1958 DESOTO

Model Designations:

DeSoto Firesweep, Series LS1-L, 8 Cylinder

DeSoto Firedome, Series LS2-M, 8 Cylinder

DeSoto Fireflite, Series LS3-H Cylinder

DeSoto Adventurer, Series LS3-S, 8 Cylinder

Body Styles & Prices:

Desoto Firesweep, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $2,890; Shipping Weight: 3,660 Pounds

Production Total: 5,635

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $2,819; Shipping Weight: 3,660 Pounds

Production Total: 7,646

4 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $2,953; Shipping Weight: 3,720 Pounds

Production Total: 3,003

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,219; Shipping Weight: 3,850 Pounds

Production Total: 700

4 Door Station Wagon, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,266; Shipping Weight: 3,955 Pounds

Production Total: 1,305

4 Door Station Wagon, 9 Passenger

Base Price: $3,408; Shipping Weight: 3,980 Pounds

Production Total: 1,125

DeSoto Firedome, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger:

Base Price: $3,178 Shipping Weight: 3,825 Pounds

Production Total: 4,325

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger,

Base Price: $3,085; Shipping Weight: 3,855 Pounds

Production Total: 9,505

4 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger:

Base Price: $3,235 Shipping Weight: 3,920 Pounds

Production Total: 3,130

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger,

Base Price: $3,489; Shipping Weight: 4,065 Pounds

Production Total: 519

DeSoto Fireflite, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,675; ShippintWeight: 3,990 Pounds

Production Total: 7,217

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,583; Shipping Weight: 3,990 Pounds

Production Total: 4,192

4 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,731; Shipping Weight: 3,980 Pounds

Production Total: 3,243

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $3,972; Shipping Weight: 4,105 Pounds

Production Total: 474

4 Door Station Wagon, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $4,030; Shipping Weight: 4,225 Pounds

Production Total: 318

4 Door Station Wagon, 9 Passenger

Base Price: $4,172; Shipping Weight: 4,295 Pounds

Production Total: 609

DeSoto Adventurer, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $4,071; ShippintWeight: 4,000 Pounds

Production Total: 350

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger

Base Price: $4,369; ShippintWeight: 4,180 Pounds

Production Total: 82

Chassis:

Wheelbase:

Firesweep: 122"

All Other Models: 126"

Tire Sizes:

All Except Adventurer: 9.00 X 14"

Adventurer: 8.50 X 14" (6 Ply)

General Engine Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, Firesweep:

Engine Type: Overhead Vave, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.0625" X 3.38"

Engine Displacement: 350 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 10.00:1

Taxable Horsepower: 52.81

Horsepower: 280 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 380 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50-65 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, Firedome:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.125" X 3.38"

Engine Displacement: 361 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 10.00:1

Taxable Horsepower: 54.45

Horsepower: 295 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 390 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: 4.125" X 3.38"

Engine Displacement: 361 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 10.00:1

Taxable Horsepower: 54.45

Horsepower: 305 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 400 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: 4.125" X 3.38"

Engine Displacement: 361 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 10.00:1

Taxable Horsepower: 54.45

Horsepower: 345 @ 5,000 RPM

Torque: 400 Ft. Lbs. @ 3,600 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50-65 PSI

Tune Up Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, Firesweep, Firedome, & 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: 160 PSI (Minimum)

8 Cylinder Engine, Adventurer:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite AR-32

Spark Plug: Gap .035

Point Gap: .017

Distributor Cam Angle:

Each Set of Points: 29 to 32 Degrees

Total Dwell, Both Sets of Points: 36 to 39 Degrees

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

Ignition Timing: 8 Degrees BTDC Mark on Vibration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 500 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 85 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 160 PSI (Minimum)

Valve Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, Firesweep, 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: 180 Lbs @ 1.47"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .390"

Exhaust: .390"

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 20 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 22 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure: 195 Lbs @ 1.47"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .390"

Exhaust: .390"

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, All Models:

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 5 to 10

Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .013"

Oil Ring: .013"

Wrist Pin Diameter: 1.0935"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.379"-2.380"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Rod End Play: .009"-.017"

Rod Bolt Torque: 45-50 Ft. Lbs

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.629"-2.630"

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: 16 Quarts

With Heater: 17 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 14 PSI

Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 4 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 2-3/4 Pints

Automatic Transmission: 10 Quarts

Rear Axle: 3-1/2 Pints

* Add 1 Quart with filter.

8 Cylinder Engine, Firedome, Fireflite & Adventurer:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 16 Quarts

With Heater: 17 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 14 PSI

Fuel Tank: 23 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 4 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 2-3/4 Pints

Automatic Transmission: 10-1/2 Quarts

Rear Axle: 3-1/2 Pints

* Add 1 Quart with filter.

8 Cylinder Engine, Station Wagons:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 16 Quarts

With Heater: 17 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 14 PSI

Fuel Tank: 22 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 4 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 2-3/4 Pints

Automatic Transmission: 10-1/2 Quarts

Rear Axle: 3-1/2 Pints

* Add 1 Quart with filter.

Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engines, All Series Except Adventurer:

Distributor #1BP-4005

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 @ 425 RPM

Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 8" Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 17-1/2" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 13 Degrees

8 Cylinder Engines, Adventurer:

Distributor #1BS-4006B, 1BS-4009

Rotation: Clockwise

Cam Angle:

Each Set of Points: 29 to 32 Degrees

Total Dwell, Both Sets of Points: 36 to 39 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: 10 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 7-1/8" Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 16-1/2" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 13 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 # MDT-6001, MDT-6002

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 31-47 Ounces

No Load Test: 56 Amperes, 10.0 Volts @ 3,600 RPM

Torque Test: 350 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 6.5 Ft Lbs Torque

Carter Carburetor Specifications:

Carburetor Model: BBD

Part #2637S, 2772S

Float Level: 5/16"

Idle Screw Setting: 1 Turn

Pump Stroke: 1"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .020"

Unloader Choke Valve Clearance: 1/4"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Carburetor Model: AFB

Part #2642S

Float Level:

With Smooth Floats: 5/16"

With Ribbed Floats: 7/32"

Float Drop: 23/32"

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

Pump Stroke: 7/16"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .012"

Unloader Setting: 1/4"

Secondary Throttle Lever: .010"-.030"

Automatic Choke Setting: 2 Rich

Carburetor Model: AFB

Part #2652S

Float Level:

With Smooth Floats: 3/8"

With Ribbed Floats: 9/32"

Float Drop: 23/32"

Idle Screw Setting: 1/4 to 1-1/2 Turns

Pump Stroke: 7/16"

Carburetor Model: AFB

Part #2653S

Float Level:

With Smooth Floats: 5/16"

With Ribbed Floats: 7/32"

Float Drop: 23/32"

Idle Screw Setting: 1/4 to 1-1/2 Turns

Pump Stroke: 7/16"

Choke Piston Lever: .040"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .012"

Unloader Setting: 1/4"

Secondary Throttle Lever: .010"-.030"

Automatic Choke Setting: 1 Rich

Carburetor Model: AFB

Part #2773S

Float Level: 7/32"

Float Drop: 23/32"

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

Pump Stroke: 7/16"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .012"

Unloader Setting: 1/4"

Secondary Throttle Lever: .010"-.030"

Automatic Choke Setting: 2 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: 18-1/2 to 18-3/4 Degrees

Inner Wheel: 20 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, Fuel Injection, Outside Mirror, Undercoating, Two Tone Paint. Firesweep Options: Four Barrel Carburetor, Back-Up Lights, Front & Rear Carpets.

Promotional Models Available:

Plastic: Fireflite 4 Door Hardtop.

1958 DeSoto Historical Data:

Total 1958 Desoto Production: 49,445.

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