What Engines Can You Put in a Dodge Charger?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Looking for an engine swap compatibility chart for your Dodge Charger? Most drivers need more power than their stock engine can provide, but finding the right engine to swap into your car can be a challenge. This chart should help you find the right engine for your needs.

When you know what motor could be replaceable with what, finding the right one for your car becomes a lot easier. You can also find out which motors are good for towing and which ones have been known to break down often.

If you're looking for more power, towing capability, or just want to try something different, an engine swap is a great option for your Dodge Charger. Use this chart to find the right motor for your car.

Dodge Charger Engine Characteristics

The PowerTech V8 engine from 4.7L is compatible as a swap for the 1999-2009 model Dodge Durango, Dakota, and Ram 1500. The 5.7L Hemi V8 engine is interchangeable in 2003-2008 and 2009 models, including but not limited to Dodge Ram, Charger, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The peculiarities of the engines that can be swapped into a Dodge Charger are their towing capability and power. The Durango, Dakota, and Ram 1500 models with the PowerTech V8 engine can tow up to 7,650 pounds (3,493 kg). The 5.7L Hemi V8 engine in the 2003-2008 and 2009 model years increased towing capacity to 9,100 pounds (4,128 kg).

This is a list of engines used in Dodge vehicles as well as how interchangeable they are between other models. You will find the initial prerequisites for each model and what modifications (if any) you'll need to make it compatible.

4.7-liter V8

Chrysler's 4.7 L PowerTech V8 engine is a reliable, compact, fuel-efficient, and rugged option for swaps. The engine was manufactured by Chrysler from 1999 to 2009 and can be found in several vehicles from that era. The 4.7L V8 engine is compatible with the 2002-2007 Ram 1500 and 2000-2007 Dodge Dakota pickup trucks, as well as the 2000-2009 Dodge Durango SUV.

The same model years for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, and Chrysler Aspen will also feature the company mascot in other vehicles. Also, from 2006 onwards, the 4.7 L V8 engine was used in the Dodge Charger.

The 4.7L V8 engine is a good option for those who are looking for more power than what their stock engine can provide. The 4.7L V8 engine is also a good choice for those who want a more compact and fuel-efficient engine. However, the 4.7L V8 engine is not as powerful as the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine and is not recommended for towing purposes.

3.7-liter V6 EKG

The 3.7L V6 engine is a product of Chrysler originally released in 2002 that can still be found in many Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler models from 2012 and earlier. It belongs to the Powertech family of engines with smaller displacement than 4.7L V8s and has gone by other names like Magnum and EKG.

You can find this engine in 2002-2012 model trucks and SUVs from Chrysler and its sub-brands. For example, you could swap it between a Ram 1500 pickup truck, Jeep Liberty SUV, and Mitsubishi Raider. The 3.7L V6 engine is not as powerful as the 4.7L or 5.7L V8 engines but still provides more power than the stock 2.7L engine found in early 2000s Chrysler vehicles.

This engine is a good choice for those who are looking for more power than their stock engine can provide but don't need the towing capability of a V8 engine. The 3.7L V6 engine is also a good choice for those who want a more compact and fuel-efficient engine.

4.7-liter V8 HO engine

The 4.7-liter V8 engine was designed for high output and has increased power and torque ratings over the standard model. It is manufactured by Chrysler and available in models from 2002 through 2008. The 4.7-liter V8 engine can be swapped out between 2007-2008 model Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks and Dakota SUV's, as well as Jeep Grand Cherokee models from 2002 - 2004, or 2007 - 2008.

Many of the 4.7L HO engine parts are different from those found in a standard 4.7L engine, such as the camshaft, connecting rods, cylinder heads, fuel injectors, intake manifold, valves, and ECU programming.

6.2 L Hellcat/Demon

The Hemi engine with 6.2L displacement and a supercharger installed is available in 2 variants: Hellcat, which has 700-710 hp, and the more potent Demon model which had 800-810 hp from 2015 to 2022.

You can use the special racing editions of the vehicles like Challenger, Charger, and Durango from 2015-2021 models. The 6.2L Hellcat engine provides more power and torque than the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine and is a good choice for those who need a towing-capable engine. However, the 6.2L Hellcat engine is not as fuel-efficient as the 4.7L V8 engine and may require premium fuel.

You will need to replace the stock parts like fuel injectors, ECU programming, and pulleys to install this engine. The 6.2L Hellcat engine is not recommended for those who are looking for a fuel-efficient engine.

7.0 L LS7 V8

The LS7 engine is a product of Chevrolet that was released in 2006 and used in the Corvette Z06 model until 2013. This engine has since been discontinued but can still be found in some aftermarket applications.

The 7.0L LS7 V8 engine provides more power and torque than the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine and is a good choice for those who need a towing-capable engine. However, the 7.0L LS7 V8 engine is not as fuel-efficient as the 4.7L V8 engine and may require premium fuel.

You will need to replace the stock parts like fuel injectors, ECU programming, and pulleys to install this engine. The 7.0L LS7 V8 engine is not recommended for those who are looking for a fuel-efficient engine.

3.9-liter V6

The 3.9-liter V6 engine is available in 1987-2000 model Dakota and Ram 1500 pickup trucks, and can be swapped between 1988-1991, 1992-1996, and 1997-2001 models of the vehicles mentioned above.

All three variants come with fuel injection and offer different power and torque output. The 3.9L V6 engine is a good choice for those who want a more compact and fuel-efficient engine.

5.2 L V8

The 5.2L Magnum V8 is a powerful engine that was available in many different vehicles from 1992 to 2002, including the Dakota, Ram, Durango, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. If you're looking for a more potent engine option to swap into your vehicle, the 5.2L V8 is compatible with other engines like the 5.7L V8 and 5.9L V8.

Drivers need to make several modifications to their vehicle when installing the 5.2L V8 engine, such as upgrading the fuel injectors, ECU programming, and pulleys. The 5.2L V8 engine is not recommended for those who are looking for a fuel-efficient engine.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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