1971 Dodge Challenger Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1971 Dodge Challenger Magnum Convertible
1971 Dodge Challenger R/T Hardtop
1. Challenger R/T Only Available as a Coupe - No Convertible
2. Most V-8s Get Reduced Compression
3. Challenger T/A Announced But Not Produced
4. 340 Six-Pack V-8 Still Available as Crate Engine
5. Challenger S/E Absent from Lineup
1971 Challenger – Minimal Changes
The Challenger changed little for 1971 with a new grille and slightly altered rear fascia. Two major changes occurred. One, the Challenger Coupe appeared, a lower priced alternative with fixed rear windows and less interior content. Two, the Challenger T/A disappeared, though much literature showed it as available.
1971 Dodge Challenger Facts – Resources
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1971 Dodge Challenger Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1971 Dodge Challenger
| A4 Light Gunmetal | |
| B2 Light Blue | |
| B5 Bright Blue | |
| B7 Dark Blue | |
| C7 Plum Crazy | |
| E5 Bright Red | |
| F3 Medium Green | |
| F7 Dark Green | |
| F8 Dark Green | |
| J3 Light Green | |
| J6 Green Go | |
| K5 Dark Burnt Orange | |
| K6 Dark Bronze | |
| L5 Butterscotch | |
| T2 Tan | |
| V2 Hemi Orange | |
| W3 Bright White | |
| X9 Black | |
| Y1 Bright Yellow | |
| Y3 Citron Yella | |
| Y8 Gold | |
| Y9 Dark Gold |
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1971 Dodge Challenger Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1971 Dodge Challenger
Few Styling Changes
The Challenger continued to use the same body as introduced in 1970 with very minor trim changes. There was a revised grille and revised taillight treatment. Graphics were modified slightly. There was now a Challenger Coupe – an entry level de-contented version. The 1971 Challenger Coupe, Model JS21, came with fixed rear quarter windows and a black steering wheel with a horn button.
The biggest news was that the Challenger T/A was announced and then dropped prior to the model kickoff. The case for dropping the model was said to be because Dodge dropped out of the racing series, but the real cause may have been the extra cost to produce the car in production, as it was almost custom built due to its many unique parts. (See the 1970 Challenger Fact Sheet for the breakdown of the Challenger T/A components HERE). Also missing was the Six Pack 340 CID T/A V-8. It could be ordered over the counter but was not available in any vehicle.
Also missing was a R/T version of the convertible. You could order one to emulate this model, but you needed to check may boxes on the order sheet.
A less noteworthy loss was the discontinuing of the S/E (JH29 and JS29) as a separate model. Much of the special pieces offered in the ’70 model could now be had as options on any Challenger Coupe.
Challenger sales dropped drastically – down to 35% of the previous year at 29,883.
1971 Dodge Challenger Factoids
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- The "Special Edition" Disappears
- The Challenger T/A is Dropped
- Six-Pack 340 Only Available Over the Counter
- R/T Package Not Available on Convertibles
As fast as it arrived, the Special Edition (S/E) model disappeared. Although it comprised 0er 10% of the 1970 production, Dodge determined that from a production point of view, a separate model was not required to add in the options that made up the car. Just use the option order page, they surmised.
Dodge dropped out of the Trans Am race series after only one year of participation. While the 1971 T/A was advertised, it was never produced. Most say the modifications required for the street version were costly and this made the decision to drop the model.
The T/A disappeared, but the Six pack 340 V-8 was still available as a crate engine. How many were sold is an open question, however.
Surprisingly the R/T package was not available as a convertible. Of course, using the order form you could add most of the performance and handling pieces as options, but without dealer special order, the 440 and 426 was denied to drop tops.
1971 Dodge Challenger Facts – Models Offered
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Base Challenger Coupe (JL21): The Challenger Coupe was a JL23 model with certain features removed to lower the entry level price. It included the 198 CID I-6 or 318 CID V-8 engine. Other standard features were front and rear side arm rests and ash trays, color keyed carpeting, ventless side windows, glove box, heater and defroster, parking brake/brake system warning light, outside left mirror, bucket seats, front foam seat cushion; three-spoke steering wheel with simulated wood-grain and padded hub; electric windshield washer and concealed two-speed wipers.
Base Challenger JL23: The Challenger was the intermediate trim level and included the 225 CID I-6 or 318 CID V-8 engine. Standard features were front and rear side arm rests and ash trays, cigarette lighter, color keyed carpeting, ventless side windows, glove box with rotary latch that was locking on the convertible, heater and defroster, dual horns, parking brake/brake system warning light, outside left mirror, inside day/night mirror, bucket seats; front foam seat cushion; three-spoke steering wheel with simulated wood-grain and padded hub; electric windshield washer and concealed two-speed wipers.
Challenger R/T JS23. The Challenger R/T continued as the high-performance model in the lineup and included all the base line Challenger equipment plus, heavy duty drum brakes, chrome exhaust tips, Rallye instrument cluster with simulated wood-grain trim, Rallye suspension, body side tape stripe, variable speed wipers, and 383 CID 300 HP V-8. The convertible added front courtesy and pocket panel lights and a collapsible spare tire (due to trunk size).
1971 Dodge Challenger Facts – Engines
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- 198 CID I-6 125 HP
- 225 CID I-6 145 HP
- 318 CID V-8 230 HP
- 340 CID V-8 275 HP
- 340 CID T/A V-8 290 HP
- 383 CID V-8 275 HP
- 383 CID V-8 300 HP
- 440 CID V-8 385 HP 440-6
- 426 CID Hemi V-8 425 HP
198 CID I-6 (JL21 Only). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 198 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 3.640 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.40:1.
Horsepower: 125 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 180 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 244°, Exhaust: 244°, Overlap: 26°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.406″, Exhaust 0.414″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Carter BBS -4955S; (automatic transmission) Carter BBS -4956S.
225 CID I-6. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 225 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.400 x 4.125 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.40:1.
Horsepower: 145 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 215 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 244°, Exhaust: 244°, Overlap: 26°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.406″, Exhaust 0.414″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Holley R-4655A; (automatic transmission) Holley R-4656A.
Base 318 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 318 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.91 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 320 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 240°, Exhaust 248°, Overlap: 20°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.372″, (Exhaust) 0.400″.
Carburetor: Two barrel: (manual transmission) Carter BBD-4957S, California Carter BBD-4958S; (automatic transmission) Rochester 2-barrel Model 7041180.
Base 340 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 340 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.04 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.2:1.
Horsepower: 275 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 340 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic. 268°, Exhaust 276°, Overlap: 44°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.430″, (Exhaust) 0.445″.
Carburetor: 4-barrel: (manual transmission) Carter Thermoquad TQ-4972S; (automatic transmission)Carter Thermoquad TQ-4973S.
Challenger T/A 340 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 340 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.04 x 3.31 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 290 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 345 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic. 268°, Exhaust 276°, Overlap: 44°. Valve Lift: (Intake) 0.430″, (Exhaust) 0.445″.
Carburetors: Holley 2-barrel: (manual transmission) Front R-4789A, Center R-4791A, Rear R-4790A. (automatic transmission) Front R-4789A, Center R-4792A, Rear R-4790A.
NOTE 1: This engine was only available as a crate engine in 1971.
NOTE 2: The engine contained the following specific items: Special #3577130 Block, #3418915 Heads with relocated pushrod holes, and Edelbrock aluminum intake #3418681. See the 1970 description below:
383 CID V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 275 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 375 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic .
Camshaft timing: Intake 260°, Exhaust 268°, Overlap: 38°; Lift: (intake) 0.425″; (exhaust) 0.437″.
Carburetor: Carter Two-barrel (manual transmission) BBD-4961S; (automatic transmission) BBD-4962S.
383 CID 4-barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 3.375 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 300 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 410 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 46°; Lift: (intake) 0.450, (exhaust) 0.4365″.
Carburetor: Holley Four-barrel Model (manual transmission) R-4667A (automatic transmission) R-4668A
385 HP “440-6 Pack” V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 440 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.32 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.3:1.
Horsepower: 385 @ 4700 RPM.
Torque: 490 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 268°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 46°; Lift: (intake) 0.450″; Lift: (exhaust) 0.465″.
Carburetor: Three Holley 2-barrels Model (Front) R-4671 A ; (Center – manual transmission) R-4669 A; (Center – automatic transmission) R-4670 A; (Rear) R-4672 A.
426 CID Hemi HP V8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Hemispherical heads. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 426 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.25 x 3.75 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.2:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 490 @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 284°, Exhaust 284°, Overlap: 60°; Lift: (intake) 0.490″, (exhaust) 0.480″.
Carburetors: Carter Two 4-barrel Model (Front) AFB-4971S; (Rear) manual transmission: AFB-4969S; (automatic transmission AFB-4970S .
1971 Dodge Challenger Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All: 110.0 inches.
- Overall length: All: 191.3 inches.
- Overall width: JL21 & JH23 – 76.1 inches; JH27 – 74.3 inches; R/T & T/A – 78.1 inches.
- Overall height: JL21 I-6 – 50.6 inches; JL21 V-8 – 50.9 inches; Coupe & Convertible I-6 – 50.8 inches; Coupe V-8 – 50.9 inches, Convertible – 50.6 inches; R/T – 51.2 inches; T/A – 51.7 inches.
- Front tread: 59.7 inches; Except R/T- 60.2 inches; T/A – 60.7 inches.
- Rear tread: All Except 318 CID w/SMT – 61.6 inches; 318 w/SMT & R/T – 60.7 inches; T/A – 61.2 inches.
- Tires: I-6 & 318 CID V-8 – 7.35 x 14; 383 CID V-8 – F78 x 14; R/T – F70 x 14.
- Optional tires, see 1971 Dodge Challenger AMA Specifications Sheet HERE.
1971 Dodge Challenger Facts Powertrains
- Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.45:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.20:1.
- Max Stall: I-6, 318 CID and 340 CID: 2.16:1; 383 CID 2-barrel: 2.02:1 383 4-barrel and 426 Hemi: 2.16:1; 440 CID: 2.02:1.
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 & 318 CID V-8: 1st – 3.08:1, 2nd – 1.70:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.90:1.
- 340 & 383 CID V-8: 1st – 2.55:1, 2nd – 1.49:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.34:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 340 & 383 CID V-8: 1st – 2.47:1, 2nd – 1.77:1, 3rd – 1.34:1, 4th – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.40:1.
- 426 & 440 CID V-8: 1st – 2.44:1, 2nd – 1.77:1, 3rd – 1.34:1, 4th – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.36:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6 All: 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1.
- I-6 All: 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.76:1.
- V-8: 318 CID 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8: 340 CID 4-Speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8: 340 CID 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.76:1, 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8 383 CID 2-bbl 3-Speed AMT – 2.76:1, Optional 3.23:1.
- V-8 383 4-bbl 3-Speed & 4-speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8 383 4-bbl 3-Speed A MT – 2.76:1, Optional 3.23:1, 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8 383 4-bbl R/T 3-Speed & 4-speed SMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8 383 4-bbl R/T 3-Speed A MT – 3.23:1, Optional 2.76:1, 3.55:1, 3.91:1.
- V-8 426 CID Hemi 4-Speed SMT – 3.54:1, Optional 4.10:1.
- V-8 426 CID Hemi 3-Speed AMT – 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 4.10:1.
- V-8 440 CID: 4-Speed SMT 3.54:1, Optional 4.10:1.
- V-8 440 CID: 3-Speed AMT 3.23:1, Optional 3.55:1, 4.10:1.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.45:1 to 5.10:1. Sure Grip available in all ratios.
1971 Dodge Challenger Facts Powertrain Options
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- Three-speed manual transmission was standard for all from I-6 through 383 CID V-8.
- Torqueflite automatic transmission, with Six ($176); with V-8.
- Four-speed manual floor shift transmission, prices varied with model and engine.
- 198 CID 125 horsepower I-6 standard with JL21 Coupe.
- 225 CID 145 horsepower I-6 standard with Base Challenger JH23.
- 383 CID 275 HP V-8.
- 383 CID 300 HP V-8.
- 383 CID 300 HP V-8 Standard in R/T, optional, others.
- 426 CID “Street Hemi” 425 HP V-8 in R/T or any Coupe (Not Available in Convertible).
- 440 CID “Six Pack” 385 HP V-8 in R/T or any Coupe (Not Available in Convertible).
- Heavy-duty, 70-ampere battery.
- Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle.
- Evaporative emissions control system.
- Available rear axle gear ratios: 2.76, 2.91, 3.23, 3.55, 3.91, 4.10, depending on engine size and optional carburetion.
1971 Dodge Challenger Facts – Significant Options
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- Adjustable driver’s seat, 6-way manual with bucket seats.
- Air conditioning.
- Air Grabber hood scoop, standard with 426 Hemi.
- Automatic speed control, V-8 only.
- Bright exhaust trumpets, standard with 426 Hemi.
- Front disc brakes .
- Headlight time delay warning signal.
- Heavy-duty brakes.
- Hood hold-down pins.
- Hood Insulation.
- Locking gas cap.
- Mirror, left, outside, remote-control.
- Mirror. Right – outside.
- Mirrors, color keyed racing, left-hand remote control.
- Power brakes.
- Power steering.
- Power windows.
- Radio AM/FM.
- Radio, AM with 8-track tape and three instrument panel mounted speakers.
- Radio, AM.
- Rear window defogger, all except convertibles.
- Shaker hood fresh air package, R/T only, standard with 426 Hemi.
- Speaker, rear seat.
- Sport striping.
- Tinted windshield and windows.
- Tinted windshield only.
- Two-tone paint.
- Undercoating.
- Wire wheel covers.
- Wheel covers, deluxe.
- Wheels, chrome road.
- Wheels, Rallye road.
- White sidewall tires.
- Windshield wipers, 3-speed electric (standard on R.T).
1971 Dodge Challenger Downloads and Images
1971 Dodge Challenger Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Dodge Challenger will appear below. Click to Download:
1971 Dodge Challenger Brochure – Canada Version
1971 Dodge “Scat Pack” Performance Brochure
1971 Dodge Challenger Print Ads
1971 Dodge Challenger AMA Specifications Sheets
1971 Dodge Challenger AMA Specifications Sheets – Revised w/o Challenger T/A
Seeking: 1971 Dodge Challenger Road Tests – Have One? Click HERE
1971 Dodge Challenger Facts – Related Images
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1971 Dodge Challenger RT Coupe
The 1971 Dodge Challenger RT Coupe was the only “performance” model of the Challenger in 1971. It was available with all the performance goodies of 1970, including the Hemi, but sales slipped to 4,630 units.
1971 Dodge Challenger Convertible
The 1971 Dodge Challenger Convertible lost its R/T status and was only available with the 383 “Magnum” V-8 as its highest level engine. Only 2,165 convertibles were built in 1971.
1971 Dodge Challenger Coupe
The 1971 Dodge Challenger Coupe and Hardtop were the entry-level Challengers in 1971. The Coupe was a bare bones model with fixed rear windows and a plane Jane steering wheel. The Base Challenger stood above the Coupe and could be had with V-8s up to the 300 HP “Magnum” 383 V-8. 23,088 were produced.