1983 Dodge Charger Oil Type & Capacity
The 1983 Dodge Charger oil type depends on the engine: the 2.2, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the 2.2, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 1.6 A takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 2.2 C, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 2.2 C, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the Shelby takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2.2, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- 2.2, Standard: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Base, 1.6 A: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Base, 2.2 C, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Base, 2.2 C, Standard: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Shelby: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2, Automatic — 2.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above -10Deg.F), 20W-40/50/20 (Above 32Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| 2.2, Standard — 2.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above -10Deg.F), 20W-40/50/20 (Above 32Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Base, 1.6 A — 1.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above -10Deg.F), 20W-40/50/20 (Above 32Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| Base, 2.2 C, Automatic — 2.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above -10Deg.F), 20W-40/50/20 (Above 32Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Base, 2.2 C, Standard — 2.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above -10Deg.F), 20W-40/50/20 (Above 32Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Shelby — 2.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30/40 (Below 60Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Above -10Deg.F), 20W-40/50/20 (Above 32Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Charger
🛞 1983 Dodge Charger Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1983 Dodge Charger Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1983 Dodge Charger Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1983 Dodge Charger Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
9.0 quarts (8.51 L) — 50/50 mixture of water and Ethylene-Glycol Base Antifreeze, such as MOPAR, PRESTON II, PEAK, or antifreeze containing the Alugard 340-2 inhibitor system.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1983 Dodge Charger take?
It depends on the engine: 2.2, Automatic uses 5W-30; 2.2, Standard uses 5W-30; Base, 1.6 A uses 5W-30; Base, 2.2 C, Automatic uses 5W-30; Base, 2.2 C, Standard uses 5W-30; Shelby uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 1983 Dodge Charger?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: 2.2, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; 2.2, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Base, 1.6 A holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Base, 2.2 C, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Base, 2.2 C, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Shelby holds 4.5 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1983 Dodge Charger?
Most 1983 Dodge Charger owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Dodge recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1983 Dodge Charger?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1983 Dodge Charger. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.