What big block did Dodge make?
The short answer is that Dodge’s most famous big-block engine is the 426 cubic inch Hemi V8, widely known as the 426 Hemi. Beyond that iconic powerplant, Mopar built a broader big-block lineup, notably the RB family that includes 383, 426, and 440 cubic-inch engines.
In the 1960s and early 1970s, Dodge (and its Mopar partners) popularized two main paths for big-block power: the hemispherical-headed Hemi, celebrated for high airflow and peak performance, and the raised-block RB family, which offered large displacements and strong torque across a wide range of models. These engines powered Dodge muscle cars, police cars, and performance derivatives, helping define an era of American automotive performance.
Key Dodge big-block engines
Below are Dodge’s most notable big-block engines that defined performance in an era.
- 426 Hemi — A 426 cubic inch V8 with hemispherical combustion chambers, introduced in 1964, renowned for its exceptional power output and iconic status in Dodge and Mopar muscle cars.
- RB big-block family (383, 426, and 440) — Raised-block engines delivering large displacements and heavy torque, used across a wide range of Dodges during the 1960s and into the early 1970s.
These engines defined Mopar performance for a generation and remain central to Dodge’s legacy as a muscle-car manufacturer.
The 426 Hemi: the icon
What makes it special
The 426 Hemi’s hemispherical combustion chambers allowed larger valves and superior airflow, enabling high horsepower at relatively high revs. It became synonymous with Mopar performance and dominated drag racing and street-era Dodge muscle cars, cementing its legendary status among enthusiasts.
The RB family: broad displacement, enduring appeal
Displacements and use
The RB family offered a range of large displacements — most notably 383, 426, and 440 cubic inches — and powered many Dodge models from sedans to the high-performance Chargers and Coronet strains. The design emphasized torque and tuning ease, making these engines popular with racers and daily drivers alike during the muscle-car era.
Legacy and impact
Together, the 426 Hemi and the RB big-block lineup defined Mopar’s performance image in the 1960s and early 1970s. They helped vehicles like the Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, and various Polara/Monaco-family cars become cultural icons of American automotive history. For collectors and enthusiasts today, these engines symbolize a peak period of power, style, and mechanical ingenuity.
Summary
In Dodge’s history, the big-block story centers on the 426 Hemi and the RB lineup (383/426/440). These engines established Mopar’s performance credentials and left a lasting legacy that endures in car culture and restoration communities today.
