Interesting DeSoto Hemi facts....

Let me toss this out there:

The Desoto Firepower 276 V8 (model S16) had crankpins of only 2.06" in diameter.

Remember how even the Dodge Red Ram V8 of this same period, which had a known propensity to throw rods due to rod bearing wear, had 2.25" crankpins? Allpar.com says of the Red Ram:

"The weakest part of the V8 engine was (at least in early years) the crankshaft. Even though the cranks are forgings, they are prone to breakage. Mine broke between the number four main bearing journal and the number seven and eight connecting rod journal. I know of at least seven other 1955 Dodge owners who have experienced similar problems. My car, however, gave me a warning of impending trouble with low oil pressure. There were no "funny" noises until it cut loose, and then there were plenty of new audio sensations. The crank looks structurally sound; I believe that the trouble is in the Dodge bearing materials. A good aftermarket bearing should be used during a rebuild. The cranks can be welded back together and made into interesting lamps."
Original is at Polyspherical head engines http://www.allpar.com/mopar/poly.html#ixzz2bDp8DXiM

The 276 Firepower might be an a fortiori situation!

The Desoto Firepower 330 V8 (model S23) had 2.5" rod journals, while an LA 318 has 2.125" journals, all substantially larger than the Firepower 276.