The Dodge 318 deserves a more careful reputation than either “performance legend” or “ordinary small-block” allows. It was a long-running engine family used across Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler vehicles, and its appeal depended on the particular version and application. The name covers distinct engines—the older A-family 318, the LA 318, and the later Magnum 5.2L—so claims about power, economy, or rebuild parts need to identify which one they mean.
Was the Dodge 318 a good engine?
It could be a good fit for drivers who needed a broadly applied V8 rather than a high-output performance engine. The defensible case for the 318 is its longevity as a nameplate across several engine families and its use in varied vehicles—not proof that every version was unusually powerful, economical, or durable.
That distinction matters because “318” is a displacement label, not one unchanged design. CarTech describes the LA small-block as replacing the older A series in most models, while the Magnum 5.2L arrived in 1992. Novak also distinguishes the earlier A-family 318 from the LA. The families have overlapping development and application histories, so the exact engine and vehicle year matter more than a shorthand claim about when one universally replaced another. CarTech’s LA-series overview and Novak’s Mopar small-block guide provide family context.
What makes the 318 worth remembering
- Broad application: The LA family powered Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler vehicles, making the 318 relevant beyond a single model or performance niche.
- Different versions for different eras: The A-family, LA, and Magnum engines should be evaluated separately rather than treated as interchangeable.
- Engineering documentation: Government studies measured fuel consumption and emissions for specific 318 configurations. Those studies show the engine was characterized under defined conditions, not that it beat every competitor.
What’s the difference between a 318 Poly, LA, and Magnum?
The older A-family 318 is often called the Poly, referring to its polyspherical combustion-chamber design. It is distinct from the LA small-block. The LA became the more widely used successor family in most applications; the Magnum 5.2L is a later development introduced in 1992, according to CarTech. Shared displacement does not guarantee that parts, specifications, or rebuild instructions fit across these families.
#1 Best Overall
- Wide Compatibility: Fits 1967-2003 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth, Mopar LA Magnum Small Block V8 318(5.2L) 340 360(5.9L) engines, including Ram, Dakota, Grand Cherokee, Charger, Challenger & classic muscle cars.
- Easy Bolt-On Installation: 4-barrel square bore mounting, 5.5 Inches height. Direct fit for OEM 340/360 cylinder heads; early LA heads with 8° offset bolt holes need modification.
- Durable Cast Aluminum Construction: dual plane air gap intake delivers superior heat dissipation and corrosion resistance for long-lasting use. It features a non-EGR design with no internal crossover passage for optimized airflow.
- Specs & Replacement Info: Replacement Part Numbers: 55026, 85026, DM-3812, 7576. Power Band: 1,500-6,500 RPM. Available in black, polished & silver finish.
- Fitment Notes: Requires 1975 or older early-style water neck only. 1979+ rotary AC compressor will not clear water neck. Not compatible with Thermo-Quad carb.
| Engine family | What the sources establish | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| A-family 318 (often called Poly) | Novak distinguishes the earlier A-family block from the LA family. Novak | Identify the engine before ordering parts or applying LA-specific instructions. |
| LA 318 | CarTech describes the LA family as replacing the A series in most models and identifies LA 318- and 340-cubic-inch arrivals in its account. CarTech | Use references and fitment information written for the LA engine and the specific application. |
| Magnum 5.2L | CarTech places the Magnum 5.2L introduction in 1992. CarTech | Do not assume a pre-Magnum LA rebuild reference covers Magnum-specific systems or parts. |
For practical identification, start with the vehicle’s year and application, then verify the engine family and casting or other identification details against a family-specific reference. A seller’s use of “318” alone is not enough to confirm part compatibility.
How much horsepower did a Dodge 318 have?
There is no single horsepower figure that accurately describes every Dodge 318. Output depends on the engine family, model year, induction, emissions equipment, and vehicle application; historical ratings also need to be identified as gross or net. The sources available here do not establish a year-by-year factory horsepower and torque series, so quoting a general number would overstate what the evidence supports.
Rank #2
- 318 Intake Manifold, Dual Plane Intake Manifold, LA 318 340 360, Small Block Intake Manifold, Air Gap Intake Manifold
- Part# 55026, 85026, DM-3812, LA 318 340 360
- Replacement for Chrysler LA 318 V8 5.2L Engines: 1976–1980 Aspen; 1976–1980 Charger, Challenger; 1978-1979 Magnum, 1968–1976 Dart, 1991-1999 Dakota, 1967–1991 Ram, 1984-1989 Fifth Avenue, 1981-1983 Imperial, 1968-1981 Valiant, 1977–1981 LeBaron, 1979-1983 New Yorker, 1975–1983 Cordoba, 1977–1989 Diplomat | Replacement for Magnum 318 V8 5.2L Engines: 1992-2000 Dakota, 1998-2000 Durango, 1992-2001 Ram, 1992-1993 Ramcharger, 1992-2003 Ram Van, 1993-1998 Grand Cherokee
- Replacement for Chrysler LA 360 V8 5.9L Engines: 1976-1980 Aspen, 1974-1974 Challenger, 1974-1978 Charger, 1974-1976 Dart, 1978-1979 Magnum, 1981-2002 Ram, 1977-1980 New Yorker, 1974-1983 Voyager, 1974-1976 Duster, 1971-1978 Fury, 1975-1979 Cordoba, 1978-1979 LeBaron, 1971-1980 Newport | Replacement for Magnum 360 V8 5.9L Engines: 1998-2003 Dakota, 1992–2002 Ram, 1998-2003 Durango, 1998-1998 Grand Cherokee
- Replacement for Chrysler LA 340 V8 5.6L Engines: 1971-1972 Demon/Super Bee | 1971-1972 Barracuda/Duster/Road Runner/Sport Fury GT
The government reports located document specific test engines, not a universal rated-output figure:
- 1975 Chrysler 318-CID, two-barrel: W. F. Marshall and K. R. Stamper’s U.S. Department of Transportation report, published in August 1977, describes steady-state dynamometer measurements of fuel consumption and hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen. Read the report.
- 1977 Chrysler 318 CID: Joseph Boziuk’s 1980 NHTSA/Volpe report describes steady-state dynamometer measurements across engine operating modes. The tested setup included a catalytic converter, EGR, and preheated-air equipment. Read the report.
These are engine-dynamometer studies. They are not vehicle road tests and do not establish vehicle miles per gallon, acceleration, or comparative horsepower. Vehicle weight, transmission, axle ratio, and emissions configuration also shape how a particular 318-equipped car performs.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #3
- Fitment：4.5 L / 273 in3，5.2 L / 318 in3，5.6 L / 340 in3，5.9 L / 360 in3, Replacement for Mopar Chrysler Dodge Plymouth V8 Engines 273 318 340 360. Please noticed that the distributor dose not fit "Magnum" engines
- Product Feature: Red Cap Performance HEI Distributor & Spark Plug Wires & Free Pig Tail Kit Replacement for Mopar Chrysler Dodge Plymouth V8 Engines 273 318 340 360 —7500 RPM 65K Coil (Red Hei Kit)
- Kit Inclusions: Performance HEI Distributor Red Cap, Performance Silicone Spark Plug Wires, Performance 170072 HEI Distributor Batte,
- Customer support: It comes with a 1-Year Warranty. In case of product defects and malfunctions, you can contact us via Amazon Message and we will reply within 24 hours.
Why do people like the Mopar 318?
Enthusiasts may value a 318 as a period-correct Mopar V8 or as an engine suited to a particular restoration or street car. Those are legitimate reasons to like one, but they are not a controlled reliability ranking. The available sources do not establish a common lifespan figure or a study showing that every 318 outlasted comparable engines.
A fair comparison with another Mopar engine—or with a different 318 version—needs to hold the relevant details in view:
Rank #4
- Complete Ignition Distributor in Box (Cap & Rotor Included). This listing is for a new electronic distributor Replacement For Dodge, Replacement For Chrysler, and Replacement For Plymouth small block ('64+ "LA") and earlier Polysphere ('55-'66 "A") V8 engines. Replacement For 273, 318, 325 Red Ram, 340, and 360 V8's
- Replaces Part Numbers: ARC 1131811, PC7006, JM6513R
- Make sure Distributor will fit your vehicle check"fitment information", Please compare the pictures of the product with your original distributor before purchasing
- All Electronic Module Components Are Computer Tested Before And After Assembly
- FUNCTION: The ignition distributor uses the timing of the rotor to ignite each spark plug, transferring high pressure from the ignition coil to the correct cylinder. The ignition distributor cap houses and protects this rotor and connection
- Engine family and model year
- Factory-rated horsepower and torque, including gross or net convention
- Induction and emissions equipment
- Test method for any fuel-use claim
- Vehicle weight, transmission, axle ratio, and intended use
- Parts and service information for the exact family
Can you still rebuild a Mopar 318?
Yes, but the first step is identifying whether the engine is an A-family, LA, or Magnum version. The family determines which service information and parts are relevant; year and vehicle application can matter as well. Confirm fitment before buying components rather than relying on a displacement match.
For an LA rebuild
Larry Shepard’s Mopar Small-Block LA-Series Engines 1964–1992: How to Rebuild is a focused reference for the LA family. CarTech describes coverage of diagnosis, tools, inspection, parts selection, machining, reassembly, and break-in, including the block, heads, camshaft, valvetrain, rotating assembly, induction, and exhaust. It is pre-Magnum LA coverage, not a universal 318 manual. See the book details from CarTech.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The distributor is mainly consisted of a rotor, a cover and a module, all of which are 100% brand new
- Distributor Replace Part Number: JM6513R, PC6006, HEI013R
- Ignition Distributors Replacement For Chrysler, Replacement For Plymouth, Replacement For Dodge 273 318 340 360 1967-1991 Small Block
- Please mark the direction and angle of the split head before installing the new ignition distributor. After installation, you can adjust the optimal timing position slightly
- Please see below description for more details
Before ordering parts or beginning machine work
- Confirm the engine family and vehicle application.
- Use a manual and parts catalog that explicitly cover that family and year range.
- Have the block and major components inspected before selecting replacement parts or committing to machining.
- Follow the correct assembly and break-in procedures for the engine and components being used.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
