When did the Dodge 440 come out?
The Dodge 440 name traces to Dodge’s early-1960s lineup, tied to the 440 cubic inch V8 engine and to mid‑level trim lines like Coronet 440. In short, the 440 engine appeared in the Mopar family in the early 1960s, and the “440” trim badge followed shortly afterward on Dodge full‑size models.
Origins of the 440 designation
Two threads shape the Dodge 440 story: the big‑block engine itself and the trim level badge used on Dodge full‑size cars. The 440 cubic inch V8 was developed as part of Chrysler’s big‑block lineup, and Dodge applied the 440 designation to certain mid‑range trim packages in its full‑size cars during the early 1960s. Below is a concise timeline of the key milestones.
Before listing the milestones, note that the 440 badge appears across both the engine family and the model trim in different years and models. The following bullets summarize the most widely cited touchpoints in Mopar history.
- 1961: The 440 cubic inch V8 engine emerges as part of Chrysler’s big‑block family, providing a high‑displacement option for Dodge and other marques.
- Early 1960s: Dodge begins offering models with the 440 engine, and “440” appears as a trim designation (such as Coronet 440) on full‑size Dodge cars.
- Mid to late 1960s: The 440 big‑block remains a staple powerplant for Dodge performance and mid‑range trim cars, spanning several model lines.
In summary, the engine debuted in the early 1960s, and the corresponding Dodge 440 trim badges appeared not long after, solidifying the name in the brand’s lineup during the decade.
Models and trims that carried the 440 badge
It helps to know which Dodge models carried the 440 badge, since the name was applied across multiple full‑size platforms and associated with performance variants. The list below captures the typical applications, with the emphasis on the era rather than a single year.
Before the list, a brief explanation: Dodge used the 440 designation on several full‑size cars, most notably in trim packages associated with the Coronet line and related models during the 1960s. The following entries highlight the common appearances.
- Dodge Coronet 440 — A mid‑range trim on the Coronet models, commonly seen in the early to mid‑1960s as part of Dodge’s standard lineup.
- Dodge Monaco/Polara family with 440 variants — Several full‑size Dodge models wore the 440 badge or carried the 440 engine as an option during the 1960s, contributing to the model’s performance image.
- Other Dodge full‑size offerings — Throughout the 1960s, the 440 big‑block powered a range of flagship and near‑flagship Dodge vehicles, cementing the 440 name in Mopar lore.
These selections illustrate how the 440 badge and engine established a presence across multiple Dodge lines in the 1960s, rather than existing as a single, standalone model.
Why the 440 mattered for Dodge
The 440 big‑block brought substantial displacement and torque to Dodge’s performance and mid‑range offerings, appealing to buyers seeking strong straight‑line power and robust tuning potential. While not as famous as the Hemi of the same era, the 440 powered a large portion of Mopar muscle and nostalgia throughout the late 1960s and into the 1970s, helping to define Dodge’s performance story during that period.
Summary
The Dodge 440 name originated in the early 1960s with the introduction of the 440 cubic inch V8 engine, and it was subsequently used as a mid‑range trim designation on Dodge full‑size models such as the Coronet, as well as other Dodge lines. The combination of a high‑displacement engine and the 440 badge left a lasting impression on Mopar enthusiasts and shaped Dodge’s performance branding through the decade.
Is a 383 and a 440 the same block?
So it's just a different animal these are different animals. So that goes in regards also to the other blocks you have your 440.
How much horsepower does a Dodge 440 have?
The horsepower for a Dodge 440 engine varies by model and configuration, with the common 440 Magnum rated at 375 hp and the Six Pack version with triple carburetors producing 390 hp. Higher horsepower figures are achievable through aftermarket modifications, with builds reaching over 500 hp, say HOTROD Network.
You can watch this video to learn how much horsepower a stock 440 can produce: 49sNick's GarageYouTube · Jul 14, 2025
Stock horsepower
- 440 Magnum: 375 hp with a four-barrel carburetor
- 440 Six Pack: 390 hp with a triple-carburetor setup
Modified horsepower
- Modern modifications and rebuilds often exceed the factory ratings. For example, a well-built 440 can produce over 500 hp.
- Reports of modified engines reaching 410 hp, 475 hp, and even over 500 hp with the right combination of parts exist, say YouTube users and HOTROD Network.
This video demonstrates how a modified 440 engine can reach higher horsepower: 59sMopar Connection MagazineYouTube · Mar 13, 2025
What year did Dodge start making the 440?
The 440 first appeared in 1966, and before long it was available in both full-size sedans and coupes as well as the intermediate muscle machines that were entering their glory years.
Was the 440 faster than the 426 Hemi?
The **440 Six-Pack was often faster in stock form, particularly in the quarter mile, but the 426 Hemi had a higher potential for power when modified. Stock 440 Six-Packs generally had better out-of-the-box performance due to how they were tuned and how they hooked up from the line, while the Hemi was a detuned race engine that could be built to produce significantly more power than the 440 with modifications.
You can watch this video to learn about the history and impact of the 426 Hemi: 1mIts Just Cars!YouTube · Jul 31, 2025
| Feature | 440 Six-Pack | 426 Hemi |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Performance | Often faster in stock form (e.g., quarter-mile drag racing). | Slower in stock form compared to the 440 Six-Pack. |
| Power Potential | Lower power potential than the 426 Hemi when both are modified. | Higher power potential when modified, especially with race-spec builds. |
| Factory Advantage | Lower factory-rated horsepower but with better street-tuned performance. | Higher factory-rated horsepower but often struggled with traction in stock form. |
| Engine Design | Wedge head engine. | Hemispherical head engine with larger ports and valves. |
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