil, filter, and other fluids regularly. 
• Avoid abuse: The engine is not a high-performance racing engine. Driving it aggressively can lead to cracked heads. 
• Consider aftermarket heads: If replacing heads, consider aftermarket options to improve performance and durability. 

How much horsepower does a 5.9 Magnum make?

The "5.9 Magnum HP" refers to the horsepower of the Dodge 5.9-liter (360 cubic inch) Magnum V8 engine. A stock engine typically produced around 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque, but it could be modified to achieve significantly more power.
 
Stock vs. Modified

• Stock Engine: The factory 5.9 Magnum was designed for truck applications, prioritizing low-end torque. A stock 1999 Dakota R/T model had a rating of 250 hp @ 4,400 rpm and 345 lb-ft of torque @ 3,200 rpm. 
• Modified Engine: With upgrades like camshafts, intake manifolds, and tuners, the horsepower and torque can be substantially increased. 
  • Camshaft Upgrades: Adding a proper camshaft and valve springs can increase horsepower by about 30 hp and 48 lb-ft of torque at specific RPMs. 
  • Intake Manifold: An aftermarket intake manifold can add around 50 hp and 60 lb-ft of torque when paired with a tuner. 
  • Extreme Modifications: With more extreme modifications like stroker kits and turbochargers, some 5.9 Magnum engines have reached horsepower figures of 600 hp or more. 

What to know

• The 5.9 Magnum is a 360 cubic inch engine that was produced from 1992 to 2003. 
• It was used in various Dodge trucks and SUVs. 
• The engine is known for being reliable, but common issues like plenum gasket leaks should be addressed with maintenance. 

How much horsepower does a 1998 5.9 Magnum have?

A 1998 Dodge 5.9L Magnum engine produced 245 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 335 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. This V8 engine was a popular option in various Dodge and Jeep vehicles for its strong power output for the time, though its horsepower could vary slightly depending on the specific vehicle it was installed in. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the 5.9 Magnum engine's problems and reliability: 59s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Sep 5, 2024

• Horsepower: 245 hp @ 4,000 rpm 
• Torque: 335 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm 
• Common Applications: Found in vehicles like the Dodge Ram, Dakota R/T, and Durango 
• Performance: Known for its good power and torque compared to previous engines, making it capable for towing and hauling