Mopower Garage

Published by Christopher J. Holley | Mopar History & Tech | August 2025

If you have been around the dragstrip long enough, you already know Mopar has a rich history in NHRA and IHRA Stock Eliminator. But here is the question that stirs up debate in the pits, on forums, and in every Mopar Facebook group:

What is the best Mopar car-and-engine combo of all time in Stock Eliminator?

The truth is, “best” is not just about big horsepower numbers. In Stock, success is about working the combination, class index, weight breaks, available parts, and sometimes, knowing exactly how to read between the lines of the rulebook.

Over the years, a few Mopar engines have consistently risen to the top. Here is a closer look at the proven legends:

1. 340 Small-Block (1968–1971 A/B-Body)

If you ask a group of seasoned Stock Eliminator racers, odds are someone will say “340 Dart” or “340 Duster” before you even finish the question.

Why it is so good: The 340 was famously underrated by the factory, which meant NHRA’s factored horsepower numbers often worked in its favor. That allowed racers to fit into sweet-spot classes.

Advantages:

• Ideal bore/stroke ratio for spinning high RPM.
• Excellent aftermarket support for NHRA-legal cams, pistons, and valvetrain.
• Lightweight platforms like the Duster, Dart, and Barracuda make the most of the cubic inches.

Classic example: A well-prepped 1970 340 Duster in C/SA or D/SA is still a threat, more than 50 years later.

2. 426 Street Hemi (1966–1971 B-Body/E-Body)

It is the engine everyone knows, but in Stock Eliminator, it is more than just a muscle car legend, it is an airflow monster.

Why it is so good: Even with NHRA factoring, the Hemi’s cylinder head design gives it insane horsepower-per-cube potential in the upper classes.

Advantages:

• Massive ports and valves.
• Loves big cams, within Stock rules, of course.
• Can crack 700+ HP in legal trim.

Classic example: The ’68 Hemi Barracuda or Dart in AA/SA. While they are more famous in Super Stock, they have been deadly in Stock when the combo is right.

3. 383 B-Block (1968–1970 Road Runner, Satellite)

The 383 does not always get the spotlight, but in the right class, it can sneak up on people.

Why it works: Good bore size, decent breathing, and more favorable horsepower factoring than the 440. It is a sweet spot for E/SA and F/SA racers.

4. 273 & 318 Small-Blocks (A-Body)

Stock Eliminator is not always about going for the biggest engine, it is about winning the class you are running.

Why they matter: In I/SA and J/SA, these small-displacement LA engines in lightweight A-bodies are hard to beat. They get less index penalty and can run way under the class record.

5. 360 Small-Block (1974–1980)

This one has become a bigger player in recent years.

Why it is strong now: Updated NHRA horsepower factoring and modern legal aftermarket parts have made the 360 a real weapon in later A/F/J-Body builds, especially Miradas, Aspens, and Volarés.

Final Verdict

If you are talking long-term dominance, the title still goes to the 1968–1971 340 in an A-body. It is the perfect storm: lightweight chassis, big-RPM potential, great heads, and NHRA factoring that just works.

It has been competitive for over half a century, and it is still not done winning.