What engine is in a 1987 Dodge d150?
The 1987 Dodge D150 offered three engine choices depending on trim and options: a 225 cubic inch slant-6 inline-6, a 318 cubic inch V8, or a 360 cubic inch V8.
Engine options for the 1987 D150
Below are the engines Dodge typically provided for the 1987 D150, reflecting the brand’s balance of reliability and performance for that era.
- 3.7-liter inline-6 (225 cubic inches) slant-6 — a durable, torque-friendly option commonly used as the base powerplant on many D-series trucks.
- 5.2-liter V8 (318 cubic inches) — a popular upgrade when more power was desired for acceleration and towing.
- 5.9-liter V8 (360 cubic inches) — the largest engine offered, aimed at maximum towing and heavy-duty capability.
Engine and transmission configurations varied by trim and options. Common setups included manual or automatic transmissions paired with the chosen engine. To confirm the exact powertrain on a specific vehicle, check the original window sticker, VIN, or the engine code stamped on the block.
Verifying the engine in a specific vehicle
To identify the exact engine in a particular 1987 D150, refer to:
- The vehicle identification number (VIN) and its build code, which can indicate the engine option.
- The door or glovebox data plate for the original engine code and options.
- The engine block stamping, which often includes a code that maps to the factory engine type.
Summary
The 1987 Dodge D150's engine lineup centered on three choices: the 225 slant-6, the 318 V8, and the 360 V8. Availability depended on trim and options, with the slant-6 typically serving as the base engine and the 318 and 360 providing progressively more power for work and towing. Always verify the exact powertrain on a given truck using documentation or a VIN-based decode.
