What engine powers the 1970 Dodge Super Bee?
The 1970 Dodge Super Bee could be equipped with several V8 engines, most notably the 383 cu in Magnum, the 440 cu in V8 (including a Six-Pack option), and the legendary 426 Hemi as an optional upgrade.
The 1970 Super Bee sat within Dodge’s performance-heavy lineup as a factory-equipped muscle car built on the Coronet platform. For buyers, the engine choice dictated not just straight-line speed but also price, insurance considerations, and long-term maintenance as the muscle-car era tightened emissions standards in the early 1970s.
Engine options for the 1970 Super Bee
Below is a snapshot of the main V8 configurations available for the 1970 Super Bee, including typical power outputs and notable carburetion setups. The exact horsepower figures can vary depending on the exact hardware and rating method used at the time.
- 383 cu in (6.3 L) Magnum V8 — about 335 horsepower, with torque around 425 lb-ft. This served as the base performance engine for many Super Bee builds.
- 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8 — commonly paired with a 4-barrel carburetor producing roughly 375–390 horsepower; the optional 440 Six-Pack (three two-barrel carburetors) delivered about 390 horsepower and higher torque (around 480 lb-ft).
- 426 Hemi (7.0 L) V8 — 425 horsepower with strong torque, offered as a rare, highly coveted upgrade for enthusiasts and collectors.
In practice, buyers could pair these engines with either manual or automatic transmissions, and fuel-injection was not part of the era’s configuration. The engine lineup defined a broad range of performance and collector appeal for the 1970 Super Bee.
Context and impact on performance
The availability of multiple engines allowed the Super Bee to span a broad performance spectrum—from more affordable power to top-tier factory muscle with the Hemi. The selection also influenced maintenance costs, insurance, and resale value, especially for Hemi-equipped examples.
Legacy and collector interest
Today, the 1970 Super Bee remains a sought-after model for Mopar enthusiasts. The Hemi-equipped cars command a premium, while the 383 and 440 variants offer accessible pathways to experience the muscle car era. Authenticity, correct matching numbers, and original documentation boost value for collectors.
Summary: The 1970 Dodge Super Bee offered three major engine options—383 Magnum, 440, and 426 Hemi—each delivering distinct performance profiles and collector appeal, reflecting Dodge’s enduring muscle-car heritage.
End of article: The 1970 Dodge Super Bee stands as a snapshot of an era when buyers could choose among multiple V8s to tailor performance, price, and bragging rights, reinforcing Dodge’s place in the muscle-car story.
What engine was in the 1970 Superbird?
The 1970 Plymouth Superbird came with three engine options: a base 375 hp 440 Super Commando V8 (4-barrel), a 390 hp 440 Super Commando V8 (6-barrel), or the top-tier 426 HEMI V8, which produced 425 hp. The 426 HEMI engine was the most powerful and one of the rarest, with only 135 produced for public sale.
You can watch this video to see a 900HP Hellcat powered 1970 Plymouth Superbird restomod: 55sAutotopia LAYouTube · Nov 23, 2022
- 440 Super Commando (4-barrel): The standard engine for the street version, this 440 cubic inch V8 was rated at 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.
- 440 Super Commando (6-barrel): An optional upgrade, this 440 cubic inch V8 featured three two-barrel carburetors and was rated at 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque.
- 426 HEMI: This high-performance engine was the most powerful and also the rarest, with only 135 examples built. It was a 426 cubic inch V8 with two four-barrel carburetors, producing 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque.
This video discusses the 440 engine option: 48sEnthusiastic EnthusiastYouTube · Aug 30, 2025
How much is a 1970 Super Bee worth?
The value of a 1970 Dodge Super Bee varies significantly based on its condition and original engine, but can range from approximately $30,000 to over $100,000, with the average price for a good condition car around $48,700. Rare configurations like the 440 Six-Pack or 426 HEMI can be worth much more, with some recent sales exceeding $170,000 for exceptional examples.
Factors influencing value
- Condition: A fully restored or highly original car in excellent condition will command a much higher price than a project car.
- Engine: The 440 Six-Pack and 426 HEMI engines are the most valuable options. The standard 440 engine is also desirable.
- Options: Rarity of other factory options can impact the price.
- Market trends: The collector car market fluctuates, and specific auction results can provide a snapshot of recent activity.
Pricing examples
- Average condition: Approximately $48,700 for a good condition car with average specifications.
- High-end examples: Exceptional models, especially rare Hemi-powered or A12 versions, have sold for over $170,000 to $240,000 in recent years.
- Recent sales: As of late 2025, there have been numerous sales ranging from approximately $40,000 to $85,000 for well-maintained, but not necessarily the rarest, models.
Where to find a value
- Classic.com: This site tracks a wide range of sales data for Super Bees, providing an average sale price and recent auction results.
- Hagerty Valuation Tools: Hagerty provides valuation tools and data based on different condition levels, with a good condition 1970 Super Bee averaging around $48,700.
- Bring a Trailer and other auction sites: These sites are useful for seeing real-time sale prices for specific cars.
How much horsepower does a 1970 Super Bee have?
335 hp
1968–1970 Chrysler B platform
| 1968–1970 | |
|---|---|
| Engine | All V8s: 383 cu in (6.3 L) Magnum 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi 440 cu in (7.2 L) Six-Pack (not offered 1968) |
| Power output | Horsepower: 335 hp (250 kW) (Magnum) 390 hp (291 kW) (Six-Pack) 425 hp (317 kW) (Hemi) Torque: 425 lb⋅ft (576 N⋅m) (Magnum) 490 lb⋅ft (664 N⋅m) (Six-Pack, Hemi) |
What engine did the Dodge Super Bee have?
Sting Like a (Super) Bee
They were all V8 engines, so you know they were ready to kick some serious bumper on the roads. The 6.3L V8 was offered for all of the model years, and it got an estimated 335 bhp (brake horsepower) and 425 pound-feet of torque.
