Extensive shell-model calculations are performed on f3/2 nuclei with A=52-55. The model space includes the excitation of one fT/z nucleon to the P3/2, f5/2 or Pl/2 orbit. Spectra, electromagnetic properties (M1, E2, E4) and /~-decay are studied. It is found that almost all observables calculated in the enlarged space are in much better agreement with experiment than those of the simple f~/z space.