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

[HeX]

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

[BUICKNAILHEAD]

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 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[BUICKNAILHEAD]

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.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[HeX]

Buick...

How can I tell what size engine I have?

Do you have any pics of any 4-doors?

Tim

[fatassbuick]

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

[BUICKNAILHEAD]

That was the Buick Specials that had the Aluminum 215...yuck! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[DrJ]

364 or 401 depending on model

LeSabre had the 364 with 250 or 235 HP

[nailhead_sled]

'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.

[OG lil E]

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!