What year did the 5.9 Magnum come out?

The 5.9 Magnum V8 first appeared in the 1992 model year, marking Chrysler's introduction of the Magnum family of engines. This article explains when it came out, where it was used, and how it fit into the broader Mopar engine lineup.

What is the 5.9 Magnum?

The 5.9 Magnum refers to a 5.9-liter (360 cubic inch) V8 engine produced by Chrysler as part of its Magnum engine family. It is the Mopar designation for the upgraded 360 V8, featuring refinements over earlier LA-era engines and a long service life in trucks, vans, and some passenger models during the 1990s and early 2000s. Horsepower and torque varied by year and configuration, but the engine was widely valued for its torque and reliability in heavy-duty applications.

Origins and introduction year

The 5.9L Magnum was introduced as part of Chrysler’s Magnum engine family in the 1992 model year. This represented a refresh of the long-running 360 V8 platform, with updated intake, heads, and fueling to suit modern emissions and performance standards of the time. The engine quickly found a home in Dodge Ram pickups and related vehicles, and it remained a staple in the lineup for roughly a decade or more, depending on the model and market.

The rollout of the 5.9 Magnum helped redefine Mopar’s approach to mid-size and heavy-duty V8 power in the 1990s, offering a straightforward upgrade path for customers seeking more torque and reliability from their trucks and vans. Over its production life, the 5.9 Magnum was associated with Dodge Ram trucks, Dodge vans, and some Chrysler/Jeep applications, before gradually yielding to newer powerplants in the early to mid-2000s.

Milestones in its deployment include its 1992 introduction to the Dodge Ram line, continued use through the late 1990s and early 2000s, and its eventual phasing out as newer engines such as the 5.7 Hemi began to take over in the truck and SUV segments.

In summary, the 5.9 Magnum debuted in 1992 and remained a common choice in Mopar trucks and vans for many years, persisting in various forms until the early 2000s when engine families evolved to newer designs.

Applications and legacy

During its peak years, the 5.9 Magnum powered a range of Dodge/Mopar vehicles. It was most prominently associated with Dodge Ram pickups and related models, where its torque supported towing and heavy-duty use. Over time, the engine was gradually supplanted by newer offerings in the Mopar lineup, including the 5.7 Hemi, as manufacturers shifted to more modern, efficient, and higher-tech powertrains.

Today, the 5.9 Magnum is remembered as a workhorse of its era—an emblem of 1990s truck capability and a key link in Chrysler’s transition from older LA engines to the Magnum family and beyond.

Summary

The 5.9 Magnum went into production with the 1992 model year, establishing itself as Chrysler’s robust 360 V8 variant for trucks, vans, and select models. It served for many years as a core powerplant in Dodge Ram and related vehicles, before gradually being phased out in favor of newer engines in the early 2000s. Its legacy endures among enthusiasts as a reliable, torque-rich engine that powered a generation of Mopar work vehicles.

How much horsepower does a 1998 5.9 Magnum have?

The 1998 5.9-liter Magnum engine produced around 230 to 245 horsepower, depending on the vehicle, with higher-performance models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited and Dodge Ram 1500 SS/T reaching 245 hp. The torque was also substantial, typically ranging from 335 to 345 lb-ft.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the reliability and common issues of the 5.9 Magnum engine: 1m8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Sep 5, 2024

• Horsepower: 230-245 hp, with 245 hp being a common rating for high-output versions. 
• Torque: 335-345 lb-ft. 
• Vehicle Examples:
  • 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited: 245 hp and 345 lb-ft of torque. 
  • 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 SS/T: 245 hp at 4,000 rpm and 335 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. 
  • 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab (Short Bed): 245 hp. 
  • 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab (Long Bed): 230 hp. 
  • 1998 Dodge Dakota (2WD): 250 hp and 345 lb-ft of torque (for certain models). 

Is the 5.9 V8 Magnum a good engine?

Yes, the 5.9 Magnum is generally considered a good, reliable, and powerful engine, especially when it receives proper maintenance. It is known for its low-end torque and durability, with many owners reporting high mileage, but it does have some common issues like intake manifold and exhaust manifold bolt problems. While its fuel economy is poor, its overall strength and longevity make it a solid choice if properly cared for. 
Pros of the 5.9 Magnum

• Power and torque: It offers excellent low-end torque and was one of the most powerful V8s of its time, making it great for towing and hauling. 
• Durability: The engine is known for its robustness and can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance. 
• Parts availability: The 5.9 Magnum was used in many Dodge vehicles, so parts are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. 

Cons of the 5.9 Magnum

• Fuel economy: It is not fuel-efficient, typically averaging around 12-13 mpg. 
• Common issues: A major known weakness is the plenum gasket leak on the intake manifold. Another common problem is broken exhaust manifold bolts, particularly on the passenger side. 
• Head cracks: The original cylinder heads are prone to cracking, especially if the engine is overheated or abused. 

How to maintain and improve the 5.9 Magnum

• Address the plenum gasket: Replace the stock plenum gasket with an upgraded aftermarket one to prevent leaks. 
• Check exhaust manifold bolts: Inspect and replace broken or rusted exhaust manifold bolts. 
• Perform regular maintenance: Change the oil, filter, and other fluids regularly. 
• Avoid abuse: The engine is not a high-performance racing engine. Driving it aggressively can lead to cracked heads. 
• Consider aftermarket heads: If replacing heads, consider aftermarket options to improve performance and durability. 

What year did Dodge stop using the 5.9 Magnum?

The 5.9 L Magnum was available until the 2003 model year, when it was replaced with the 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine.

How much horsepower does a 5.9 Magnum have?

The "5.9 Magnum HP" refers to the horsepower of the Dodge 5.9-liter (360 cubic inch) Magnum V8 engine. A stock engine typically produced around 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque, but it could be modified to achieve significantly more power.
 
Stock vs. Modified

• Stock Engine: The factory 5.9 Magnum was designed for truck applications, prioritizing low-end torque. A stock 1999 Dakota R/T model had a rating of 250 hp @ 4,400 rpm and 345 lb-ft of torque @ 3,200 rpm. 
• Modified Engine: With upgrades like camshafts, intake manifolds, and tuners, the horsepower and torque can be substantially increased. 
  • Camshaft Upgrades: Adding a proper camshaft and valve springs can increase horsepower by about 30 hp and 48 lb-ft of torque at specific RPMs. 
  • Intake Manifold: An aftermarket intake manifold can add around 50 hp and 60 lb-ft of torque when paired with a tuner. 
  • Extreme Modifications: With more extreme modifications like stroker kits and turbochargers, some 5.9 Magnum engines have reached horsepower figures of 600 hp or more. 

What to know

• The 5.9 Magnum is a 360 cubic inch engine that was produced from 1992 to 2003. 
• It was used in various Dodge trucks and SUVs. 
• The engine is known for being reliable, but common issues like plenum gasket leaks should be addressed with maintenance.