1956 DESOTO

Model Designations:

DeSoto Firedome, Series S23, 8 Cylinder

DeSoto Fireflite, Series S24, 8 Cylinder

DeSoto Adventurer, Series S24A, 8 Cylinder

Body Styles & Prices:

DeSoto Firedome, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Seville, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $2,684; Shipping Weight: 3,865 Pounds

Production Total: 19,136

4 Door Seville, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $2,833; Shipping Weight: 3,940 Pounds

Production Total: 4,030

2 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger:

Base Price: $2,984 Shipping Weight: 3,920 Pounds

Production Total: 1,645

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger,

Base Price: $2,805; Shipping Weight: 3,855 Pounds

Production Total: 44,909

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger,

Base Price: $3,032; Shipping Weight: 4,230 Pounds

Production Total: 2,646

4 Station Wagon, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,321; Shipping Weight: 4,230 Pounds

Production Total: 2,950

DeSoto Fireflite, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,256; ShippintWeight: 4,030 Pounds

Production Total: 7,479

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,029; Shipping Weight: 4,005 Pounds

Production Total: 18,207

4 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,341; ShippintWeight: 4,015 Pounds

Production Total: 3,350

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,454; Shipping Weight: 4,125 Pounds

Production Total: 1,485*

2 Door Pacesetter Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,565; Shipping Weight: 4,070 Pounds

Production Total: *

* Base Convertible & Pacesetter Convertible production figures are combined.

DeSoto Adventurer, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,678; ShippintWeight: 3,870 Pounds

Production Total: 996

Chassis:

Wheelbase:

All Models: 126"

Tire Sizes:

All Models: 7.60 X 15"

General Engine Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, Firedome:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 3.720" X 3.8"

Engine Displacement: 330 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 8.50:1

Taxable Horsepower: 44.28

Horsepower: 230 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 305 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,800 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50-65 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, Fireflite:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 3.720" X 3.8"

Engine Displacement: 330 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 8.50:1

Taxable Horsepower: 44.28

Horsepower: 255 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 350 Ft. Lbs. @ 3,200 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50-65 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, Adventurer:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 3.78" X 3.8"

Engine Displacement: 341 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 9.25:1

Taxable Horsepower: 45.72

Horsepower: 320 @ 5,200 RPM

Torque: 356 Ft. Lbs. @ 4,000 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50-65 PSI

Tune Up Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, Firedome:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite AR-52

Spark Plug: Gap .035

Point Gap: .017

Distributor Cam Angle: 31 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing: 8 Degrees BTDC Mark on Vibration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 475 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 85 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 130 PSI (Minimum)

8 Cylinder Engine, Fireflite:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite AR-52

Spark Plug: Gap .035

Point Gap: .017

Distributor Cam Angle: 31 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing: 4 Degrees BTDC Mark on Vibration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 475 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 85 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 145 PSI (Minimum)

8 Cylinder Engine, Adventurer:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite AR-31

Spark Plug: Gap .035

Point Gap: .017

Distributor Cam Angle: 31 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing: 6 Degrees BTDC Mark on Vibration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 600 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 85 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 150 PSI (Minimum)

Valve Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, Firedome:

Running Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: Zero

Exhaus: Zero

Valve Seat Angle: 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 4 Degrees After Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 10 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure: 166 Lbs @ 1-5/16"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .381"

Exhaust: .357"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .372"

Exhaust: .372"

8 Cylinder Engine, Fireflite:

Running Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: Zero

Exhaus: Zero

Valve Seat Angle: 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 15 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 15 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure: 166 Lbs @ 1-5/16"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .381"

Exhaust: .357"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .372"

Exhaust: .372"

8 Cylinder Engine, Adventurer:

Running Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: Zero

Exhaus: Zero

Valve Seat Angle: 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 35 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 25 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure:

Outer Spring: 158 Lbs. @ 1-1/5"

Inner Spring: 66 Lbs @ 1.093"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .381"

Exhaust: .357"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .372"

Exhaust: .372"

Piston, Pin, Ring, Crankshaft, & Bearing Data:

8 Cylinder Engine:

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 8 to 12

Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .010"

Oil Ring: .015"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .9217"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.249"-2.250"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Rod End Play: .006"-.014"

Rod Bolt Torque: 45-50 Ft. Lbs

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.499"-2.500"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Crankshaft End Play: .002"-.007"

Thrust on Center Bearing

Main Bolt Torque: 100 Ft. Lbs.

Capacities:

8 Cylinder Engine, Firedome:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 23 Quarts

With Heater: 24 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 7 PSI; With Air Conditioning: 14 PSI

Fuel Tank: 21 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 4 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 2-3/4 Pints

With Overdrive: 3-1/2 Pints

Automatic Transmission: 10 Quarts

Rear Axle: 3-1/4 Pints

* Add 1 Quart with filter.

8 Cylinder Engine, Fireflite & Adventurer:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 23 Quarts

With Heater: 24 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 7 PSI; With Air Conditioning: 14 PSI

Fuel Tank: 21 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 4 Quarts*

Automatic Transmission: 10 Quarts

Rear Axle: 3-1/2 Pints

* Add 1 Quart with filter.

Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engines, Firedome:

Distributor #1BJ-4302A

Rotation: Clockwise

Cam Angle: 31 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .017"

Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 425 RPM

Full Advance: 6 Degrees @ 800 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 5-1/2" Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 15" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 11-1/2 Degrees

8 Cylinder Engines, Fireflite:

Distributor #1BJ-4302

Rotation: Clockwise

Cam Angle: 31 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .017"

Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 380 RPM

Full Advance: 8-1/2 Degrees @ 2,200 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 5-1/2" Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 15" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 12-1/2 Degrees

Distributor #1BJ-4302B

Rotation: Clockwise

Cam Angle: 31 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .017"

Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 400 RPM

Full Advance: 8 Degrees @ 700 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 5-1/2" Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 15-1/2" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 12-1/2 Degrees

Distributor #1BK-4303

Rotation: Clockwise

Cam Angle: 31 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .017"

Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 400 RPM

Full Advance: 8 Degrees @ 700 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 7" Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 16-1/4" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 11-1/2 Degrees

Auto-Lite Generator Specifications:

Generator #GJC-7002A; GJC-7003G

Generator Output: 30 Amperes @ 2,250 RPM

Brush Spring Tension: 18-36 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 10 Volts: 1.2 to 1.3 Amperes

Regulator #VRX-6201A

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 13.1 Volts

Armature Air Gap: .032"

Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes

Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .050"

Ground Polarity: Negative

Starting Motor Specifications:

Part # MDF-6001

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 42-53 Ounces

No Load Test: 60 Amperes, 10.0 Volts @ 3,200 RPM

Torque Test: 240 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 6.5 Ft Lbs Torque

Carter Carburetor Specifications:

Carburetor Model: BBD

Part #2308S

Float Level: 1/4"

Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 1-1/2 Turns

Pump Stroke: 1-1/32"

Idle Cam Clearance: .020"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .015"

Unloader Choke Valve Clearance: 3/16"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Carburetor Model: BBD

Part #2309S

Float Level: 1/4"

Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 1-1/2 Turns

Pump Stroke: 1-1/32"

Idle Cam Clearance: .020"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .015"

Unloader Choke Valve Clearance: 3/16"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Overdrive Kickdown Setting: 1/64"-3/64"

Carburetor Model: BBD

Part #2310S

Float Level: 1/4"

Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 1-1/2 Turns

Pump Stroke: 1-1/32"

Idle Cam Clearance: .020"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .015"

Unloader Choke Valve Clearance: 3/16"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Dashpot Setting: 1/16"

Carburetor Model: WCFB

Part #2311S-SA

Idle Screw Setting: 1 to 2 Turns

Float Level:

Primary: 5/32"

Secondary: 3/16"

Float Drop:

Primary: 21/32"

Secondary: 23/32"

Fast Idle: .012"

Unloader: 3/16"

Automatic Choke Setting: 1 Rich

Carburetor Model: WCFB

Part #2445S, 2476S

Idle Screw Setting: 1/4 to 1-1/4 Turns

Float Level:

Primary: 7/32"

Secondary: 11/32"

Float Drop:

Primary: 23/32"

Secondary: 27/32"

Fast Idle: .008"

Unloader: 11/64"

Bowl Vapor Vent: 1/16"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Rear Axle & Brake Specifications:

Firedome:

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .006"-.008"

Drive Pinion Adjustment: Washer

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Shims

Axle Shaft End Play: .003"-.008"

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1-1/8"

Rear: 1-1/8"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1-1/8"

Fireflite & Adventurer:

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .006"-.008"

Drive Pinion Adjustment: Washer

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Washer

Axle Shaft End Play: .003"-.008"

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1-1/8"

Rear: 1-1/8"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1-1/8"

Wheel Alignment Specifications:

Caster:

Manual Steering: - 2 Degrees

Power Steering: 0 Degrees

Camber:

Left: + 1/2 Degree

Right: 0 Degrees

Toe In: 3/32" to 5/32"

Toe-Out on Turns

Outer Wheel: 20 Degrees

Inner Wheel: 20-1/2 to 22-1/2 Degrees

Kingpin Angle: 5 to 6-1/2 Degrees

Popular Options:

Wheel Trim Rings, Side Mirrors, Radio, Rear Seat Speaker, Hot Water Heater, Gasoline Heater, Air Conditioning, Electric Clock, Seat Covers, Spotlights, Fog Lamps, License Plate Frames, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Power Front Seat, Directional Signals, Powerflite Automatic Transmission, Overdrive, White Sidewall Tires, Wire Wheel Covers, Tinted Glass.

Promotional Models Available:

Plastic: Fireflite 4 Door Sedan

1956 DeSoto Historical Data:

Total 1956 Desoto Production: 111,422.

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