What car had the 440 Magnum?
In short, the 440 Magnum was not a single model but Chrysler’s big-block 440 cubic-inch V8 offered as an option across several Mopar muscle cars in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The most famous recipients were the Plymouth Barracuda and the Dodge Challenger families.
Beyond the Barracuda, the 440 Magnum appeared in other Mopar models such as the GTX, Road Runner, Super Bee, and Charger in various years and configurations. Availability depended on year, trim level and option packages, with some cars getting a four-barrel version and others a higher-performance six-pack setup.
Origins of the 440 Magnum
The 440 Magnum was Chrysler’s evolution of the 440 cubic-inch V8 family, introduced as a performance upgrade during the muscle-car era. The Magnum branding signified a higher-performance version sold alongside other 440 options, and it found multiple applications in Mopar’s lineup from the late 1960s into the early 1970s.
Which cars offered the 440 Magnum
The following Mopar models are most commonly associated with the 440 Magnum option, reflecting the period when large-displacement engines defined the muscle-car era. The exact year and trim varied, with some cars offering the 440 Magnum in limited packages or as part of higher-performance configurations.
- Plymouth Barracuda (1969–1971)
- Plymouth Road Runner (1969–1971)
- Dodge Challenger (1970–1971)
- Dodge Charger (late 1960s–early 1970s; in select packages)
- Plymouth GTX (1967–1971)
- Dodge Super Bee (1968–1971)
The 440 Magnum badge and its engine variants appeared across these models, often paired with four-barrel carburetion or the famous six-pack setup (three two-barrel carburetors) on select configurations.
How to identify a 440 Magnum-equipped car
Look for the Magnum badge on the engine bay or fender tag, and check the engine code in the vehicle’s data plate. Documentation from the era or a factory build sheet will confirm whether the car left the factory with the 440 Magnum option, and whether it used four-barrel or six-pack carburetion.
Summary
The 440 Magnum wasn’t a single model but a storied Chrysler big-block available across several Mopar muscle cars during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Barracuda, Road Runner, GTX, Super Bee, Challenger, and Charger are the names most closely associated with this engine, reflecting a era when large displacement power defined American automotive performance.
How much horsepower does a 440 Magnum have?
The standard factory 440 Magnum V8 engine was rated at 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Some sources suggest the actual output was slightly higher, while the even more powerful 440 Six-Pack version, which featured a triple carburetor setup, was officially rated at 390 horsepower.
- 440 Magnum: The performance version of the 440 V8, equipped with a four-barrel carburetor, was factory-rated at 375 hp.
- 440 Six-Pack: This upgraded version featured three two-barrel carburetors and was rated at 390 hp. It was often found in special A12 Mopar models.
- Actual vs. Rated Horsepower: It was common for muscle car horsepower ratings from this era to be conservative. Some internal documents suggest the 375 hp figure was a high estimate, with one Chrysler bulletin suggesting a more realistic figure of around 330 hp for the 440 four-barrel, though it's important to note that this figure is based on a different source than the official rating.
What cars had a 440 engine?
6 Legendary Muscle Cars Built With The 440 'Six Pack' Engine
- 1969-½ to 1971 Dodge Super Bee 440 Six Pack.
- 1969-½-1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440 6-Barrel.
- 1970-1971 Dodge Charger 440 Six Pack.
- 1970-1971 Dodge Challenger Six Pack.
- 1970-1971 Plymouth GTX Six-Barrel.
- 1970-1971 Plymouth Barracuda Six-Barrel.
What years did they make the 440 Magnum engine?
The 440 cu in (7.2 L) RB was produced from 1965 until 1978, making it the last version of the Chrysler RB block.
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. |
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