What engine came in a 1978 Dodge Warlock?
The engine most closely associated with the 1978 Dodge Warlock is the 360 cubic inch V8. The Warlock was a late‑1970s themed Dodge D‑Series pickup, and for 1978 the 360 V8—typically fed by a four‑barrel carburetor—was the standard powerplant, usually paired with Chrysler’s 727 automatic transmission. This article looks at how that engine defined the Warlock and where it fit in Dodge’s lineup of the era.
The Warlock in Dodge’s lineup
The Warlock was one of Dodge’s limited‑edition packages for the D‑Series trucks in the mid to late 1970s. It combined distinctive styling—dark paint with red and gold accents and Warlock badging—with a focus on rugged performance. The package was part of Dodge’s strategy to offer visually bold, specialty pickups during a period of evolving truck design and tightening emissions controls.
The 360 V8 at the core of the Warlock
The 360 cubic inch V8 served as the engine most commonly installed in 1978 Warlock models. This Saturn‑era Mopar V8 was part of the LA family and delivered solid mid‑range torque appropriate for a half‑ton pickup of that period. In Warlock configurations, the 360 was typically equipped with a four‑barrel carburetor and was commonly mated to Chrysler’s 727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission, though engine and transmission pairings could vary by build sheet and regional dealer options.
Engine layout and fuel system
The 360 V8 used in the Warlock was a traditional V8 arrangement with a carbureted fuel system, reflecting the technology and emissions standards of the era. This setup provided reliable power for everyday use, towing, and highway cruising typical of late‑1970s pickups.
Transmission pairings
Historical context and market impact
Summary
