What were the available options for engines in '61? I think the 364 with Dynaflow was the base, what high performance options were there? I have a sick dream of running a bubbletop in the Pure Stock drags and I want to know what the best possible combination would be.
i believe the 61 came with 401 nailhead. you could do just about what you wanted with that. bore it out. put some dual quads on there nice cam. i have a picture of ted nagels motor here. i'll post it on your thread. he is a member here as well Greg
'61 Nailhead Greg - Thanks for the info. Do you know if a combination of bubbletop Electra, 401, 2-4bbl, and 4 speed could have been ordered? If so, I may have to put my '68 up for sale and start a new project.
a stick car back then was very rare. it would be very expensive to get a stick set up that was made for it but they where around. if you want to do soething like that it would be easier to find a set up from another type of car and make it work. you can find the nailhead bellhousings on ebay once in awhile but they have to be nailhead. and the flywheel could be 401 or 425 cid motor. buddy just sold a complete set up on ebay and he got $1100 plus shipping for it. so you know what your up against. Greg
i also have a 4bbl set up from a 61/62 here. intake and linkage, aircleaner, power brake tube to intake, and carb. the carb is tight and would need to be soked and then rebuilt. $100 plus shipping. also if you just want an intake for that year car in a 4bbl i have a lone intake. $50. let me know ghildebrand@wi.rr.com if you want to talk call me at 1-920-893-0629 Greg :3gears:
61 engine options The choices were very limited. 364 E (economy, reg gas), 364-2bbl or 364-4bbl on LeSabre. 401-4bbl on Invicta and Electra. The only trans offered in 61 was Dynaflow--no std. trans in 61.
there where three spd, tranies in that year. the one here can not be the only one. its a 61 lasabre with a 401, three spd on the columne friend pulled the columne, pedals and bell and flywheel and sold it all. Greg
61 powertrains Since LeSabres were only available with the 364, the car to which you are referring is obviously a "made" car. According to all Buick lit, there was no manual trans in either 61 or 62. That being the case, the one to which you are referring seems to most certainly be made up. If, indeed, a manual trans was available, it would seem it would be listed in the Buick literature. Perhaps it was a late addition which didn't make it into the printed sources, but I doubt it.
Thanks guys - I'd be happy to hear any other opinions. I have automotive attention deficit disorder - I get lots of ideas but time is short to follow up on them. Maybe a '63 Wildcat would be a better option. There are a couple of land barges that race at the Pure Stocks - a Catalina 2+2 with a SD 421 and a Merc Maurauder with a dual 4 equipped 427. I think that these full size cars with hipo motors are too cool. Maybe I'm getting tired of my A body, I dunno.. I sure love the look of the '61, either bubble or flat top!
