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Durango-nology
A compendium of information about the Dodge Durango. |
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Engines
Durangos initially came with a choice of two V8 engines. The 5.2-liter producing 230 horsepower or the 5.9-liter with 245 horsepower.
Built in Newark, Delaware, the hallmark of the Durango is the 245-horsepower, 335 ft.-lb. of torque, 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 engine, the biggest in its class. The 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 delivered a segment-best 7,300 lbs. maximum tow rating when equipped with an optional Class IV hitch - more than some of the full-size SUVs. Gas mileage, however, was barely better than a full-sized Suburban like the one from GM. All three engines came with a four-speed automatic, with a fifth kickdown gear showing up with the 4.7. The main differences to the new 5.2l and the old 318 are in the block and heads. The new block has roller lifters, with a new lifter angle, and has bosses for the lifter retainers. The heads are high-swirl / high-flow heads, and the Magnum has a better intake. Some changes were made to commonize the 5.9, 5.2, and 3.9 V6 engines. The Magnum blocks are physically the same as the earlier LA engines, except the oil passage for the shaft mounted rockers is not drilled, because the Magnum engines oil through the push rods. The boss is there if you need to use the old style heads. In 1996, as Dodge moved to the JTEC powertrain computer, the LA engine series gained OBD II on-board diagnostics, and EGR was dropped (late in the year for the 360). |
