What engine did the Ram 50 have?
The Ram 50 used a Mitsubishi inline-four engine, most commonly a 2.0-liter unit. An optional 2.6-liter engine was available in some markets.
The Ram 50 was Dodge's North American badge for Mitsubishi's compact pickup, known globally as the Mitsubishi Mighty Max. Produced mainly in the 1980s and early 1990s, its powertrain lineup varied by year and market, reflecting Mitsubishi's shared engine family across the lineup.
Origins and badge engineering
Understanding the Ram 50 requires recognizing its place in Dodge’s lineup as a badge-engineered version of Mitsubishi’s compact pickup. In North America, Dodge offered the Ram 50 as a domestically styled variant of Mitsubishi’s truck, aligning dealer networks and sales channels with the Mitsubishi family.
Primary engine options
The following engines served as the backbone of the Ram 50 across different years and regions. Each was sourced from Mitsubishi and installed under the Ram 50 badge in various markets.
- 2.0-liter inline-four engine (Mitsubishi)
- 2.6-liter inline-four engine (Mitsubishi, available in certain markets)
These two engines represent the core powertrains commonly associated with the Ram 50, with availability shifting by year, emission standards, and regional demand.
Performance and configuration notes
Power output and fuel system setups varied by model year and market. Early Ram 50s often used carbureted configurations, while later examples adopted fuel injection to meet stricter emissions standards. The engines above were typically paired with a range of transmissions, including manual and automatic options.
Summary
The Ram 50’s engine lineup reflects its Mitsubishi underpinnings: a standard 2.0-liter inline-four was most common, with a 2.6-liter option appearing in some markets and years. Across its production span in the 1980s and early 1990s, the Ram 50 shared powertrains with Mitsubishi’s Mighty Max family, delivering a compact-truck solution for Dodge buyers.
Are Ram 50s reliable?
Overall, while the truck has its quirks, many owners find it to be a reliable workhorse with proper maintenance.
Was the Ram 50 a Dodge or Mitsubishi?
The Ram 50 isn't really a Ram at all, but a Mitsubishi L200, which was sold in America as the Dodge D50 between 1979 and 1980 before adopting the Ram 50 name. This one's technically a Power Ram because it's fitted with the all-wheel drive transmission that became available from 1982.
What engine is in a 1989 Dodge Ram 50?
The proven and powerful 2.6-liter engine is standard on all three pictured models, and is backed by your choice of a standard five-speed overdrive manual or optional four-speed over- drive automatic transmission. Whichever truck you choose, you're sure to find excitement in your own backyard and beyond.
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How much horsepower does a 1986 Dodge D50 have?
Base models use a 2.0-liter, producing 93 horsepower and 108 pound-feet of torque. Trucks in Sport trim have a beefier 105-horsepower, 139-pound-foot 2.6-liter engine.
