What size engine is in the 1978 Dodge Sportsman motorhome?
The most common engine size in 1978 Dodge Sportsman motorhomes was a 360-cubic-inch V8, with an optional 440-cubic-inch V8 available on certain configurations. Availability depended on the specific chassis and coachbuilder.
Dodge built the Sportsman motorhome on a Dodge truck chassis, and engine options reflected the broader Dodge lineup of the era. In the late 1970s, fuel economy mattered to buyers, but motorhomes often offered larger V8s for highway performance and payload. The exact displacement could vary by production run, region, and the particular coachbuilder’s package.
Engine options for the 1978 Sportsman
Below is a concise look at the typical engine sizes seen on 1978 Sportsman motorhomes, noting which were more common and which were less universal.
- 360 cubic inch V8 (5.9 L) — the standard and most commonly installed engine for many Sportsman units; balanced power with acceptable highway fuel economy for a motorhome of that era.
- 440 cubic inch V8 (7.2 L) — an optional upgrade on heavier-duty or higher-trim configurations; provided extra torque for hills and heavier loads, at the cost of lower fuel efficiency.
In practice, the exact engine on a given 1978 Sportsman could vary based on the chassis package, regional options, and the coachbuilder's configuration. For restorers or collectors, checking the original brochures, VIN notes, or coachbuilder records helps verify the actual displacement on a specific unit.
Historical context
During the late 1970s, motorhomes faced a balancing act between power and fuel economy. Dodge offered a range of V8s to suit different customer needs, with the Sportsman line typically aligning with the broader Dodge truck-based chassis. The choice of engine affected not only performance but also maintenance considerations and long-distance cruising costs.
Performance and economy considerations
Torque and driveability were key for motorhomes carrying living spaces and equipment. A 360 V8 provided steady, reliable performance for most trips, while the 440 offered extra reserve for steep grades or heavier payloads—again, with a trade-off in fuel consumption and weight.
Summary
The 1978 Dodge Sportsman motorhome did not have a single universal engine size. The most common displacement was 360 cubic inches, with 440 cubic inches available as an upgrade on select configurations. Exact engine size depended on the chassis, coachbuilder, and market. For accuracy about a specific unit, consult the vehicle’s original documentation or the coachbuilder’s records.
What size engine is in a 1978 Dodge motorhome?
The 1978 Dodge F40 typically features a V8 engine, often a 360 or 400 cubic inch displacement.
How many miles per gallon does a 1977 Dodge Sportsman motorhome get?
It only achieves 5.5 to 7 miles per gallon and struggles on hills.
How much horsepower does a 440 motorhome engine have?
And while the Mopar 440 does several things very well, we've always felt that with a few tweaks the engine was capable of well over the 375 horsepower rating it got from the factory.
How much horsepower did a 1978 Dodge 360 have?
In 1978, compression ratios were relatively low due to emissions regulations—typically around 8.0:1—but the engine still produced between 150 and 175 horsepower, with torque figures in the 250–280 lb-ft range depending on application.
