What engine did the Dodge Coronet have?
The Dodge Coronet did not rely on a single engine design. Across its decades of production it was offered with a range of powerplants—from basic inline-sixes to multiple V8 families, including Mopar’s famous Hemi options and later small-block and big-block V8s.
Origins and early options (1949–1956)
In its earliest years, the Coronet was sold with a mix of inline-six engines and Dodge’s early V8s. The powertrain lineup established the baseline for the model’s versatility in the years that followed.
The following engines typified this era:
- Inline-six engines (the standard choice for economy and reliability)
- V8 options, including the Red Ram V8 family used by Dodge in the early postwar era
These early powertrains laid the groundwork for a broader engine lineup as the Coronet evolved into a more performance-oriented and versatile model.
Mid-century performance and the Hemi era (late 1950s–1960s)
As Dodge expanded the Coronet’s appeal, the lineup grew to include more V8 options, culminating in the era-defining Hemi powerplants and the emergence of Chrysler’s V8 families.
Key engines in this period included:
- Red Ram V8 and other early V8 configurations
- Chrysler small-block V8s (the LA family) introduced in the 1960s, including 273 and 318 cubic inch versions, plus later 340 and 360 displacements
- Big-block V8s for higher performance, including the 383 and, in performance variants, the legendary 426 Hemi
These powertrains helped the Coronet bridge standard family transportation and Mopar’s high-performance offerings.
Muscle era and modern-era options (late 1960s–1970s)
The Coronet’s muscle-car years leaned on Mopar’s high-performance V8s and the broader big-block lineup, delivering a range of displacements and tuning for daily driving and track days alike.
Notable engines included:
- Small-block V8s such as 273, 318, 340, and 360 cubic inches for a balance of torque and efficiency
- Big-block options like 383 and 440 Magnum for substantial power
- High-performance 426 Hemi in select R/T models during Mopar’s peak muscle-car era
These powertrains solidified the Dodge Coronet’s reputation as a versatile platform capable of practical use and serious performance.
Summary
Across its long production history, the Dodge Coronet offered a broad spectrum of engines. It started with inline-six basics, progressed through the Red Ram V8 family, and later embraced Chrysler’s LA small-block and RB big-block V8 families, including the legendary 426 Hemi in performance variants. The result is a model with one of the most varied engine lineups in Mopar history, reflecting both practicality and performance in different eras.
