1979 Aspen R/T

[truetriplex]

I have a couple of questions on the 1979 R/T Aspen. If you ordered the R/T package, what was the base engine, and what option engine were available? And more importantly, the same question for the wheels (wheel models and size).

 

[WileE]

From what I recall, the R/T was just a trim package with stripes, decals, wheels, etc. The base engine was probably the 318, vs. the standard /6, and the 360 the option. ( there is a for FMJ-bodies only forum, by the way ).

 

[Charles Cook]

My 76 Aspen R/T came with the 360
and 14” Rally wheels not sure about tire size.

 

[Vaanth]

I have a couple of questions on the 1979 R/T Aspen. If you ordered the R/T package, what was the base engine, and what option engine were available? And more importantly, the same question for the wheels (wheel models and size).

The 1979 Dodge Aspen R/T was a package based on the Aspen coupe. The standard engine for all U.S. market 1979 Aspens, including the R/T, was the 225 Slant Six with one-barrel carburetor. The standard transmission was the 3-speed manual transmission with floor shift. The standard axle ratio for the standard engine and transmission was 3.21:1. Optional engines, transmissions and mated gear ratios were as follows:

• 225 Slant Six with one-barrel carburetor and 4-speed overdrive transmission and 3.21:1
• 225 Slant Six with one-barrel carburetor and automatic transmission and 3.21:1
• 225 Slant Six with two-barrel carburetor and automatic transmission and 2.71:1
• 318 V-8 with two-barrel carburetor and automatic transmission and 2.45:1
• 360 V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and automatic transmission and 2.71:1
• California: 225 Slant Six with one-barrel carburetor and automatic transmission and 3.21:1
• California: 318 V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and automatic transmission and 2.45:1
• California: 360 V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and automatic transmission and 2.71:1

The 1979 R/T package was option code A57 and consisted of the following:

• ER78-14 fiberglass belted black sidewall radial tires
• Cloth and vinyl bench seatHeavy duty suspension
• Argent (X045SA4) or gold (X045SY1) painted cast aluminum road wheels (14"x6")
• R/T strobe body-side and rear tape stripes
• R/T decal and Dodge nameplate on body colored rear deck spoiler with R/T decals on front fenders
• Black painted grille treatment
• Black headlamp doors and parking lamp accents
• Black windshield, backlight, and drip moldings
• Black wiper arms and blades
• Dual remote controlled racing body colored mirrors
• Louvered quarter windows
• Black "Tuff" steering wheel
  
  NOTE: Five-spoke styled road wheels (3699481) with bright trim rings were available as a substitute credit option. (14"x6")

The additional R/T Handling Performance Package, option code A55 and available only with the R/T Package, included the following:

• Extra heavy duty suspension with heavy duty shocks and rear sway bar
• FR70-14 outline white letter Aramid-belted radial tires
  
  NOTE: Optional V-8 engine on the R/T was required to add this package.

Wheels:

 

[69Coronetrt]

I have a couple of questions on the 1979 R/T Aspen. If you ordered the R/T package, what was the base engine, and what option engine were available? And more importantly, the same question for the wheels (wheel models and size).

The best place to start to answer questions like this is the factory data book. Here's a link that tells you what you are looking for plus more info:

The 1970 Hamtramck Registry - 1979 Dodge Dealership Data Book - Aspen