TorqueList Technical Reference
FireDome Hemi
DeSoto 276 FireDome Hemi
DeSoto's first hemispherical-head V8 and the beginning of its distinct first-generation Hemi family.
276
Cubic inches
DeSoto 276 FireDome Hemi enginePhoto: Christopher Ziemnowicz (CZmarlin) — public-domain photograph; credit appreciated by creator · source
Why it matters
Key takeaway
DeSoto's 276 was one of three distinct first-generation Chrysler Corporation Hemi architectures and was not simply a smaller Chrysler FirePower engine.
Key variants
Engineering
Technical specification
- Architecture
- 90-degree OHV V8 with hemispherical combustion chambers
- Block
- Cast iron
- Cylinder heads
- Cast iron
- Valvetrain
- Pushrod OHV with dual rocker shafts
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Fuel delivery
- Carbureted
- Firing order
- 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
- Main bearings
- 5
The 276 FireDome used DeSoto's own first-generation hemispherical-head architecture with a 3.625-inch bore, 3.344-inch stroke, dual rocker shafts, and cast-iron construction. It shared the Hemi concept with Chrysler and Dodge but was not simply a smaller version of either engine.
Builder reference
Internal Specifications
Variant-specific values are labeled. For engine families with multiple factory combinations, the exact RPO/code/year takes priority over the family summary.
Identification & Output
- Engine codes / RPO
- S17 (1952 Firedome 276 2-barrel), S16 (1953 Firedome 276 2-barrel), S19 (1954 Firedome 276 2-barrel)
- Casting numbers
- 1324429 (276 block reference), 1327373 (276 cylinder-head reference), 1327411 / 1409376 (276 intake-manifold references)
- Power rating
- SAE gross (period factory rating)
- Horsepower RPM
- 160 hp @ 4400 rpm in 1952–53; 170 hp @ 4400 rpm in 1954
- Torque RPM
- 250 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm in 1952–53; 255 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm in 1954
Operating Specs
- Production notes
- Introduced during the 1952 model year as the S17 Firedome V8, the 276 continued as S16 for 1953 and S19 for 1954 before the bore increase that created the 291 for 1955.
Compatibility Notes
- The 276 and 291 form the smaller/short-deck DeSoto Hemi group; intake manifolds intended for the later 330/341/345 tall-deck family do not directly interchange.
- Verify engine stamp, front-drive hardware, oil pan, transmission adapter and accessory arrangement before ordering swap or rebuild parts; early-Hemi components vary more than the shared Hemi appearance suggests.
Factory fitment
Notable applications
Versions that matter
Key factory / build variants
1952–1953 Firedome 276
DeSoto’s first production Hemi V8
1952–1953
160 hp @ 4400 rpm
1954 Firedome 276
Final and highest-output 276 production version
1954
170 hp @ 4400 rpm
Strengths
- True hemispherical combustion chambers
- Strong breathing for its era
- Distinct DeSoto Hemi architecture
Watch-outs
- Wide and heavy cylinder heads
- Limited interchange with Chrysler and Dodge Hemis
- Specialist parts market
Common upgrades
- Modern ignition
- Improved induction
- Period-style dual exhaust
Builder notes
Engineering notes worth knowing
276 cu in / 4.5 L with 3.625 x 3.344-inch bore and stroke.
90-degree OHV V8 with true hemispherical combustion chambers.
Dual rocker shafts and carbureted naturally aspirated induction.
Output rose from 160 hp / 250 lb-ft to 170 hp / 255 lb-ft during its run.
History & context
The story behind the engine
The 276 FireDome launched DeSoto into the Hemi era. It gave the division its own hemispherical-head V8 family and created the architecture that would grow into the 291, 330, 341, and 345.
Racing history
The 276 was not DeSoto’s later high-performance Adventurer engine; its historical importance is foundational. It introduced DeSoto’s hemispherical-head V8 architecture in 1952, which was enlarged and developed into the 291, 330, 341 and 345 performance engines that followed.
Legacy
The 276 FireDome was DeSoto’s first V8 since 1931 and the starting point for the division’s entire first-generation Hemi family.
Verification
Reference sources
Hot Rod — Hemi engine sizes
technical history
Hemmings — original Hemi revolution
historical reference
Over-Drive Magazine — AMA/brochure-backed 1952–1961 DeSoto V8 specifications
period spec compilation
Quality Engineered Components — DeSoto early Hemi engine ID codes
specialist identification reference
Quality Engineered Components — DeSoto Hemi cylinder-head casting numbers
specialist technical reference
Quality Engineered Components — DeSoto Hemi intake casting numbers
specialist technical reference
Hot Heads — DeSoto short-deck and tall-deck intake compatibility
aftermarket technical reference
National DeSoto Club — 1952 Firedome introduction
club history
Over-Drive Magazine — 1952–1961 DeSoto V8 engine facts
period spec compilation
Wikimedia Commons — 1954 DeSoto Firedome V8 engine
licensed media
TorqueList independent reference · Not an OEM publication or endorsement. Original TorqueList editorial and layout rights reserved.
