1952-1961 DeSoto V-8 Engine Facts
While DeSoto’s Hemi head V-8 appears to be the same as the Chrysler unit, it was its own design, smaller in displacement and bore centers, with only the water pump interchangeable.
From 1958 onward, DeSoto used the Corporate “B” series Wedge Head V-8.
The DeSoto V-8 Specifications from 1952 through 1961
1952 – 1957 Hemi Head Engines
DeSoto’s Hemi engines were called “FireDome” and initially served as the naming convention for the DeSoto Firedome sedan. It was the Brand’s Own design differing in bore centers and deck height over the Chrysler unit.
276 CID
In 1952, DeSoto introduced its version of the Chrysler FirePower V-8 and called “FireDome, with a bore of 3.625 inches and stroke of 3.344 inches. This resulted inr a displacement of 276.1 CID. This block had a Deck height of 9.54 inches and a rod length of 6.067 inches. Power output was 160 bhp (119 kW). It was a hot seller, with 50,000 vehicles using the engine until it was replaced in 1954.
291 CID
An increase in displacement to 290.8 cu in (4.8 L) was made for 1955 by increasing the bore to 3.72 inches. All other measurements remained the same.
330 CID
The DeSoto engine was enlarged for 1956 to 330 CID (329.9). The bore was the same as the 291 at 3.72 inches, but stroke was increased to 3.80 inches and a taller raised-deck block of 10.375 inches was used and the rod length was increased to 6.62 inches. At the same time, the intake valve head size increased from 1.84 inches to 1.94 inches and the exhaust from 1.50 inches 1.75 with a consummate increase in port size.
341 CID
Displacement was increased again for 1956 DeSoto Adventurer only this year, to 341.1 cu in (5.6 L). In 1957, the Firedome and Fireflite models would receive this engine. Bore was now 3.78 inches with stroke remaining at 3.80 inches and had a compression ratio of 9.5:1 The Adventurer used a special hydraulic camshaft profile. Additionally, the Adventurer used dual Carter WCFB four-barrel carburetor. In this format, the 1956 DeSoto Adventurer produced 320 HP and 356 ft. lbs. of torque. When delivered in the Firedome and Fireflite in 1957, it produced 270 HP with a single 2-barrel carburetor and 295 HP with a 4-barrel.
345 CID
The largest DeSoto engine for 1957 was fitted to the DeSoto Adventurer. It was increased to 345 CID (344.6) by using a “square” bore and stroke dimensions of 3.80 x 3.80 inches. The compression ratio remained at 9.5:1. Once again, the DeSoto Adventurer used dual Carter WCFB four-barrel carburetors for a rating of 345 HP and 355 ft. lbs.of torque, producing one horsepower per cubic inch. This was the first American car to do so as standard equipment.
The Hemi was discontinued in 1958 in favor of the Corporate “B” Series wedge head engine
1958 – 1961 Corporate Wedge Head Engines
Design features of the “B” and “RB” (raised deck” engines had a cylinder block that extends 3 inches below the crankshaft centerline, an intake manifold that sealed the heads and block, stamped-steel shaft-mounted rocker arms, and a front-mounted external oil pump driven by the camshaft, and the distributor drive and oil pump locations moving to the front of the engine, with the distributor at a 45-degree angle.
The “B” series wedge engine was introduced in 1958 at both 350 CID and 361 CID. While the 350 only stayed in production for a few years, the 361 would continue in production until the end of the series, albeit only for truck installation. The 383 CID unit would arrive in 1959 and run through 1972, when replaced by the 400 CID version.
All Low Block B-series engines have a 3.38 inch stroke, a 9.98 inch deck height and 6.358 inch connecting rods. All are “oversquare” meaning the bore is larger than the stroke.
350 CID
The 350 cubic inch B engine was, along with the 361, the first production B series engine, and first available in 1958. It had a bore of 4.06 inches. All parts except for the pistons are fully compatible with the 361 CID version. used only in 1958 in the DeSoto Firesweep, it was rated at 280 HP and 380 ft. lbs. of torque when fitted with a 2-barrel carburetor, and 295 HP and 385 ft. lbs. of torque when 4-barrel equipped. This was the only year DeSotos used the 350.
361 CID
The 361 cubic inch B engine, also introduced in 1958, was the same as the 350 CID except with a larger 4.12 inch bore, for a displacement of 360.83. In 1958, it was fitted to the Firedome, Fireflite and Adventurer. Ratings were: 295 HP and 390 ft. lbs. of torque when fitted with a 2-barrel carburetor, 305 HP and 400 ft. lbs. of torque when fitted with a 4-barrel carburetor, and 345 HP and 400 ft. lbs. of torque when fitted with 2 4-barrel carburetors. The Optional Fuel Injected Adventurer was rated at 355 HP and 400 ft. lbs. of torque.
The 361 would last as one of the line’s powerplants until the end of DeSoto. In 1959 and 1960, the Firesweep was the only DeSoto with this engine and it was rated at the same 295 HP and 390 ft. lbs. of torque. In 1961, with the demise of the line the new Fireflite used a 361 with reduced compression down to 9.0:1. its new rating was: 265 HP and 380 ft. lbs. of torque and was only available with a 2-barrel carburetor. This was the only engine available that year.
383
The 383 cu in B Series engine (there was a RB version that was used in Chryslers with a 413 CID stroke and a 4.013 inch bore) was a larger bore version of the 350 and 361, using a 4.25 inch bore but the same 3.38 inch stroke bore for a 383.03 cubic inch displacement. This engine was introduced in 1959. DeSoto used this engine to power its Firedome, Fireflite and Adventurer models in 1959 and 1960.
In 1959 ratings were: 305 HP and 410 ft. lbs. of torque when fitted with a 2-barrel carburetor, 325 HP and 425 ft. lbs. of torque when fitted with a 4-barrel carburetor, and 350 HP and 425 ft. lbs. of torque when fitted with 2 4-barrel carburetors.
In 1960 the ratings were the same for the 2-barrel unit, but there were changes in the 4-barrel and the dual 4-barrel, as the single carbureted unit received a more potent camshaft and the dual 4-barrel used ram induction tubes to raise torque. It was called “Ram Charge”. The single carb unit was still rated at 325 HP and 425 ft. lbs. of torque while the dual 4-barrel carburetor long ram engine moved to 330 HP and 460 ft. lbs. of torque.
Please see each tab section for a breakdown of the available variants of the engine over time.
Specifications of 1952 – 1961 DeSoto V-8 Engines
1952 DeSoto 276 CID Engine Specifications
1952 276 CID V-8
The 76 V-8 was the first iteration of DeSoto’s Hemi head. Compression ratio was 7.0:1, with 160 horsepower and 250 ft. lbs. torque.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
FireDome Series Hemi V-8: V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 276.1 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.626 x 3.344inches.
Compression ratio: 7.0:1.
Horsepower: 160 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 250 ft. lbs. @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244 Exhaust 244°, Overlap 26°, Lift (Intake) 0.361″ (Exhaust) 0.361″.
Carburetor: Carter WCD two-barrel models 884S, 884SA or 884SC.
1953 DeSoto 276 CID Engine Specifications
1953 276 CID V-8
In its second year of production, little changed. Compression ratio increased from 7.0:1 to 7.10:1, but horsepower and torque ratings stayed the same.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
FireDome Series Hemi V-8: V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 276.1 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.626 x 3.344inches.
Compression ratio: 7.1:1.
Horsepower: 160 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 250 ft. lbs. @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244 Exhaust 244°, Overlap 26°, Lift (Intake) 0.361″ (Exhaust) 0.361″.
Carburetor: Carter WCD two-barrel models BBD-909-S.
1954 DeSoto 276 CID Engine Specifications
1954 276 CID V-8
This would be the last year at the 276 CID level, the engine now produced 170 horsepower and 255 ft. lbs, of torque, the result of a compression increase from 7.10:1 to 7.5:1. The major engineering effort had been to develop Chrysler’s first fully automatic transmission, the Powerflite.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
FireDome Series Hemi V-8: V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 276.1 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.626 x 3.344inches.
Compression ratio: 7.5:1.
Horsepower: 170 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 255 ft. lbs. @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244 Exhaust 244°, Overlap 26°, Lift (Intake) 0.361″ (Exhaust) 0.361″.
Carburetor: Carter WCD two-barrel models 2129S; early vehicles 2067S.
1955 DeSoto 291 CID Engine Specifications
1955 291 CID V-8
A larger engine appeared this year, with the block displacement increased to 291 CID via a bore increase to 3.720″. Horsepower jumped appreciably due to CID and compression ratio – and with the addition of a 4-barrel carburetor on the new Fireflite version. The Firedome was rated at now at 185 and the Fireflite made 200.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
Firedome Series Hemi V-8: V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 291. CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.720 x 3.344inches.
Compression ratio: 7.5:1.
Horsepower: 185 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 245 ft. lbs. @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 260° Exhaust 244°, Overlap 14°, Lift (Intake) 0.360″ (Exhaust) 0.360″.
Carburetor: Ball & ball two-barrel models 2117S.
Fireflite Series Hemi V-8: V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 291.0 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.720 x 3.344inches.
Compression ratio: 7.5:1.
Horsepower: 200 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 274 ft. lbs. @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244 Exhaust 244°, Overlap 26°, Lift (Intake) 0.360″ (Exhaust) 0.360″.
Carburetor: Carter WCFB four-barrel models 2129S; early vehicles 2210S.
1956 DeSoto 330 CID Engine Specifications
1956 330 CID V-8
The horsepower was up due to an increase in engine size to 330 CID via a stroke increase to 3.80 inches, an increase compression to 8.50:1. and an intake valve head size increase from 1.840″ to 1.94″. The Firedome now produced 230 Hp and 305 ft. lbs. of torque and the Fireflite 255 and 350 ft. lbs of torque.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
Firedome Series Hemi V-8: V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 330.4 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.72″ x 3.80″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 305 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 260° Exhaust 244°, Overlap 14°, Lift (Intake) 0.381″ (Exhaust) 0.357″.
Carburetor: Carter BBD two-barrel: with standard transmission model 2308S, with overdrive transmission model 2309S, with Powerflite transmission 2310S.
Fireflite Series Hemi V-8: V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 330.4 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.72 x 3.80 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 255 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 350 ft. lbs. @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.381″ (Exhaust) 0.357″.
Carburetor: Carter WCFB four-barrel models 2311SA; early vehicles 2210S.
1956 DeSoto 341 CID Adventurer Engine Specifications
1956 341.4 CID Adventurer V-8
The newly released DeSoto Adventurer received its own engine with the size increased to 341 CID. It used the new 3.80″ stroke but also had a bore increase to 3.780″. It also sported a higher compression ration of 9.25:1 and a special camshaft with increased duration as well. Fitted with dual 4-barrel carburetors, it netted out an amazing 320 HP.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
Adventurer Series Hemi V-8: V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 341.4 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.78 x 3.80 inches.
Compression ratio: 5200 RPM.
Torque: 356 ft. lbs. @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 280°, Exhaust 280°, Overlap 60°, Lift (Intake) 0.431″ (Exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetors: 2 Carter WCFB four-barrels (Front) WCFB 2476S; (Rear) WCFB 2445S.
1957 Dodge-Sourced 325 CID Engine Specifications
1957 Dodge Sourced 325 CID V-8
For the newly introduced lower mid-price and Dodge-based Firesweep (DeSoto Sheet metal on Dodge chassis) the 325 CID Dodge single rocker shaft (polysphere head) supplied. This engine was only available in the Firesweep line.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
Firesweep Base V-8. (Dodge-sourced engine). Overhead valves, polyspheric combustion chamber. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 325 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.69″ x 3.80″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 245 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 320 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 248°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 26°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″.
Carburetor: Manual Transmission: Stromberg two-barrel model WW3-149; Auto Transmission: Stromberg two-barrel model WW3-150.
Firesweep Base V-8. (Dodge-sourced engine). Overhead valves, polyspheric combustion chamber. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 325 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.69″ x 3.80″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 260 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 335 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 248°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 26°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″.
Carburetor: Carter 4-barrel model WCFB 2532S.
1957 DeSoto 341 CID Engine Specifications
1957 341 CID V-8
The engine received another displacement boost this year, with the bore growing to 3.780″ for 341 CID, equaling last year’s Adventurer engine. Horsepower was also up due to this displacement increase and the compression ratio growing to 9.25.:1.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
Firedome Series V-8: Overhead valves, hemispherical combustion chamber. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 341.4 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.78″ x 3.80″.
Compression ratio: 9.25:1.
Horsepower: 270 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 350 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252° Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″.
Carburetor: Ball & Ball Two-barrel model BBD-2522S.
Fireflite Series and Firedome Power Pack V-8: Overhead valves, hemispherical combustion chamber. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 341.4 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.78″ x 3.80″.
Compression ratio: 9.25:1.
Horsepower: 295 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 390 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252° Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″.
Carburetor: Carter WCFB four-barrel model 2588S.
Exhaust: Dual exhaust optional.
1957 DeSoto Adventurer 345 CID Engine Specifications
1957 345 CID Adventurer V-8
The Adventurer engine received another displacement increase this year, with the bore growing to 3.80″ for 345 CID. This was the maximum available engine size for this block without recasting and raising the deck height.Since the new “B” wedge head block was anticipated for 1958, this was not considered.
Horsepower was also up due to this displacement increase and the compression ratio growing to 9.25.:1., now at 345 – or fantastically 1 HP per cubic inch!
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
Adventurer V-8: Overhead valves, hemispherical combustion chamber. Five main bearings. Engine featured enlarged valve ports, high-lift camshaft, larger diameter valves and stiffer valve springs. Modified slipper pistons, heavy-duty connecting rods and shot-peened crankshaft.
Displacement: 345.0 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.80″ x 3.80″.
Compression ratio: 9.25:1.
Horsepower: 345 at 5200 RPM.
Torque: 355 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 280° Exhaust 270°, Overlap 60°, Lift (Intake) 0.430″ (Exhaust) 0.413″.
Carburetion: Carter dual four-barrel WCFB Carburetors, front model 2365S, rear model 2636S.
Exhaust: Dual standard.
1958 DeSoto Firesweep 350 CID Engine Specifications
1958 Firesweep 350 CID V-8
The Firesweep received Chrysler Corporations new “B” Series wedge head engine. This was an all-new design capable of displacements from 350 too 400 CID. In this case, the Firesweep received the lowest level offering. Standard and “Power Pack” versions were available.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
Firesweep Base V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge cylinder head. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.06″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 280 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 380 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.390″ (Exhaust) 0.390″.
Carburetor: Manual Trans – Ball & Ball two-barrel BBD 2772S; Auto Trans – Ball & Ball two-barrel BBD 2637S.
Firesweep Power Pack V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge cylinder head. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.06″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 295 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 385 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.390″ (Exhaust) 0.390″.
Carburetor: Manual Trans – Carter AFB four-barrel 2773S; Auto Trans – Carter AFB four-barrel 2642S.
Exhaust: Dual as standard equipment.
1958 DeSoto 361 CID Engine Specifications
1958 361 CID V-8
This new “B” series wedge head engine was the second tier offering with a larger bore of 4.120 inches. Like the 350, it was “oversquare” with a bore ostensibly larger than the stroke at 3.38 inches. Horsepower ranges from 295 to 355 (with electronic fuel injection). See the AMA Specifications Sheets in the link below for more specific information on the F.I. system. You can also see the SAE document describing the entire Electrojector System HERE.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
- Firedome 361 CID 295 HP V-8
- Firedome 361 CID 305 HP "Power Pack" V-8
- Fireflite 361 CID 305 HP V-8
- Adventurer 361 CID 345 HP V-8
- Adventurer 361 CID FI 355 HP V-8
Firedome Series V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.12″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 295 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 390 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252° Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″.
Carburetor: Manual Trans – Ball & Ball two-barrel BBD 2772S; Auto Trans – Ball & Ball two-barrel BBD 2637S.
Firedome Series Power Pack V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.12″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 305 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 400 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252° Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel AFB Model 2642S.
Exhaust: Convertible standard with Dual Exhausts – Optional on others, except station wagon.
Fireflite V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.12″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 305 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 400 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252° Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″.
Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel AFB Model 2642S.
Exhaust: Convertible standard with Dual Exhausts – Optional on others, except station wagon.
Adventurer V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.12″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 345 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 400 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 260° Exhaust 260°, Overlap 42°, Lift (Intake) 0.390″ (Exhaust) 0.390″.
Carburetors: two 4-barrel Carter AFB – front number 2652S; rear number 2653S.
Exhaust: Dual
Adventurer V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.12″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 355 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 400 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 260° Exhaust 260°, Overlap 42°, Lift (Intake) 0.390″ (Exhaust) 0.390″.
Induction: Bendix Electronic Fuel Injection. NOTE: See page 6 addendum of the 1958 DeSoto AMA Specifications Sheets for information on the “Electrojector” fuel injection system. HERE.
Exhaust: Dual
1959 DeSoto 361 CID Engine Specifications
1959 361 CID V-8
The 361 CID V-8 replaced the 350 CID version in the Firesweep line. There was no “power Pack” option as the engine upgrade was to the 350 HP Adventurer 383 CID dual 4-barrel unit.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
Firesweep V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.12″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 295 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 390 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252° Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″.
Carburetor: Ball and Ball 2-barrel 2870S.
1959 DeSoto 383 CID Engine Specifications
1959 383 CID V-8
The”B” series wedge head engine was now 383 CID across the 126″ wheelbase cars. There were three HP levels: 305, 325 and 350, depending on carburetor system used. The 350 HP Adventurer engine was available across all lines as an option.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
Firedome V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.25″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.1:1.
Horsepower: 305 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 410 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252° Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″.
Carburetor: Ball and Ball 2-barrel, Model BBD 2871S.
Fireflite V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.25″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.1:1.
Horsepower: 325 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252° Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel Model 2794F
Adventurer V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.25″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.1:1.
Horsepower: 350 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 260° Exhaust 260°, Overlap 42°, Lift (Intake) 0.390″ (Exhaust) 0.390″.
Carburetor: Two Carter AFB 4-barrels Front – Model 2790S; Rear – 2791S.
NOTE: This engine was available across the entire DeSoto line as an option.
1960 DeSoto 361 CID Engine Specifications
1960 361 CID V-8
The 361 CID V-8 was now the base engine in the Fireflite line. There was a “Power Pack” option up to the 325 HP Adventurer 383 CID 4-barrel unit only.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
Fireflite V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.12″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 295 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 390 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252° Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″.
Carburetor: Ball and Ball 2-barrel 2923S.
1960 DeSoto 383 CID Engine Specifications
1960 383 CID V-8
The”B” series wedge head engine was the base engine in the Adventurer line. There were three HP levels: 305, 325 and 330, depending on carburetor system used. The 325 HP 4-barrel engine was available in both the Fireflite and Adventurer line with Torqueflite only. The 330 HP Ram Charge engine was only available in the Adventurer line as high HP option.
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
- Adventurer 383 CID 305 HP V-8
- Fireflite & Adventurer 383 CID 325 HP "Power Pack" V-8
- Adventurer 383 CID 330 HP "Ram Charge" V-8
Adventurer Base V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.25″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.1:1.
Horsepower: 305 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 410 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252° Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″.
Carburetor: Ball and Ball 2-barrel, Model BBD 2923S.
Fireflite & Adventurer Power Pack V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.25″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.1:1.
Horsepower: 325 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 268° Exhaust 268°, Overlap 48°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″. NOTE: This camshaft has the same duration and overlap as the Ram Charge, but the opening closing sequence is different (20/68 and 68/20)
Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel Model 2968S
NOTE: Only available with Torqueflite automatic transmission.
Adventurer “Ram Charge” V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 383 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.25″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 330 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 268° Exhaust 268°, Overlap 48°, Lift (Intake) 0.430″ (Exhaust) 0.430″. NOTE: This camshaft has the same duration and overlap as the Power Pack, but the opening closing sequence is different (20/68 and 68/20).
Carburetor: Two Carter AFB 4-barrels Model 2903S, locate on long intake tubes on the right and left of the engine feeding the opposite cylinder head.
NOTE: Only available with Torqueflite automatic transmission.
1961 DeSoto 361 CID Engine Specifications
Click the tabs where shown for specific engine information
DeSoto V-8: Overhead valves. Wedge Cylinder Heads. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 361 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.12″ x 3.38″.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 265 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 380 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 252° Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.390″ (Exhaust) 0.390″.
Carburetor: Carter 2-barrel WWC-380943 (Special Order Ball & Ball BBD 3132S)