What engine was in a 1969 Dodge Coronet?
In 1969, the Dodge Coronet offered a range of V8 engines, from practical small-blocks to high-performance powerhouses. The most common powerplants included the 318, 383, and 440, with the legendary 426 Hemi available on top-tier R/T models.
Engine options for the 1969 Coronet
The following engine choices could be found under the hood, depending on trim level and option packages. This snapshot helps explain why buyers could order a relatively modest cruiser or a fire-breathing performance machine from the same nameplate.
- 318 cubic inch V8 (5.2 L) — a practical V8 that served as a baseline option on many Coronet configurations.
- 383 cubic inch V8 (6.3 L) — a common big-block option that balanced torque and displacement for everyday driving.
- 440 cubic inch V8 (7.2 L) — a popular large-displacement engine offering strong torque for performance-focused builds and R/T models.
- 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 (7.0 L) — the legendary high-performance powerplant available on select Coronet R/T configurations.
Across the lineup, engine availability varied by trim and package, so not every engine was offered on every body style or price point.
Notable powerplants and who got them
Beyond the baseline options, Mopar reserved the 426 Hemi for the top-tier Coronet R/T models, making it a rare and coveted accelerator of the era. The 440 Magnum (the 440 V8 family) was more broadly available and provided substantial street performance for most high-performance Coronet variants.
Context: How engine choices shaped the Coronet’s appeal
The 1969 Coronet’s engine lineup reflected Dodge’s strategy of offering a wide spectrum within a single nameplate. Buyers could opt for everyday reliability with a smaller V8 or push into serious performance territory with a big-block option or the Hemi—an approach that helped the Coronet compete across both family-style cruising and straight-line speed.
Summary
In the 1969 Dodge Coronet, there wasn’t a single engine—there was a spectrum. The car could be powered by the 318, 383, or 440, with the 426 Hemi available on performance-oriented R/T models. Engine choice depended on trim, options, and the buyer’s goals, from practical daily driving to high-performance drag-strip credentials.
