The 1987 Dodge Charger's Engine and Emissions Setup
The 1987 Dodge Charger came with one of two engines: a 2.2-liter four-cylinder or a 5.2-liter V8. Both were carbureted rather than fuel-injected, which matters for emissions because carburetors are less precise at controlling the fuel-air mixture than modern injection systems. The V8 produced roughly 175 horsepower, while the four-cylinder made around 146 horsepower.
In 1987, the Charger had to meet federal emissions standards that were less strict than today's rules. The car included a catalytic converter and an oxygen sensor to help reduce tailpipe emissions, but these systems were simpler than what you'll find on vehicles made even five years later. The carburetor itself required regular tuning to stay within emissions limits — a task that many owners neglected, which meant their cars often ran dirtier than they were designed to.
If you own a 1987 Charger, the emissions equipment that came from the factory is likely either worn out or missing entirely by now. Replacement parts exist, but finding someone who knows how to work on carbureted systems has become harder as technicians have moved on to fuel-injected engines.
Fuel Economy and Real-World Consumption
The 1987 Charger with the four-cylinder engine achieved roughly 20 to 24 miles per gallon on the highway and 16 to 19 in city driving, depending on driving habits and the condition of the engine. The V8 was thirstier: expect 14 to 17 highway and 11 to 14 city. These figures assume the engine is in good tune and the carburetor is adjusted correctly.
In practice, many 1987 Chargers on the road today perform worse than these numbers because the carburetor has drifted out of adjustment or the ignition timing has shifted. A poorly tuned carburetor can drop fuel economy by 2 to 4 miles per gallon. If you're considering buying one, a test drive that includes highway and city miles will show you what the actual consumption looks like for that specific car.
Key Takeaways
- The 1987 Charger used a carburetor and basic emissions equipment that was adequate for 1987 standards but is now outdated and often in poor condition.
- The four-cylinder engine achieved 16 to 24 mpg depending on driving conditions, while the V8 achieved 11 to 17 mpg.
- Fuel economy on a specific car depends heavily on whether the carburetor is properly tuned and the ignition timing is correct.
- Finding technicians who can service carbureted engines has become difficult, which affects both maintenance costs and the ability to keep emissions equipment working.
Carburetor Maintenance and Tuning
A carburetor requires periodic adjustment to maintain both fuel economy and emissions performance. The main adjustments are the idle speed, the idle mixture (the ratio of fuel to air at idle), and the choke setting for cold starts. These are not one-time settings — they drift over time as the carburetor wears and as temperature and humidity change with the seasons.
If your 1987 Charger is running rough at idle, hesitating during acceleration, or getting noticeably worse fuel economy than it used to, the carburetor probably needs tuning. A basic tune-up involves cleaning the carburetor, adjusting the idle mixture and speed, and checking the choke operation. This is not a job most modern shops will do, because it requires knowledge that has largely left the industry.
If you plan to keep the car running, budget for carburetor service every two to three years, or more often if the car sits unused for months at a time. Fuel that sits in the carburetor bowl can gum up the jets and passages, making the car hard to start and run rough until the carburetor is cleaned.
Catalytic Converter and Oxygen Sensor Condition
The 1987 Charger's catalytic converter and oxygen sensor are now 35+ years old. The oxygen sensor, which tells the carburetor how rich or lean the mixture is, degrades over time and may no longer be reading accurately. A faulty oxygen sensor won't trigger a check engine light on a 1987 (those cars didn't have that system), so you won't know it's failing unless the car runs poorly or you have it tested.
The catalytic converter itself can become clogged with carbon buildup or can fail internally. A failed converter will restrict exhaust flow, making the engine feel sluggish and reducing fuel economy further. Replacement converters are available but are expensive, and some shops will refuse to install one on a carbureted car because the carburetor can't be tuned precisely enough to keep the converter clean.
Emissions Testing and Registration
Whether your 1987 Charger must pass an emissions test depends on your state and county. Some states test all vehicles; others test only vehicles under a certain age or in certain counties. A few states have no emissions testing at all. You'll need to check your local requirements before registration time.
If your area does test, a 1987 Charger with original or well-maintained emissions equipment has a reasonable chance of passing. However, if the carburetor is out of tune, the oxygen sensor is failing, or the catalytic converter is clogged, the car may fail. Fixing these problems before the test is cheaper than paying a retest fee and then fixing them afterward.
Some states allow older vehicles to be exempt from emissions testing if they meet certain criteria (usually age-based). Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to see whether your Charger qualifies for an exemption.
Comparing the Four-Cylinder and V8 Options
If you're deciding between a 1987 Charger with the four-cylinder or the V8, fuel economy is the main difference. The four-cylinder will cost you roughly 30 to 40 percent less in fuel over a year of regular driving. The V8 is faster and has more presence on the road, but it will spend more time at the gas pump.
Both engines use the same basic emissions equipment and both require carburetor tuning. The V8 carburetor is slightly more complex, which can make tuning and repair more expensive. If fuel economy matters to you and you plan to drive the car regularly, the four-cylinder is the more practical choice. If you want the classic muscle car feel and fuel cost is less important, the V8 is worth the trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a 1987 Charger pass a modern emissions test?
It depends on the test requirements in your area and the condition of the car's emissions equipment. If the carburetor is properly tuned, the oxygen sensor is working, and the catalytic converter is not clogged, the car has a good chance of passing. If any of these are failing, it will likely fail. Some states exempt vehicles over a certain age from testing — check your local rules.
Can I convert the carburetor to fuel injection to improve emissions and fuel economy?
Yes, fuel injection conversion kits exist for the 1987 Charger, and they do improve both emissions and fuel economy. However, these conversions are expensive (often $1,500 to $3,000 in parts alone) and require significant mechanical work. They're worth considering if you plan to keep the car long-term, but they're not a quick fix.
How often should I have the carburetor serviced?
A carburetor should be checked and adjusted every two to three years, or sooner if the car sits unused for extended periods. If the car is driven regularly and the carburetor is in good condition, you may be able to go longer between services. Listen for rough idle or hesitation during acceleration — these are signs that tuning is needed.
What's the difference in fuel cost between the four-cylinder and V8 over a year?
The difference depends on gas prices and how much you drive, but the V8 typically costs $400 to $800 more per year in fuel for someone driving 10,000 to 12,000 miles annually. If you drive less, the difference is smaller; if you drive more, it's larger.
Is the 1987 Charger's oxygen sensor still available?
Yes, replacement oxygen sensors for the 1987 Charger are available from automotive parts suppliers. They're not expensive (usually $30 to $80), but finding a technician willing to install one on a carbureted car can be difficult. Many modern shops specialize only in fuel-injected vehicles.