What engine is in a 1987 Dodge Raider?
The 1987 Dodge Raider used a Mitsubishi 2.6-liter inline-4 engine (the 4G54).
The Dodge Raider was Dodge’s badge-engineered version of Mitsubishi’s Pajero/Montero lineup. In the U.S. market for the late 1980s, the Raider’s powertrain centered on the 2.6-liter inline-4. The broader Pajero/Montero family offered other engines in different markets and years, but the 1987 Raider specifically relied on the 2.6L four-cylinder in that era.
Historical context and engine family
To understand the Raider’s engine, it helps to situate it within the Mitsubishi engine family that underpinned several 1980s SUVs. The 2.6-liter inline-4 (4G54) was a common powerplant in Pajero/Montero variants around the mid-to-late 1980s, providing a balance of capability and reliability that suited the Raider’s rugged, off-road-oriented role. While the Pajero family did include larger and more powerful options in other markets, the 1987 U.S.-market Raider relied on the 4G54 2.6L inline-4 as its standard engine.
Key engine details for the 1987 Dodge Raider are summarized below.
- Engine code: 4G54
- Displacement: 2.6 liters
- Configuration: Inline-4 (I4)
These specifications define the Raider’s powertrain in that model year, highlighting the vehicle’s design focus on durability and off-road capability rather than high horsepower. The association with Mitsubishi’s Pajero/Montero lineage also explains the shared engineering and parts across markets during that era.
Summary
In short, the 1987 Dodge Raider was equipped with a 2.6-liter Mitsubishi inline-4 engine (4G54). This engine choice reflects the Raider’s roots as a badge-engineered SUV built on Mitsubishi’s rugged Pajero/Montero platform, with the 4G54 powering the U.S. version in that specific year.
What engine is in a Dodge Raider?
The Dodge Raider was offered with two engine options: a 2.6L 4-cylinder and a 3.0L V6, both available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The 2.6L engine was a SOHC 4-cylinder, while the 3.0L was a V6 engine.
You can watch this video to see a detailed rebuild of the 2.6L 4-cylinder engine: 1mMarkeeiseYouTube · Mar 31, 2023
- 2.6L 4-cylinder: A 2.6L SOHC 4-cylinder engine, also found in the Mitsubishi Montero and other models.
- 3.0L V6: A 3.0L V6 engine, which came with either an iron block and aluminum head.
Was the Dodge Raider a rebadged Mitsubishi?
From 1987-1989, the Dodge Raider was a rebadged Mitsubishi Montero. For 2005-2009, it was flipped. The Mitsubishi Raider was a rebadged Dodge Dakota. During the 5 year model run, less than 22K were sold.
How much is a 1987 Dodge W150 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,633 for a 1987 Dodge W150 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
What engine is in a 1988 Dodge Raider?
Later first-gen Pajeros/Monteros/Raiders could be purchased with an optional 6G72 V6 engine, but the 1987-1988 Raiders got the 2.6-liter Astron four-cylinder, rated at 109 horsepower.
