Is a Dodge 440 a big-block?
Yes—the Dodge 440 is a big-block V8 from Chrysler, part of the RB family, displacing 440 cubic inches (about 7.2 liters) and widely featured in Mopar performance cars of the 1960s and 1970s.
Big-block versus small-block: why the classification matters
In American V8 engineering, “big-block” and “small-block” refer to different families built around distinct block dimensions, bore centers, and breathing characteristics. The Dodge 440 sits in the big-block camp, designed for torque and pulling power rather than the compact efficiency associated with small-block engines. The big-block lineup from Chrysler included a range of displacement options and was used in performance models as well as full-size cars and trucks.
RB big-block lineage
The 440 is part of Chrysler’s RB (Raised-Block) big-block family, alongside other large-displacement engines such as the 383, 400/426 Hemi, and related variants. The RB designation reflects a raised deck height and a design intended for higher torque output. This family is distinct from Chrysler’s smaller LA (Light A) family.
The Dodge 440 in the RB big-block family
The 440 delivers substantial displacement at 440 cubic inches and is known for a broad, low-end torque curve that suited late-1960s and early-1970s muscle cars. Its bore and stroke were configured to balance strength and breathing, making it a popular choice for high-performance Mopar builds of the era.
Here are the defining details:
- Displacement: 440 cubic inches (approximately 7.2 liters)
- Engine family: RB big-block
- Bore x stroke: about 4.320 in × 3.75 in
- Block design: raised-block architecture designed for higher deck height and breathing
- Typical usage: muscle cars and large Mopar performance models in the late 1960s and early 1970s
Power output depended on year and configuration, with high-performance variants delivering substantial horsepower and torque for the era’s drag and road racing markets.
Notable models and legacy
The 440 powered a variety of famous Mopar muscle cars, earning a reputation for torque and robust reliability. It remains a popular engine among collectors and restorers who value authentic big-block Mopar power.
- Dodge Charger (R/T and related performance trims)
- Dodge Challenger (R/T and related variants)
- Plymouth Barracuda and GTX/Belvedere models
- Dodge Coronet/Super Bee and other mid- to full-size Mopars
Today, the 440 is celebrated as a cornerstone of the classic American muscle era, emblematic of Mopar’s big-block tradition.
Summary
The Dodge 440 is indeed a big-block engine. It belongs to Chrysler’s RB big-block family, delivering large-displacement torque that defined many Mopar performance cars of its era. For enthusiasts and historians, the 440 stands as a defining example of the era’s emphasis on high-torque, high-displacement power in American muscle cars.
