Got a line on a 1961 Buick ... Have a few questions..

Got a line on a 1961 Buick LeSabre... Have a few questions..

I know it might not be the coolest start for a 60's style custom but my wife wants a cool 4-door as a daily driver... PLUS I found one locally that is running, solid and only costs $200...

What size engine came stock in the '61?

Anything to look out for?

Any pics of custom '61's?

Thanks for the help.

Tim

 

I Love all things Buick....anyone will tell you this. Stoked on your considering this one. I would fully go for it. The motors in these are a potential 364/401 Nailhead with a 2 speed tranny. lots of poop (get up) in these motors. I have never run a 2 barrel so I wouldnt know what they haul like. but all of my nailheads kick ass. I have seen a few 61 customs around. here is a sad example but it's a start.

http://www.cruisenewsonline.com/61BuickFeature.html

I'll dig for more.

cheers

 

another pic

http://www.seriouswheels.com/1961-Buick-Invicta-Coupe-White.htm

http://home.earthlink.net/~kknoll/bu01002.htm

http://www.seriouswheels.com/1961-Buick-LeSabre-Hardtop.htm

hope these help....

 

Buick...

How can I tell what size engine I have?

Do you have any pics of any 4-doors?

Tim

 

For some reason I'm thinking they had a 215, but I could be way off.

 

That was the Buick Specials that had the Aluminum 215...yuck!

 

364 or 401 depending on model

LeSabre had the 364 with 250 or 235 HP

 

'61 LeSabre would have the 364 2bbl. There are two compression ratio's for 1961 364's. 10.25:1 which produced 250hp & 385lb/ft and 9.0:1 producing 235hp & 375lb/ft.
On earlier models the auto trans (Dynaflow) cars had the hight compression motors.
'61 was also the last year for the 364.

 

Finding parts for early 60's Buicks can be tough. You'll find for some strange reason that in most parts books, '61-'64 aren't listed. I've never been able to figure that out.

Also, a '61 would have the Dyna-Flow tranny. Pretty good transmission for the most part, but finding someone to rebuild it can be a hassle.

If you do get it, the first thing you need to do is get a catalog from CARS in New Jersey. One of the best Buick parts houses around. They've always had everything I ever needed for my '62. Good luck!