I've come across a '61 Buick Lesabre 4 door that's in pretty good shape, gl*** all good, trim there, looks pretty straight, etc. All I really want out of it is the 401 nailhead. My question is is there much of a market for the parts? Or is not really one people are looking for?
Could be a 364, not guaranteed it's a 401. Good luck finding a trans to fit up without a $1000+ adapter, there are some out there, but they're pretty scarce. I don't know why anyone would wreck a good car in this day and age of high-dollar s**** just for a motor when you can find motors alone, or really rotty cars with motors yet, easy enough, but hardly anything on that car is reproduced and a high percentage of parts for that will fit most '61 and some also fit '62 Buicks - or may fit other cars. Heck there was a post up this morning, a guy after a radiator for one of these who didn't want to pay close to $500 for a recore job. Any time I s**** a car a bare shell goes to the junkyard, and I even cut out sheetmetal that's solid if it's something that normally rots out on those cars.
Save the car and like rustynewyorker said get a motor from a ratty piece of **** or just another motor. Im sure you could find a motor if you just asked around.
I hear what you're saying about not tearing the car apart but finding a good running 401 up here is easier said then done.
Yeah I just bought a 61 Lesabre...mine isnt a 401 its the 364, and I am in the market for a good radiator......
I sold a $500 junkyard 63 Electra with a 401 w/rare dual intake last year,(X- Hydro hopping car) sold the car. But kept the dual intake for awhile and ended up putting it on E-bay and its somewhere in Cali now
I'd love to have the driveshaft, rearend, and the suspension underpinnings from that ****er for my project. Shipping would kill me though.
What Rusty said..... According to my 1961 Motors repair manual (not gospel I know) 1961 Le Sabre v8 4400, 9.0 compression ratio, 235 hp, 10.25 compression ratio,250 hp. Both 364 cid, no 401 listed. 401 available in Invicta and Electra, 325 hp tc
Guess I better double check with the guy about the engine. Haven't been out to see it myself yet. Thanks for the info.
Hi what consdition si the body In I just bought a 61 2 door bubble top and need the rear end trunk and fenders doors and hood if possible also the trim for the rear window and a new windshield please let me know 'cheers Dave
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