What engine is in a Dodge W150?
The Dodge W150 did not come with a single engine across its entire production run; engine options varied by year and configuration. The most common powerplants were Mopar small-block V8s (notably the 318 cu in) and the 360 cu in V8, along with the 225 cu in inline-six in certain trims.
The W150 was part of Dodge's W-Series pickups, produced from the late 1950s through the 1980s (with some markets extending into the early 1990s). Over that era, emissions rules, market needs, and model updates shifted which engines were available. This article outlines typical options by era and offers tips to identify the exact engine in a given W150.
Engine options by era
The following overview highlights the broad engine families Dodge used in W150 pickups across generations. The exact engine in a specific truck depends on the model year and trim level.
- Inline-six family (Slant-6), including the 225 cubic inch variant, used on base and work-oriented W150 models in various early years.
- Small-block V8 family (318 cubic inch), widely offered as a more capable gasoline option across many years.
- Big-block V8 options (such as the 383 cubic inch) available on certain heavier-duty or performance-oriented configurations in select years.
In summary, W150 engines ranged from economical inline-sixes to mid- to large-displacement V8s, with the V8 lineup expanding as Mopar introduced new designs and as market demand evolved.
1960s Dodge W150 engines
During the 1960s, the W150 lineup balanced utility and power, with Dodge offering both six-cylinder and V8 options as customers moved toward more capable pickups.
- Slant-6 inline-six family (notably the 225 cu in variant) for base models and fleets seeking economy.
- 318 cu in small-block V8 as a step up in power for daily use and light hauling.
- 383 cu in big-block V8 available on heavier-duty or performance-oriented trims later in the decade.
These options reflect Dodge’s strategy of providing a practical work truck with scalable power while meeting evolving emissions and performance standards of the era.
1970s–1980s Dodge W150 engines
In the 1970s and into the 1980s, the W150 commonly featured more robust V8 options, with the 360 cu in V8 becoming particularly popular for its power-to-weight balance. The 318 remained a staple, while inline-six options continued in certain base or fleet configurations.
- 318 cu in V8 (small-block) – widely used as a standard or mid-range powerplant.
- 360 cu in V8 (5.9 L) – favored for its torque and pulling ability in many W150 configurations.
- 225 Slant-6 inline-six – still seen in some base or fleet models, though less common in later years.
As with earlier years, exact availability varied by month and market, so checking the specific vehicle’s documentation is essential to confirm the original engine.
How to identify the engine in your W150
To confirm the exact engine in your W150, use these identification methods. Each method helps cross-check the factory option you originally received.
- Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the engine code on the engine block or the data plate in the engine bay.
- Look for engine block casting numbers, which indicate the displacement family (for example, small-block vs. big-block) and sometimes the exact year.
- Consult the glovebox or driver's-side door tag for the factory engine option code and cross-reference Dodge’s era guides or a trusted parts database.
With the engine code in hand, you can match it to Dodge’s original factory options for the W150 and determine whether you have a six-cylinder, a 318, a 360, or another V8 under the hood.
Summary
The Dodge W150’s engine lineup evolved over decades, moving from inline-sixes to a broader range of V8s as Dodge adapted to changing demands and regulations. The most common powerplants across many W150s were the 318 cu in small-block V8 and the 360 cu in V8, with the 225 cu in Slant-6 also appearing in certain configurations. To know your exact engine, verify the year, model, and engine code via the VIN, engine stamping, or factory labels, and cross-reference with Dodge’s official options for that period.
In practice, owners should identify the engine by cross-checking documentation and engine stamping to ensure accurate maintenance, parts compatibility, and restoration accuracy.
