What engine is in a 1974 Dodge Dart?
Typically, a 1974 Dodge Dart came with either the 225 cubic-inch slant-six engine or the 318 cubic-inch V8; some sportier Dart Sport trims could also be equipped with a larger V8 in certain configurations.
Core engine options
The engines most commonly found across the 1974 Dart lineup depended on the trim and options chosen.
- 225 cubic-inch Slant Six (3.7 L) – a durable inline-six powering many Mopar A-body cars of the era.
- 318 cubic-inch V8 (5.2 L) – the standard V8 option on many Dart models and trims.
In most 1974 Darts, these two engines defined the primary drivetrain choices, with the Slant Six prioritizing fuel economy and the V8 offering more power for higher trims.
Performance options and variations
Performance-oriented Dart Sport models and some optional packages offered larger V8s during the era, though availability varied by year, trim, and market.
- 360 cubic-inch V8 (5.9 L) – available on certain performance-oriented Dart Sport configurations of the era; not all Darts carried this engine.
Because engine availability could vary by car, checking the specific build sheet, trim, or VIN stamping is the best way to confirm the exact powerplant for a given 1974 Dart.
Context and emissions
These engines existed within Mopar’s A-body lineup during a period of tightening emissions standards in the mid-1970s, which affected horsepower and performance across the range.
Summary
In summary, the typical 1974 Dodge Dart was powered by either the 225 cu in slant-six or the 318 cu in V8, with the possibility of a larger V8 such as the 360 in some sportier Dart Sport configurations. The exact engine depends on the trim and options originally chosen for the vehicle.
