I was going through my 1961 Buick Chasis manual in the engine specs for compression ratio , I noticed they had (3) 401's listed one was regular gas 2bl model 9.0 to1, one was 4bl 10.25 to1 and one was power pack which was also 10.25 to 1 . What does the power pack signify. I know small block chevys had a power pack head but, what does this mean on a 401 BUICK NAILHEAD. Was it sometype of performance upgrade and what did you get?
I'm pretty sure it means that is equipped with the 10.25:1cr and a 4bbl carb. I have the same info in my '61 Leasbre shop manual.
But doesn't it show (2) 401 4bls 10.25 to 1 . I have to go look again. I spotted this when I was reinstalling my distributer in the 61 today after I added electronic points.
Ok my nose is in the book now. page 2-2 Series 4400 Series 4600 4700 4800 Std. 250 hp @4400 325 @ 4400 Power Pack 300 hp @4400 no power pack Reg gas Option 235 hp @ 4400 No reg gas option I know now the 364 is the power pack. I was confused on how it was placed in the book when I looked at page 2-1. I should have continued onto page 2-6 which spells it out.o No: :idea2: :Smarty:
Typical manuals, give half the info on one page, the other half you find three days later on another page.
Back in the 50's the term 'power pack' was usually construed to be higher compression, 1-4bbl carb and dual exhausts, from the factory, not after market. In the 50s there was the 'export kit' that was a dealer installed pkg. hot cam, 2x4s, dual ex. We saw a few of these about 1955-56-57. This was later named the super wild cat option.
Could be their referring to a non-automotve application. Buick sold power-packs for Marine, Farm or what ever use.
Doc, Were there any export kits available through the dealers in 61 such as dual quads, cam, etc for the 401.
