What cars had a 318 V8?
The 318 V8 engine, produced by Chrysler Corporation, is one of the most iconic and reliable engines in automotive history. Known for its durability and versatility, the 318 V8 was used in a wide range of vehicles from the late 1950s through the early 2000s. In this article, we’ll explore the cars and trucks that featured this legendary engine and why it became a favorite among car enthusiasts and mechanics alike.
The History of the 318 V8 Engine
The 318 V8 engine was introduced in 1957 as part of Chrysler's "A" engine family. It was later updated to the "LA" (Lightweight A) engine series in 1967, which became the more widely recognized version. The engine was praised for its balance of power, fuel efficiency, and reliability, making it a popular choice for a variety of vehicles.
Vehicles That Featured the 318 V8
The 318 V8 was used across Chrysler's lineup, including Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler-branded vehicles. Below is a list of some of the most notable cars and trucks that came equipped with this engine:
- Dodge Dart: The 318 was a popular option in the Dodge Dart, particularly in the late 1960s and early 1970s, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
- Plymouth Barracuda: Many early Barracudas featured the 318 as a mid-range engine option, providing solid performance for this sporty compact car.
- Dodge Charger: The 318 was available in the Dodge Charger, especially in base models, offering a reliable V8 option for this iconic muscle car.
- Plymouth Satellite: This mid-size car often came with the 318 as a standard or optional engine, appealing to families and performance enthusiasts alike.
- Dodge Ram Trucks: The 318 was a workhorse engine for Dodge trucks, including the Ram series, where it was valued for its durability and towing capability.
- Chrysler Newport: This full-size sedan frequently featured the 318 as a base engine, providing smooth and dependable performance.
- Plymouth Fury: The Fury, a popular full-size car, often came equipped with the 318, especially in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volaré: These compact cars of the late 1970s offered the 318 as an optional engine, giving buyers a V8 choice in a smaller package.
Why the 318 V8 Was So Popular
The 318 V8 gained a reputation for being nearly indestructible. Its simple design made it easy to maintain and repair, and it could handle high mileage with minimal issues. Additionally, the engine was versatile, capable of being tuned for performance or optimized for fuel efficiency, depending on the application. This adaptability made it a favorite among both manufacturers and car owners.
Conclusion
The 318 V8 engine left an indelible mark on the automotive world. Its widespread use across Chrysler's lineup and its reputation for reliability have cemented its place in history as one of the great American V8 engines. Whether you’re restoring a classic car or reminiscing about the vehicles of the past, the 318 V8 remains a symbol of dependable performance and engineering excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 318 V8 a good engine?
The 318 is a good all round small engine and makes ok power if you get one of the earlier engines or a performance build. If you are doing the work yourself and already have the parts then it would be a good choice.
Did Chrysler make a Big Block 318?
Most commonly known as the "wide-block 318," "big-block 318," or "Poly 318," official Chrysler nomenclature describes it as the A479 or A-series 318.
Why was the Mopar 340 so good?
A high-rise dual-plane intake worked with an updated carburetor, while a new steel crank was also introduced. High-performance heads and cams and an enhanced oil pump rounded off the upgrades, which had a marked effect on the power output of Chrysler's small-block V8.
What was the last year for the 318 engine?
It appeared in volume production beginning with the 1968 model year, replacing the last of the export "A" 318 engines equipped with polyspherical chambered heads ("A" 318 engines were not offered in 1967 domestic vehicles). The LA engine was available until 1991, when it was superseded by the Magnum version.
How much horsepower can you get out of a 318?
Idling down, the 318 sounded sweet commanding 10.5-inches of vacuum and exhibiting a mild loop. With the first real power pull, we recorded 383 hp at 6,200 rpm, stout output but a little shy of our goal of 400 hp.
What vehicles have a 318 engine?
The Plymouth Valiant, Barracuda, and Duster, as well as the Dodge Dart, offered a 318 in their lineup and the true abilities of the engine started to shine. The lightweight V8 offered a performance V8 sound and feel that matched the lightweight body and frame of the compact A-body cars, making it a perfect fit.
Is a 4.7 Dodge motor a 318?
The 4.7-liter V8 engine found in Dodge vehicles is also known as the Powertech engine. It is the innovation of Dodge's parent company Chrysler. It set out to replace the legendary 318 cubic-inch pushrod small-block V8.
How many miles will a 318 last?
An engine that is maintained correctly will last for 500k miles. The supporting systems like alternator and water pump are wear items and will need to be replaced occasionally, but that's normal. The Dodge 318 is an engine that's been in production for decades and is very durable.
Can you get 1000 hp out of a 4 cylinder?
Yes, Cummins Makes a 1,000 Horsepower Engine for the Army—and It's a 4 Cylinder.
How much HP does a 318 V8 have?
Mopar 318 Engine - The Little Mopar That Could
| Dyno Results | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mopar 318 | ||
| RPM | HP | TQ |
| 3,000 | 190 | 332 |
| 3,500 | 241 | 376 |
