What engine is in a 1984 Dodge Rampage?
The 1984 Dodge Rampage used a 2.2-liter inline-four engine as standard, with an optional 2.6-liter inline-four upgrade in some configurations.
The Rampage was Dodge’s early-1980s compact pickup, built on a front-wheel-drive chassis shared with the K-car family. This article outlines the engines that powered the 1984 Rampage, how common each configuration was, and what restorers or buyers should know when examining a vehicle from that year.
Engine options for the 1984 Rampage
Below is a concise breakdown of the two known gasoline four-cylinder engines offered for the 1984 Rampage, noting typical availability and purpose.
- 2.2-liter inline-four (2.2 L I4) — standard engine across most Rampage models; common across the Dodge and Plymouth K-car family connections.
- 2.6-liter inline-four (2.6 L I4) — optional upgrade on certain trims or markets; provided more torque for heavier loads and highway driving.
In practice, the 2.2 L engine was the workhorse for the Rampage, while the 2.6 L appeared less frequently and primarily in specific regional or trim configurations.
Technical notes for restoration and ownership
Engine codes and configurations can vary by production run, so when inspecting a 1984 Rampage, verify the exact engine block code and build documentation. Some examples may show carbureted versus fuel-injected variants of the 2.2 L, which affects parts compatibility and maintenance planning.
Summary
The 1984 Dodge Rampage was most commonly equipped with a 2.2-liter inline-four, with a 2.6-liter inline-four available as an optional upgrade in certain configurations. For accuracy, check the vehicle’s VIN, build sheet, or engine stamping to confirm the exact powerplant on a given example.
How much horsepower does a 1984 Dodge Rampage have?
The Rampage was available with a Chrysler-built and designed 2.2 L carbureted inline-four engine with 84 hp (63 kW) to 99 hp (74 kW) depending on the year, a curb weight of around 2,400 lb (1,100 kg) and used a four-speed manual transmission or three-speed automatic transmission.
How many 1984 Dodge rampages were made?
11,732
The first Dodge Rampage rolls off the Belvidere Assembly Line November 18, 1981, with Lee Iacocca at the wheel. The Rampage produced sales of 17,636 in 1982, 8,033 in 1983, and 11,732 in 1984 — and total sales for the one-year-only 1983 Plymouth Scamp were 2,184 base models and 1,380 for the Scamp GT.
Are Dodge rampages rare?
Turns out it was a Dodge Rampage, a subcompact pickup truck produced from 1982–1984. It was designed to be a car-like truck that combined the handling of a passenger car with the load capacity of a small pickup truck – Dodge's answer to the Chevy El Camino. Only 37,000 were made.
What engine does a Dodge Rampage have?
The Dodge Rampage was originally equipped with a 2.2-liter inline-four engine that produced between 84 and 96 horsepower, depending on the model year. This engine was paired with a manual or automatic transmission and the vehicle was front-wheel drive. More recently, some custom builds have featured modern, high-powered engines like the Hemi.
You can watch this video to learn more about the history of the Dodge Rampage: 56sRETRO CARYouTube · Sep 6, 2023
Original engine
- Type: 2.2-liter, fuel-injected inline-four
- Horsepower: Ranged from 84 to 96 horsepower
- Torque: Up to 111 lb-ft
- Transmission: Available with a 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic, or a 5-speed manual after 1983
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Custom builds
- HEMI engine swaps: Custom builds have replaced the original engine with modern, high-performance engines like a 5.7L or 6.4L HEMI, sometimes with superchargers.
- Performance: These custom builds have achieved significantly higher horsepower figures, sometimes reaching hundreds of horsepower.
