426 Max Wedge Engine Oil Capacity
A question often asked by Mopar enthusiasts is, how many quarts of oil does a 426 Max Wedge, 1963 and 1964 take?
The 426 Max Wedge, 1963 and 1964, engine oil capacity is 6 quarts, five quarts for the oil pan plus one quart for the filter. The six-quart capacity is the same for the Plymouth Super Stock 426 and for the Dodge Ramcharger 426. This includes the Stage 2 and Stage 3 engines.
426 Max Wedge Oil Capacity
The oil capacity for many Mopar engines is often a mystery and the 426 Maximum Performance Engines (nicknamed Max Wedge) is no exception.
The following table contains the oil capacity for a 1963 and 1964 426 Max Wedge engines.
| Year | 426 Max Wedge Oil Capacity Super Stock 426, 426-ll, 426-lll (Plymouth) Ramcharger 426, 426-A, 426-lll (Dodge) |
| 1963 | Super Stock 426 Ramcharger 426 6 Quart Oil Capacity 5 qt. oil pan plus 1 qt. for oil filter. |
| 1963 | Super Stock 426 ll Ramcharger 426 A 6 Quart Oil Capacity 5 qt. oil pan plus 1 qt. for the oil filter. |
| 1964 | Super Stock 426-lll Ramcharger 426-lll 6 Quart Oil Capacity 5 qt. oil pan plus 1 qt. for the oil filter. |
The oil capacity above was verified in 1963 and 1964 Dodge and Plymouth Max Wedge owner’s manuals and literature. I also called the Vans Auto Company, who sells a reproduction 426 Max Wedge oil pan, and verified the capacity with them.
The photos below are from the 1964 Plymouth Super Stock 426-lll owner’s manual and the 1963 Dodge Ramcharger 426 information booklet. They both indicate the oil capacity as 5 quarts plus one quart for the oil filter.
The 426 Max Wedge was produced in 1963 and 1964. Plymouth and Dodge had their own versions but both engines were the same except for the labeling.
426 Max Wedge Oil Type
I have the Plymouth and Dodge 426 Super Stock and Ramcharger owner’s manual. The following is the recommendation for oil from the 1964 Plymouth Super Stock 426-lll owner’s manual:
Only oils labeled “For service MS” should be used. NOTE: SAE 30 is recommended for acceleration trials.
The 1963 Dodge Ramcharger 426 information booklet states the following oil recommendation for the Max Wedge engine:
Any name-brand oil for “Service MS” may be used, SAE 30 viscosity is recommended for acceleration trials.
426 Max Wedge Oil Mileage and Changes
The 1964 Plymouth Max Wedge owner’s booklet states the following about oil consumption:
The increased amount of lubrication to the valve train, and the use of special piston rings may result in higher than normal oil consumption.
The Plymouth manual also states, “Keeping the engine oil clean is a must in this precision engine. The oil should be changed frequently.”
For oil change frequency the 1963 Dodge Ramcharger 426 booklet states the following:
In a high-performance, precision-built engine, oil must be kept absolutely clean. For this reason, engine oil should be changed at least every 1,000 miles, or more frequently depending on driving conditions.
Always Verify Your Oil Capacity
Chances are you’re not the original owner of the 426 Max Wedge engine in your possession. Many Mopar engines have been modified, damaged, raced or rebuilt over the years.
The oil pan on your engine may not be original to the engine. In addition, other big block pans fit the engine you have.
Some engines appear original but may have been rebuilt or taken apart years ago. The age of the work may give the appearance of never taken apart.
There are many aftermarket companies selling reproduction oil pans, accessories, kits and components.
There are so many reasons the oil pan, pickup and dipstick may have been changed.
The factory oil capacity stated in this article or owner’s manual may not be appropriate for your engine. Therefore, verifying how big your particular oil pan is should be a top priority.
If you have any questions about the 426 Max Wedge oil capacity, send us an email found specifically on our contact page.
About 38 years ago I assembled my first Mopar engine. It’s at that time my hands on experience with Mopar engines, including the Max Wedge, started. Although my research of the engines started years earlier.
More Max Wedge Engine Articles
Article Resources
- Vans Auto
- Chrysler Service Bulletins (1963-1964)
- Dodge and Plymouth Data Books (1963-1964)
- Google Books: Chrysler Engines 1922-1998
- Ramcharger 426 and Super Stock 426 Owners Manuals
