1957 DESOTO

Model Designations:

DeSoto Firesweep, Series S27, 8 Cylinder

DeSoto Firedome, Series S25, 8 Cylinder

DeSoto Fireflite, Series S64, 8 Cylinder

DeSoto Adventurer, Series S26A, 8 Cylinder

Body Styles & Prices:

Desoto Firesweep, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $2,836; Shipping Weight: 3,645 Pounds

Production Total: 13,333

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $2,777; Shipping Weight: 3,675 Pounds

Production Total: 17,300

4 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $2,912; Shipping Weight: 3,720 Pounds

Production Total: 23,339

4 Door Station Wagon, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,169; Shipping Weight: 3,965 Pounds

Production Total: 2,270

4 Door Station Wagon, 9 Passenger

Base Price: $3,310; Shipping Weight: 3,970 Pounds

Production Total: 1,198

DeSoto Firedome, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger:

Base Price: $3,085 Shipping Weight: 3,910 Pounds

Production Total: 12,179

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger,

Base Price: $2,958; Shipping Weight: 3,955 Pounds

Production Total: 23,339

4 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger:

Base Price: $3,142 Shipping Weight: 3,960 Pounds

Production Total: 9,050

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger,

Base Price: $3,361; Shipping Weight: 4,065 Pounds

Production Total: 1,297

DeSoto Fireflite, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,614; ShippintWeight: 4,000 Pounds

Production Total: 7,217

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,487; Shipping Weight: 4,025 Pounds

Production Total: 11,565

4 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,671; ShippintWeight: 4,125 Pounds

Production Total: 6,726

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,890; Shipping Weight: 4,085 Pounds

Production Total: 1,151

4 Door Station Wagon, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,982; Shipping Weight: 4,250 Pounds

Production Total: 837

4 Door Station Wagon, 9 Passenger

Base Price: $4,124; Shipping Weight: 4,290 Pounds

Production Total: 934

DeSoto Adventurer, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,997; ShippintWeight: 4,040 Pounds

Production Total: 1,650

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $4,272; ShippintWeight: 4,235 Pounds

Production Total: 300

Chassis:

Wheelbase:

Firesweep: 122"

All Other Models: 126"

Tire Sizes:

Firesweep: 8.00 X 14"

All Other Models: 8.50 X 14"

General Engine Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, Firesweep, with 2 Barrel Carburetor:

Engine Type: Overhead Vave, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 3.69" X 3.8"

Engine Displacement: 325 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 8.50:1

Taxable Horsepower: 43.57

Horsepower: 245 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 320 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50-65 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, Firesweep, with 4 Barrel Carburetor:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 3.69" X 3.8"

Engine Displacement: 325 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 8.50:1

Taxable Horsepower: 43.57

Horsepower: 260 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 335 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,800 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50-65 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, Firedome:

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: 270 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 350 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50-65 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, Fireflite:

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: 295 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 375 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,800 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50-65 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, Adventurer:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 3.80" X 3.8"

Engine Displacement: 345 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 9.25:1

Taxable Horsepower: 46.21

Horsepower: 345 @ 5,200 RPM

Torque: Not Available

Normal Oil Pressure: 50-65 PSI

Tune Up Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, Firesweep:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite AR-42

Spark Plug: Gap .035

Point Gap: .017

Distributor Cam Angle: 29 Degrees

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

Ignition Timing: 6 Degrees BTDC Mark on Vibration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 500 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 85 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 125 PSI (Minimum)

8 Cylinder Engine, Firedome:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite AR-42

Spark Plug: Gap .035

Point Gap: .017

Distributor Cam Angle: 29 Degrees

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

Ignition Timing: 6 Degrees BTDC Mark on Vibration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 500 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 85 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 145 PSI (Minimum)

8 Cylinder Engine, Fireflite:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite AR-42

Spark Plug: Gap .035

Point Gap: .017

Distributor Cam Angle: 29 Degrees

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

Ignition Timing: 6 Degrees BTDC Mark on Vibration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 500 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 85 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 150 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, Firesweep:

Running Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: Zero

Exhaus: Zero

Valve Seat Angle: 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 10 Degrees After Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 16 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure: 140 Lbs @ 1-5/16"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .389"

Exhaust: .389"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .370"

Exhaust: .370"

8 Cylinder Engine, Firedome & Fireflite:

Running Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: Zero

Exhaus: Zero

Valve Seat Angle: 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 15 Degrees After Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 15 degrees After Top Dead Center

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

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .389"

Exhaust: .389"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .370"

Exhaust: .370"

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: 158 Lbs @ 1.22"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .430"

Exhaust: .413"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .370"

Exhaust: .370"

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

8 Cylinder Engine, Firesweep:

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 5 to 10

Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .010"

Oil Ring: .010"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .9217"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.249"-2.250"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Rod End Play: .009"-.017"

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.

8 Cylinder Engine, Firedome, Fireflite, & Adventurer:

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 8 to 12

Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .010"

Oil Ring: .010"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .9217"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.249"-2.250"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Rod End Play: .009"-.017"

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, Firesweep:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 20 Quarts

With Heater: 21 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 14 PSI

Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons; Station Wagons: 22 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 2-3/4 Pints

Automatic Transmission:

Powerflite: 10 Quarts

Torqueflite: 9 Quarts

Rear Axle: 3-1/2 Pints

* Add 1 Quart with filter.

8 Cylinder Engine, Firedome:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 20 Quarts

With Heater: 21 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 14 PSI

Fuel Tank: 23 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 2-3/4 Pints

Automatic Transmission:

Powerflite: 10 Quarts

Torqueflite: 9 Quarts

Rear Axle: 3-1/2 Pints

* Add 1 Quart with filter.

8 Cylinder Engine, Fireflite & Adventurer:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 20 Quarts

With Heater: 21 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 14 PSI

Fuel Tank: 23 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Automatic Transmission:

Powerflite: 10 Quarts

Torqueflite: 9 Quarts

Rear Axle: 3-1/2 Pints

* Add 1 Quart with filter.

Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engines, Firesweep:

Distributor #1BP-4002

Rotation: Clockwise

Cam Angle: 29 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .017"

Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 535 RPM

Full Advance: 8-1/2 Degrees @ 1,700 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 5-1/8 Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 16" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 13 Degrees

8 Cylinder Engines, Firedome:

Distributor #1BP-4001

Rotation: Clockwise

Cam Angle: 29 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: 10 Degrees @ 1,700 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 10-1/2" Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 18" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 15 Degrees

8 Cylinder Engines, Fireflite:

Distributor #1BP-4001A

Rotation: Clockwise

Cam Angle: 29 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .017"

Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 435 RPM

Full Advance: 9 Degrees @ 2,300 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 10-1/2" Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 18" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 15 Degrees

Auto-Lite Generator Specifications:

Generator #GJC-7012A

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 # MDL-6001, MDL-6003

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 31-47 Ounces

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

Torque Test: 225 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 6 Ft Lbs Torque

Carter Carburetor Specifications:

Carburetor Model: BBD

Part #2522S-A-B

Float Level: 9/32"

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

Pump Stroke: 1-1/32"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .020"

Unloader Choke Valve Clearance: 1/4"

Automatic Choke Setting: 1 Rich

Carburetor Model: WCFB

Part #2532S

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

Float Level:

Primary: 7/32"

Secondary: 9/32"

Float Drop:

Primary: 23/32"

Secondary: 25/32"

Fast Idle: .010"

Unloader: 15/64"

Bowl Vapor Vent: 1/16"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Carburetor Model: WCFB

Part #2588S

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

Float Level:

Primary: 5/32"

Secondary: 9/32"

Float Drop:

Primary: 23/32"

Secondary: 25/32"

Fast Idle: .010"

Unloader: 15/64"

Bowl Vapor Vent: 1/16"

Automatic Choke Setting: 1 Rich

Carburetor Model: WCFB

Part #2635S

Idle Screw Setting: 3/4 to 1-3/4 Turns

Float Level:

Primary: 5/32"

Secondary: 7/32"

Float Drop:

Primary: 23/32"

Secondary: 23/32"

Secondary Throttle Lever: .010"-.030"

Unloader: 15/64"

Carburetor Model: WCFB

Part #2636S

Idle Screw Setting: 3/4 to 1-3/4 Turns

Float Level:

Primary: 7/32"

Secondary: 11/32"

Float Drop:

Primary: 23/32"

Secondary: 23/32"

Fast Idle: .018"

Unloader: 1/8"

Bowl Vapor Vent: 1/16"

Secondary Throttle Lever: .010"-.030"

Automatic Choke Setting: 1 Rich

Rear Axle & Brake Specifications:

All Series:

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

Drive Pinion Adjustment: Washer

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Shims

Axle Shaft End Play: .013"-.018"

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1-1/8"

Rear: 1-1/8"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1-1/8"

Wheel Alignment Specifications:

Caster:

Manual Steering: - 3/4 Degrees

Power Steering: + 3/4 Degrees

Camber:

Left: + 3/8 Degree

Right: 0 Degrees

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

Toe-Out on Turns

Outer Wheel: 20 Degrees

Inner Wheel: 21-1/2 to 21-3/4 Degrees

Kingpin Angle: 6-1/2 Degrees @ 0 Camber

Popular Options:

Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Power Seat, Dual Exhausts, White Sidewall Tires,

Standard Radio, Electro Tune Radio, Dual Rear Antenna, Rear Seat Speaker, Electric Clock, Self-Winding Clock on Steering Wheel, Windshield Washer, Variable Speed Windshield Wiper, Air Condigioning Padded Dash Wheel Covers, Rear Defogger, Tinted Glass, Non-Slip Differential, Outside Mirror, Undercoating, Two Tone Paint. Firesweep Options: Four Barrel Carburetor, Back-Up Lights, Front & Rear Carpets.

Promotional Models Available:

Plastic: Sportsman 4 Door Hardtop.

1957 DeSoto Historical Data:

Total 1957 Desoto Production: 194,685.

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