What engine is in a Dodge Coronet 500?
The Dodge Coronet 500 did not have a single fixed engine. It was a mid-range trim available across multiple model years, and the engine varied by year and option package.
In general, Coronet 500 models could be equipped with a range of powerplants—from economical inline-sixes to muscular V8s. The exact engine depended on the car’s year, market, and how it was configured by the original buyer or dealer.
Overview of engine options across the Coronet 500 line
The following summarizes typical engine choices found on Coronet 500 models, noting that availability varied by year and trim package.
Engine families offered
- Inline-six engines (base configurations) — traditional Mopar six-cylinders such as the 225 cubic inch slant-six were used on some base setups.
- Small-block V8 engines — common options included 273 and 318 cubic inches, with some years also offering other small-block variants.
- Big-block V8 engines — higher-performance selections included 383 cubic inches, with rare but notable availability of 426 Hemi on performance-focused packages, and later 440-class engines in broader configurations.
Because the Coronet 500 spanned multiple years and trim combinations, exact engine availability varied. To identify the precise unit for a specific car, you’ll need the model year and the original build details.
How to verify your Coronet 500's engine
To identify the engine in your particular car, use the following steps:
- Check the fender tag or build sheet for the engine code and year.
- Examine the engine block for stamping that indicates the displacement and code (for example, a deck code or stamping that Mopar enthusiasts recognize).
- Cross-reference the VIN with Mopar registry records to confirm the original engine and trim.
- Be aware that some cars may have had engine swaps; compare the drivetrain labels with factory options for your model year.
These steps help confirm the exact engine that came in a Dodge Coronet 500 or verify any changes since factory delivery.
Summary
The Dodge Coronet 500 did not come with a single engine. Across its production years, it offered a spectrum of powerplants—from inline-six to big-block V8 configurations, with high-performance options like the 426 Hemi appearing on certain packages. Identifying the exact engine requires the car’s year and original build details.
