What engine is in a 1947 Dodge Power Wagon?
The 1947 Dodge Power Wagon is powered by a 230 cubic inch flathead inline-six engine, delivering roughly 92 horsepower.
To understand this, consider that the Power Wagon, introduced in the immediate postwar era, used Dodge’s robust 230 cu in inline-six from Dodge’s truck lineup. This flathead (L-head) six was designed for durability and torque, mirroring the rugged, go-anywhere character the Power Wagon became known for in off-road and workhorse settings.
Engine Type and Design
The Power Wagon’s propulsion comes from a straight-six, flathead engine. This configuration—an inline six with side valves in a flathead layout—was widely used in Dodge trucks of the period for its simplicity and reliability under tough conditions.
Key specifications of the engine include:
- Displacement: 230 cubic inches (approximately 3.77 liters)
- Configuration: Inline six-cylinder, flathead (L-head) design
- Power output: About 92 horsepower
- Fuel system: Typically a single carburetor
- Applications: Shared across early Dodge 3/4-ton and related 4x4 truck platforms, including the Power Wagon
These traits contributed to the Power Wagon’s renowned durability and straightforward maintenance, traits that were highly valued by buyers looking for a capable work vehicle in the late 1940s.
Historical Context and Significance
Origin and wartime roots
The 1947 Dodge Power Wagon drew on Dodge’s postwar civilian adaptation of a military 4x4 platform. While the civilian model diverged in many respects from military variants, the underlying powertrain—the 230 cu in flathead inline-six—remained a core element, prized for its torque and robustness rather than high-rev horsepower.
In the broader context of American trucks, the 230 cu in flathead six became a workhorse for Dodge during the late 1940s and into the 1950s, underpinning heavy-duty duties and off-road capability that defined the Power Wagon’s reputation for decades.
Why this engine mattered for the Power Wagon
The combination of a simple, durable flathead design with a reliable 230 cu in displacement gave the Power Wagon the torque and reliability needed for demanding off-road tasks and heavy hauling. The engine’s characteristics—low-end torque, straightforward maintenance, and compatibility with Dodge’s rugged 4x4 drivetrain—made the Power Wagon a pioneer in American consumer off-road capability.
Summary
The 1947 Dodge Power Wagon was equipped with a 230 cubic inch flathead inline-six engine, producing about 92 horsepower. This engine’s overall simplicity and durability were well-suited to the truck’s rugged 4x4 design, helping establish the Power Wagon as a landmark model in the history of American off-road, heavy-duty pickups.
What engine is in a 1948 Dodge Power Wagon?
The Dodge Power Wagon boasted a 230-cubic-inch L-head six that provided 94 horsepower. The dependable 230-cubic-inch engine had a 3.25-inch bore and 4.63-inch stroke.
How much horsepower does a 1947 Power Wagon have?
Engine and Performance Engine: The 1947 Dodge Power Wagon was powered by a 230 cubic inch (3.8L) flathead six-cylinder engine. This was a relatively simple, but extremely reliable engine that produced around 92 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.
How much is a 1947 Dodge Power Wagon worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $30,200 for a 1947 Dodge WDX 1 Ton in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1947 Dodge WDX 1 Ton? The highest selling price of a 1947 Dodge WDX 1 Ton at auction over the last three years was $132,000.
What engine did the old Dodge Power Wagon have?
230 cubic-inch flathead I6 engine
In 1946, the Dodge Power Wagon became the first civilian 4×4. It had an all-weather civilian cabin with an 8-foot cargo box, making it a great vehicle for civilian and military use. The Power Wagon was powered by a 230 cubic-inch flathead I6 engine paired to 4-speed manual transmission.
