What is the 5.2 liter engine in a Dodge?
The 5.2-liter engine in a Dodge is the Magnum 5.2L V8, the 318 cubic-inch small-block from Chrysler used in Dodge trucks and SUVs in the 1990s.
Known as the Magnum 318, this engine belongs to Chrysler’s LA/Magnum small-block family. It is a pushrod, overhead-valve V8 that evolved from throttle-body fuel delivery to multi-point injection over its run, delivering reliable low-end torque for trucks and sport-utility vehicles. It was largely phased out as Dodge moved toward newer V8 families in the early 2000s, but remains a recognizable powerplant for enthusiasts of 1990s–early 2000s Dodge hardware.
Engine family and basic characteristics
At its core, the 5.2L is the 318 cubic-inch Magnum version of Chrysler’s small-block V8. It’s a pushrod, two-valve-per-cylinder (OHV) design that began life in the early 1990s and served Dodge vehicles for many years with gradual upgrades to fuel delivery and electronics. The displacement, general layout, and rugged, torquey character made it a staple for everyday work and reliable towing in trucks and large SUVs.
Before you review the specifics, note that numbers can vary slightly by model year and calibration. What follows are representative features and commonly seen specifications for the 5.2L Magnum V8 in Dodge applications.
Common Dodge applications for the 5.2L Magnum V8
The following Dodge platforms were widely equipped with the 5.2L Magnum V8. The engine was a popular choice in the 1990s and early 2000s for trucks and sport-utility vehicles, providing strong low-end torque and straightforward maintenance.
- Dodge Ram pickups (light- and heavy-duty models) in the 1990s through early 2000s
- Dodge Dakota mid-size pickups in the same era
- Dodge Durango full-size SUV in the late 1990s to early 2000s
In addition to Dodge-brand vehicles, the 5.2L was also used in some Jeep and other Chrysler Group models of that era, but the list above covers the primary Dodge-family applications.
Key specifications at a glance
These specifications summarize the typical characteristics of the 5.2L Magnum V8 as it appeared in Dodge applications. Values varied by year and configuration, so treat these as general guidelines.
- Displacement: 318 cubic inches (approximately 5.2 liters)
- Configuration: V8, pushrod, overhead valve (OHV), two valves per cylinder
- Bore × Stroke: about 4.00 inches × 3.31 inches (bore commonly cited as 4.00 in; stroke around 3.31 in)
- Fuel system: Throttle-body injection in early versions; multi-point fuel injection (MPI) in later years
- Compression ratio: typically in the high 9:1 to around 9.5:1 range, depending on year and tune
- Power output: roughly 215–230 hp in early configurations, rising to about 230–255 hp in later MPI versions
- Torque: typically around 300–330 lb-ft, depending on year and calibration
- Applications: paired with various automatic transmissions (commonly 4-speed automatics) in trucks and SUVs
These figures reflect the engine’s role as a durable, torquey workhorse rather than a high-revving performance unit. Its strength was dependable low-end torque for towing and payload capacity, which suited Dodge’s trucks and larger SUVs well.
Legacy and how it fits into Dodge’s modern lineup
As Dodge evolved its powertrain strategy, the 5.2L Magnum gradually gave way to newer engines, including the 4.7L V8 and the 5.7L Hemi, starting in the early to mid-2000s. The 4.7L later became a common base V8 for many Dodge trucks, while the 5.7L Hemi offered higher output and modern performance features. Today, the 5.2L is mostly encountered in older Dodge pickups and SUVs, and among enthusiasts who maintain or restore those 1990s-era models.
For buyers and restorers today, understanding the 5.2L Magnum’s place in Dodge history helps explain both the mechanical layout and the typical maintenance considerations for these trucks and SUVs from that era.
Summary
The Dodge 5.2-liter engine is the Magnum 5.2L V8 (318 cu in), a robust small-block designed for durability and low-end torque in 1990s Dodge trucks and SUVs. It evolved from simple throttle-body fuel delivery to multi-point injection, was used across several Dodge platforms, and gradually gave way to newer V8 families as Dodge updated its powertrain lineup. For many enthusiasts and owners, it remains a recognizable symbol of Dodge’s mid-1990s to early-2000s engineering ethos.
