What year did Dodge stop making the 318 engine?

The traditional Dodge 318 engine in its LA form was phased out in the early 1990s, roughly around 1993. The 318 displacement, however, continued in a redesigned form as the Magnum 5.2L V8 starting in 1992, so Dodge did not entirely stop producing a 318-sized engine—just the older LA variant.

A quick history of the 318 in Dodge

Below is a concise timeline that explains how the 318 was carried forward or retired across Dodge’s powertrain lineup.

• LA small-block era (the classic 318) — The LA 318 was introduced as part of the late-1960s LA family and powered many Dodge cars and trucks for decades. Production of the traditional LA 318 in Dodge passenger cars largely ended in the early 1990s, with 1993 commonly cited as a turning point as Dodge shifted to newer engine families.


• Magnum era (5.2L V8, the 318 displacement continues) — In 1992, Dodge introduced the Magnum 5.2L V8, which retained the 318 cubic-inch displacement but under a new design and naming convention. This marked the continuation of the 318 lineage in Dodge trucks and other applications, even as the LA variant faded from new-car models.

Conclusion: Dodge did not completely eliminate the 318 displacement from its lineup; it transitioned from the LA 318 to the Magnum 5.2L V8 in the early 1990s. The LA variant ended earlier, while the 318-sized engine lived on under the Magnum banner for several additional years in Dodge trucks and other vehicles.

Why the change happened

The shift from the LA 318 to the Magnum 5.2L reflected Chrysler’s broader engine modernization efforts in the 1990s. The Magnum family offered improved emissions control, updated metallurgy, and better compatibility with modern drivetrain needs, while preserving the familiar 318 cubic-inch displacement for enthusiasts and for model compatibility in trucks.

Practical notes for enthusiasts and restorers

Because the LA and Magnum variants use different blocks, heads, and intake geometries, parts compatibility can vary. If you’re restoring a Dodge with a 318, verify the engine code and VIN to determine whether you’re dealing with an LA 318 or a later Magnum 5.2L variant. This distinction affects intake manifolds, exhaust manifolds, and other common swap components.

What this means for today

As of today, there is no ongoing production of a new 318-cubic-inch V8 in Dodge/Chrysler’s current lineup. The legacy of the 318 lives on in used vehicles and in the Magnum-era engines, but modern powertrains have moved beyond the 318 displacement.

Summary

In summary, Dodge effectively stopped producing the LA 318 in the early 1990s (with 1993 as a common endpoint for that variant). The 318 displacement, however, continued in the Magnum 5.2L V8 beginning in 1992, allowing the engine family to persist in Dodge trucks and other models for years afterward. Today, no new 318 engine is in production, but the lineage remains in subsequent, Magnum-era powertrains and in the heritage of Dodge vehicles that used the 318.

How much horsepower did the 318 have?

The 318 was putting out almost 200 hp at the rear wheels with an antique Edelbrock Street Master intake and four-barrel carb, along with a dual exhaust featuring the stock exhaust manifolds.

Is the Dodge 318 a good engine?

Yes, the Dodge 318 is a good engine, primarily known for its durability and reliability, rather than high performance. It's a versatile and dependable workhorse that was popular for decades due to its strong, simple design, making it a solid choice for both everyday driving and commercial use, and a great foundation for a modified engine.
 
This video explains why the Mopar 318 engine is considered a dependable workhorse: 58sIts Just Cars!YouTube · Sep 18, 2025
Key strengths of the Dodge 318 engine:

• Durability: The 318 is famous for its longevity, routinely running for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance due to its sturdy iron block and straightforward design. 
• Reliability: Its robust and simple construction made it a favorite for police departments and commercial vehicles where a dependable engine was crucial. 
• Parts availability: As one of Chrysler's best-selling engines, parts are widely available and relatively inexpensive, making it easy and affordable to maintain and repair. 
• Versatility: While not a high-performance powerhouse in its stock form, it provides reasonable torque and power for daily driving and is an excellent platform for modifications. 
• Fuel efficiency: Compared to other V8s of its era, it offers decent fuel economy, though not competitive by today's standards. 

Considerations:

• Stock performance: The stock 318 was not a performance leader compared to bigger engines like the 340 or 440. 
• Modification potential: While it can be built for high performance, it requires more money and effort to reach high horsepower numbers compared to engines designed for performance from the start. 

This video demonstrates a rebuild of a Dodge 318 engine: 1mDead Dodge GarageYouTube · Jul 30, 2025

How to tell the difference between a 318 and 360?

You can tell a 318 from a 360 by checking the casting numbers on the driver's side of the block, looking at the front harmonic balancer for balancing marks (grooves/holes on a 360 vs. smooth/holes on a 318), and examining the oil pan's rear sealing face. Another key difference is the left-side engine mount, which is 2 and 7/8 inches for a 318 and 2 and 1/2 inches for a 360, and the alignment of freeze plugs, which are aligned with the main caps on a 360 but not on a 318. 
This video shows how to visually distinguish between a 318 and a 360 engine based on the balancer: 56sYoshimoshiYouTube · Oct 1, 2022
Key identifying features

• Casting numbers: The simplest method is to look for "318" or "360" cast into the side of the engine block, often near the starter or motor mount. 
• Harmonic balancer:
  • 360: Has a large, curved groove or a set of weights on the face for its external balance. 
  • 318: Is internally balanced, so the balancer face will be smooth or have a few small drilled holes, but no large groove. 
• Engine mounts: The left (driver's side) engine mount is physically different between the two. 
  • 318: 2 and 7/8 inches 
  • 360: 2 and 1/2 inches 
• Freeze plugs: Look at the freeze plugs along the side of the block. 
  • 360: The freeze plugs are all aligned with the main bearing caps. 
  • 318: Two of the freeze plugs are not aligned with the main caps. 
• Oil pan: The rear main seal area of the oil pan differs. 
  • 318 and 340: Have a larger rear sealing face. 
  • 360: Has a smaller rear sealing face. 
• Crankshaft main journals:
  • 318: Has 2.50-inch main journals. 
  • 360: Has 2.81-inch main journals. 

You can watch this video to learn about the differences in engine mounts: 1mThe Gas TapYouTube · Nov 14, 2020

When did Dodge stop using the 318?

1991
It appeared in volume production beginning with the 1968 model year, replacing the last of the export "A" 318 engines equipped with polyspherical chambered heads ("A" 318 engines were not offered in 1967 domestic vehicles). The LA engine was available until 1991, when it was superseded by the Magnum version.