Home FAQ

Was the Dodge 440 a good engine?

Yes. The Dodge 440 was a robust, high‑torque V8 that powered Mopar performance cars through the late 1960s and early 1970s, delivering strong straight‑line performance and durable construction; however, it was a thirsty, heavy engine and some variants required careful setup to realize their potential.

Historical context and engineering foundation

The 440 cubic inch V8 was Chrysler’s potent big‑block option that helped define Mopar performance during the muscle‑car era. Used in Dodge and Plymouth models from the mid‑1960s onward, the 440 shared the same big‑block philosophy as Chrysler’s other high‑torque engines: lots of displacement, heavy cast iron, and a focus on low‑end grunt. Over its life it spawned several performance variants and carburetion configurations, making it a staple for enthusiasts who wanted serious acceleration in full‑size cruisers and mid‑size performance cars alike.

Performance profile: strengths

Before this list, it helps to know the core strengths that gave the 440 its reputation as a performance engine.

Impressive low‑end and mid‑range torque that helped large Dodges and Plymouths haul heavy weights and accelerate strongly from a stop.

Durable, simple‑to‑service construction with broad aftermarket support and plentiful replacement parts.

Availability of factory high‑performance variants, such as the 1969 Six‑Pack (three two‑barrel carbs) and the 1970–1971 440 Magnum, which delivered noticeably higher output for performance trims.

Versatility across model lines and body styles, making it a popular choice for drag racing, street cruising, and crowd‑pleasing performance builds.

In summary, the 440’s torque, durability, and wide aftermarket ecosystem made it a cornerstone of Mopar performance for years.

Limitations and caveats

Before this list, it’s important to acknowledge that the 440’s strengths came with trade‑offs common to large, older engines.

Poor fuel economy by modern standards and significant weight, which affected efficiency and handling in daily driving.

Emissions controls in the early 1970s often reduced peak power, depending on configuration and year, as regulator requirements tightened.

High‑performance carburetion variants (like the Six‑Pack) could be finicky to tune and maintain, demanding more hands‑on attention.

Cooling and cooling‑system maintenance were crucial; without proper radiator capacity and airflow, heat management could become a bottleneck in hot conditions or heavy use.

Taken together, the 440 was a formidable performer for its era, but it required mindful maintenance, appropriate cooling, and realistic expectations about efficiency and everyday drivability.

Variants worth knowing

Understanding the main 440 flavors helps set expectations for performance and reliability.

Standard 440 big‑block in mid‑ to late‑1960s Dodges and Plymouths, offering stout torque and solid reliability for daily use and performance applications.

440 Magnum (1970–1971) with higher compression and redesigned heads for stronger output in performance models like the Charger and Challenger.

440 Six‑Pack (1969 in some applications) with three two‑barrel carburetors for peak horsepower, but requiring meticulous tuning and maintenance.

Late‑production 1972–1974 variants with emissions‑driven power restrictions, prioritizing drivability and compliance over peak output.

Each variant had its own maintenance profile and tuning needs; collectors and enthusiasts typically choose based on intended use—drag, street cruising, or restoration.

Maintenance and reliability tips for owners

To keep a Dodge 440 running well, consider these practical care steps.

Maintain the cooling system with a good radiator, water pump, thermostat, and proper airflow to prevent heat soak in hot weather.

Use quality ignition components and perform regular timing checks; carbureted variants especially benefit from precise fuel delivery and synchronization.

Keep carburetors clean and properly synchronized on Six‑Pack or high‑performance configurations to maintain peak performance.

Regular oil changes with a suitable viscosity for high‑temperature operation help protect bearings in a large, hot V8.

Inspect the fuel system for leaks and ensure the fuel lines and filters are up to date, given the higher fuel flow needs of performance setups.

Applied with care, these steps help ensure long service life and reliable performance from a Mopar 440 powerplant.

Summary

The Dodge 440 stands as one of the defining big‑block engines of the muscle‑car era. Its combination of massive torque, rugged construction, and broad aftermarket support made it a legend among enthusiasts and a workhorse for performance‑oriented Dodge and Plymouth models. While it carried drawbacks—fuel economy, weight, and emissions‑driven power adjustments in the early 1970s—the 440 remains a benchmark for how displacement and torque translated into real‑world performance. For collectors and drivers who value raw grunt and a storied heritage, a well‑maintained 440 is still considered a very good engine choice.

Was the 440 faster than the 426 Hemi?

The **440 Six-Pack was often faster in stock form, particularly in the quarter mile, but the 426 Hemi had a higher potential for power when modified. Stock 440 Six-Packs generally had better out-of-the-box performance due to how they were tuned and how they hooked up from the line, while the Hemi was a detuned race engine that could be built to produce significantly more power than the 440 with modifications.
You can watch this video to learn about the history and impact of the 426 Hemi: 1mIts Just Cars!YouTube · Jul 31, 2025

Feature	440 Six-Pack	426 Hemi
Stock Performance	Often faster in stock form (e.g., quarter-mile drag racing).	Slower in stock form compared to the 440 Six-Pack.
Power Potential	Lower power potential than the 426 Hemi when both are modified.	Higher power potential when modified, especially with race-spec builds.
Factory Advantage	Lower factory-rated horsepower but with better street-tuned performance.	Higher factory-rated horsepower but often struggled with traction in stock form.
Engine Design	Wedge head engine.	Hemispherical head engine with larger ports and valves.

How much horsepower does a Dodge 440 have?

The horsepower for a Dodge 440 engine varies by model and configuration, with the common 440 Magnum rated at 375 hp and the Six Pack version with triple carburetors producing 390 hp. Higher horsepower figures are achievable through aftermarket modifications, with builds reaching over 500 hp, say HOTROD Network.

You can watch this video to learn how much horsepower a stock 440 can produce: 49sNick's GarageYouTube · Jul 14, 2025
Stock horsepower

440 Magnum: 375 hp with a four-barrel carburetor
440 Six Pack: 390 hp with a triple-carburetor setup

Modified horsepower

Modern modifications and rebuilds often exceed the factory ratings. For example, a well-built 440 can produce over 500 hp.
Reports of modified engines reaching 410 hp, 475 hp, and even over 500 hp with the right combination of parts exist, say YouTube users and HOTROD Network.

This video demonstrates how a modified 440 engine can reach higher horsepower: 59sMopar Connection MagazineYouTube · Mar 13, 2025

What was the last year of the 440 engine?

1978
The 440 cu in (7.2 L) RB was produced from 1965 until 1978, making it the last version of the Chrysler RB block.

Which is better, 440 or Hemi?

The choice between a 440 and a Hemi depends on your priorities: the 426 Hemi is better for ultimate, top-end performance, especially with modifications, while the 440 is better for more affordable builds and offers better low-end torque for street use. For a drag strip, the Hemi wins, but for a street car where budget and low-end power are key, the 440 is often the more practical choice.
This video discusses the performance comparison of 426 Hemi and 440 six-pack: 1mFusion Motor CompanyYouTube · Dec 8, 2023

Feature	426 Hemi	440
Performance	Superior high-end performance, especially when modified.	Superior low-end torque, making it a great street engine.
Cost	More expensive due to its higher production cost and legendary status.	Cheaper and more accessible for budget builds.
Modifiability	Requires significant investment to unlock its full potential, but can be very powerful.	Can be a very strong performer, but often cheaper to modify than a Hemi.
Tuning	Can be more finicky to tune.	Easier to tune for street use.
Cool Factor	Legendary status and the "Hemi" mystique.	Iconic muscle car engine, but not as legendary as the Hemi.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.