The short answer: No. The 4.7-liter Dodge engine is not a 318. It is a distinct PowerTech V8 displacing 287 cubic inches, while the 318 is a separate Mopar small-block engine (318 cubic inches, about 5.2 liters) from an older design family.
What is the 4.7-liter PowerTech V8?
The 4.7L PowerTech V8 is a Mopar engine introduced by Chrysler in the late 1990s for use in Dodge and Jeep models. It is a V8 with a 4.7-liter displacement that sits in a different engine family from the classic 318. It was used in vehicles such as the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, among others, through the 2000s. It represents Chrysler’s newer approach to V8 design compared with the older small-blocks.
Key facts about the 4.7L PowerTech V8:
- Displacement: 4.7 L (287 cubic inches)
- Engine family: PowerTech V8 (distinct from the LA/Magnum 318 family)
- Introduction: 1999
- Common applications: Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, some Dakota/other models
- Configuration: 90-degree V8
Are the 4.7L and the 318 related? They are both Mopar V8s, but they come from different design generations. The 4.7L PowerTech is not a variant of the 318 LA/Magnum small-block; they have different displacements, architectures, and typical applications.
What is the 318?
The 318 cubic inch engine is a long-running Mopar small-block (often associated with the LA and Magnum engine families). Widely used across Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler vehicles since the mid-20th century, the 318 is approximately 5.2 liters in displacement. While it powered many classic and modern family cars and trucks, it is not the same engine as Chrysler’s later 4.7L PowerTech V8.
Key facts about the 318 engine:
- Displacement: 318 cu in (approximately 5.2 L)
- Engine family: Mopar small-block (LA/Magnum lineage)
- Introduction and usage: Widely used across multiple decades in Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler vehicles
- Different design from the 4.7L PowerTech
Conclusion: The 318 is not the same engine as the 4.7. They belong to different Mopar engine families and were used in different vehicle generations.
Are the 4.7 and the 318 related?
In broad terms, both are Mopar V8s, but they come from separate design philosophies and eras. The 4.7L PowerTech is a newer, 4.7-liter V8 with its own bore/stroke and architecture, while the 318 is a longstanding small-block from the LA/Magnum family. Parts interchange is generally limited, and vehicle compatibility is determined by the engine’s specific family, mounting points, and electronics.
Summary
The 4.7 Dodge motor is not a 318. It is a 4.7-liter PowerTech V8 (287 cu in) used in late-1990s to mid-2000s Dodge and Jeep models, while the 318 is a separate Mopar small-block engine (318 cu in, about 5.2 L) from an earlier design family. When identifying or sourcing parts, verify the engine family and displacement rather than assuming interchangeability based on a generic “Mopar V8” label.