What engine did the Dodge Monaco have?
The Dodge Monaco was powered by Chrysler’s big-block V8 family, with several engine options across its run. The most famous is the 426 cubic inch Hemi, but other big V8s like the 383 and 440 were also used depending on year and trim.
The Monaco line—Dodge’s full-size flagship during the muscle-car era—sported a range of powerplants as emissions rules and engineering evolved. This piece outlines the engines most commonly associated with Monaco models and how they shaped performance.
Engine options over the Monaco's lifetime
The following list highlights the major V8 powerplants that were commonly offered in Monaco models, with a note that availability varied by year, body style, and regional market.
- 383 cubic inch V8 (about 6.3 L): a common entry-level big-block option in early Monaco lineups.
- 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 (about 7.0 L): the legendary high-performance powerplant that appeared in certain Monaco years as a top-end option.
- 440 cubic inch V8 (about 7.2 L): a robust big-block option that became widely available on later Monaco models.
- Other Chrysler big-block V8s were used in some periods, with availability tied to year, trim, and regional market.
In practice, Dodge offered a range of big-block V8s for the Monaco, and the exact engine depended on the model year, body style, and whether the car carried the performance-oriented trim.
Notable powertrains and performance context
The 426 Hemi remains the most iconic Monaco powerplant, symbolizing Mopar's horsepower wars of the era. The 383 and 440 engines provided strong performance across many Monaco configurations, appealing to buyers seeking speed and torque on the big Dodge sedan.
Year-by-year trends in Monaco engines
To illustrate how engine offerings changed, here are broad trends for key periods. Note that exact availability can vary by sub-model and market.
- Mid-1960s: Big-block V8s, including the 383, were common; the Hemi was an optional upgrade on certain trims.
- Late 1960s: The 426 Hemi and 440 V8 options appeared on more Monaco models, alongside enhancements to performance packages.
- Early 1970s: The big-block lineup continued, with the 440 remaining a staple option as emissions and horsepower regulations evolved.
These snapshots show that Monaco's engine lineup evolved with Mopar's broader strategy for its full-size cars, balancing power with efficiency and emissions considerations.
Summary
The Dodge Monaco did not have a single engine. Across its production, it used Chrysler's big-block V8 family, with notable options including the 383, 426 Hemi, and 440 cubic inch engines. Exact availability depended on year, trim, and region, making the Monaco a product of its era's horsepower culture rather than a fixed powertrain pair.
How much is a 1965 Dodge Monaco worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $17,160 for a 1965 Dodge Monaco in good condition with average spec.
How much horsepower did the 1974 Dodge Monaco police have?
The 1974 Dodge Monaco police package was one of the fastest squad cars of its time. It was capable of 0 to 60 in under 7 seconds, thanks to its 275-horsepower 440 and tall rear gearing.
What engine options did the Monaco have?
The standard engine on all Monacos was a 360 cu in (5.9 L) with a 2-barrel carburetor—engine options included a 360 cu in (5.9 L) with a 4-barrel carburetor, a 400 cu in (6.6 L) with a 2- or 4-barrel carburetor, and a 440 cu in (7.2 L) with a 4-barrel carburetor.
What engine options did the 1974 Monaco have?
ENGINE STANDARD 360 V8 TorqueFlite automatic 2.71 OPTIONAL 3.23 400 V8 TorqueFlite automatic 2.71 "Sport" plaid center armrest seat, optional on Monaco Custom The Monaco Custom interior is handsomely accented with Desmon built into the driver's door is standard on all Monacos this year.
