1961 BUICK
Full-Sized Models
Models:
Buick LeSabre, Series 4400, 8 Cylinder
Buick Invicta, Series 4600, 8 Cylinder
Buick Electra, Series 4700, 8 Cylinder
Buick Electra 225, Series 4800, 8 Cylinder
Buick LeSabre, 8 Cylinder:
Body Data & Pricing:
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model 4469,
Base Price: $3,107; Shipping Weight: 4,102 Pounds
Production Total: 35,005
4 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Model 4439,
Base Price: $3,228; Shipping Weight: 4,129 Pounds
Production Total: 37,790
2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model 4411
Base Price: $2,993; Shipping Weight: 4,033 Pounds
Production Total: 5,959
2 Door Hardtop Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model 4437
Base Price: $3,152; Shipping Weight: 4,054 Pounds
Production Total: 14,474
2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model 4467
Base Price: $3,382; Shipping Weight: 4,186 Pounds
Production Total: 11,971
4 Door Estate Wagon, 6 Passenger, Model 4435
Base Price: $3,623; Shipping Weight: 4,450 Pounds
Production Total: 5,628
4 Door Estate Wagon, 8 Passenger, Model 4445
Base Price: $3,730; Shipping Weight: 4,483 Pounds
Production Total: 2,423
Total Series Production: 109,250.
Buick Invicta, 8 Cylinder
Body Data & Pricing:
4 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Model 4639
Base Price: $3,515; Shipping Weight: 4,179 Pounds
Production Total: 18,398
2 Door Hardtop Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model 4637
Base Price: $3,447; Shipping Weight: 4,090 Pounds
Production Total: 6,382
2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model 4667
Base Price: $3,620; Shipping Weight: 4,206 Pounds
Production Total: 3,953
Total Series Production: 28,733.
Buick Electra, 8 Cylinder:
Body Data & Pricing:
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model 4719
Base Price: $3,825; Shipping Weight: 4,298 Pounds
Production Total: 13,818
4 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Model 4739
Base Price: $3,932; Shipping Weight: 4,333 Pounds
Production Total: 8,798
2 Door Hardtop Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model 4737
Base Price: $3,818; Shipping Weight: 4,260 Pounds
Production Total: 4,250
Total Series Production: 27,046.
Buick Electra 225, 8 Cylinder
Body Data & Pricing:
4 Door Riviera Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Model 4829
Base Price: $4,350; Shipping Weight: 4,417 Pounds
Production Total: 13,719
2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model 4867
Base Price: $4,192; Shipping Weight: 4,441 Pounds
Production Total: 7,158
Total Series Production: 20,877
Chassis:
Wheelbase:
LeSabre: 123"
Invicta: 123"
Electra: 126"
Electra 225: 126"
Tire Sizes:
LeSabre: 7.60 X 15"
Invicta: 7.60 X 15"
Electra: 8.00 X 15"
Electra 225: 8.00 X 15"
Major Engine Specifications, Buick LeSabre, 250 H.P.:
Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-Type 8 Cylinder
Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.125" X 3.4"
Engine Displacement: 364.0 Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 10.25:1
Taxable Horsepower: 54.45
Horsepower: 250 @ 4,400 RPM
Torque: 384 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,400 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 40 PSI
Carburetor: 2 Barrel
Major Engine Specifications, Buick LeSabre, 235 H.P.:
Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-Type 8 Cylinder
Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.125" X 3.4"
Engine Displacement: 364.0 Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Taxable Horsepower: 54.45
Horsepower: 235 @ 4,400 RPM
Torque: 362 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,400 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 40 PSI
Carburetor: 2 Barrel
Major Specifications, Buick Invicta, 325 H.P.:
Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-Type 8 Cylinder
Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.1875" X 3.640"
Engine Displacement: 401.0 Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 10.25:1
Taxable Horsepower: 56.11
Horsepower: 325 @ 4,400 RPM
Torque: 445 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,800 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 40 PSI
Carburetor: 4 Barrel
Major Specifications, Buick Electra, 325 H.P.:
Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-Type 8 Cylinder
Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.1875" X 3.640"
Engine Displacement: 401.0 Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 10.25:1
Taxable Horsepower: 56.11
Horsepower: 325 @ 4,400 RPM
Torque: 445 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,800 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 40 PSI
Carburetor: 4 Barrel
Major Specifications, Buick Electra 225, 325 H.P.:
Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-Type 8 Cylinder
Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.1875" X 3.640"
Engine Displacement: 401.0 Cu. In.
Compression Ratio: 10.25:1
Taxable Horsepower: 56.11
Horsepower: 325 @ 4,400 RPM
Torque: 445 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,800 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 40 PSI
Carburetor: 4 Barrel
Capacities, All Series:
Cooling System:
Without Heater: 17 Quarts
With Heater: 18-1/2 Quarts
With Air Conditioning: 18-1/2 Quarts
Radiator Cap Pressure:
With Air Conditioning: 15 PSI
Without Air Conditioning: 15 PSI
Thermostat Opening: 180 Degrees
Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons
Engine Oil: 4 Quarts*
Automatic Transmission Capacity: 12 Quarts
Rear Axle Capacity: 6-1/2 Pints
* Add 1 Quart for Oil Filter.
Tune-Up Data, All Series:
Spark Plug Type: AC 44S
Spark Plug Gap: .032"
Ignition Point Gap: .016" (Turn Screw in until engine misfires, then back off 1/2 turn.)
Distributor Cam Angle: 30 Degrees
Firing Order: 1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3
Ignition Timing Mark & Location: 12 Degrees BTDC on Damper
Engine Idle Speed: 525 RPM, in Neutral (With A/C full on, if so equipped)
Compression Pressure: 180 PSI
Fuel Pump Pressure: 5-1/4 to 6-1/2 PSI
Valve Data, Buick, All Series:
Tappet Lash:
Intake: Zero
Exhaust: Zero
Valve Seat Angle:
Seat: 45 Degrees
Face: 45 Degrees
Valve Spring Height, Installed: 1.59"
Minimum Valve Spring Pressure: 101 Pounds @ 1.16"
Valve Stem Clearance:
Intake: Tapered .002"-.003"
Exhaust: Tapered .0025"-.0035"
Valve Stem Diameter:
Intake: Tapered .3720"-.3730"
Exhaust: Tapered .3715-.3725"
Piston, Pins, Rings, Crankshaft, & Bearings, 364 Cu. In. Engine:
Piston Clearance: .001"-.0016"
Ring End Gap:
Compression: .015"
Oil Control: .015"
Wrist Pin Diameter: .9995"
Rod Bearings:
Shaft Diameter: 2.249"-2.250"
Rod Bearing Clearance: .0002"-.0023"
Main Bearings:
Shaft Diameter: 2.498"-2.499"
Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0021"
Thrust on Bearing #5
Shaft End Play: .004"-.008"
Piston, Pins, Rings, Crankshaft, & Bearings, 401 Cu. In. Engine:
Piston Clearance: .001"-.0016"
Ring End Gap:
Compression: .015"
Oil Control: .015"
Wrist Pin Diameter: .9995"
Rod Bearings:
Shaft Diameter: 2.249"-2.250"
Rod Bearing Clearance: .0002"-.0023"
Main Bearings:
Shaft Diameter: 2.498"-2.499"
Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0021"
Thrust on Bearing #3
Shaft End Play: .004"-.008"
Engine Tightening Specifications, 364 Cu. In. Engines:
Spark Plugs: 25-35 Ft. Lbs.
Cylinder Head Bolts: 65-75 Ft. Lbs.
Intake Manifold: 25-30 Ft. Lbs.
Exhaust Manifold: 10-15 Ft. Lbs.
Rocker Arm Shaft Bracket: 30-35 Ft. Lbs.
Rocker Arm Cover: 3-5 Ft. Lbs.
Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 40-45 Ft. Lbs.
Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 100-110 Ft. Lbs.
Flywheel to Crankshaft: 50-60 Ft. Lbs.
Vibration Damper or Pulley: 200 Ft. Lbs (Minimum)
Engine Tightening Specifications, 401 Cu. In. Engines:
Spark Plugs: 25-35 Ft. Lbs.
Cylinder Head Bolts: 65-75 Ft. Lbs.
Intake Manifold: 25-30 Ft. Lbs.
Exhaust Manifold: 10-15 Ft. Lbs.
Rocker Arm Shaft Bracket: 30-35 Ft. Lbs.
Rocker Arm Cover: 3-5 Ft. Lbs.
Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 40-45 Ft. Lbs.
Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 100-110 Ft. Lbs.
Flywheel to Crankshaft: 50-65 Ft. Lbs.
Vibration Damper or Pulley: 200 Ft. Lbs (Minimum)
Delco-Remy Distributor Specifications, 364 Cu. In. Engine:
Distributor # 1110961
Rotation: Clockwise
Point Opening: .016" (Turn adjusting screw in until engine misfires, then back off 1/2 turn.)
Cam Angle: 30 Degrees
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 19-23 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 450 RPM
Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 1,875 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data
Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 7" to 9"
Maximum Vacuum Advance: 8 Degrees @ 18" Vacuum
Delco-Remy Distributor Specifications, 401 Cu. In. Engine:
Distributor # 1110962
Rotation: Clockwise
Point Opening: .016" (Turn adjusting screw in until engine misfires, then back off 1/2 turn.)
Cam Angle: 30 Degrees
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 19-23 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 450 RPM
Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 1,800 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data
Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 6" to 8"
Maximum Vacuum Advance: 10 Degrees @ 14" Vacuum
Delco-Remy Generator & Regulator Specifications, All Series:
Generator # 11021381
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Ground Polarity: Negative
Generator Output: 35 Amperes
Brush Spring Tension 28 Ounces
Field Current: 1.69 to 1.79 Amperes
Regulator #: 1119242
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 12.3 Volts
Armature Air Gap: .020"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 35 Amperes
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"
Generator # 1102215
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Ground Polarity: Negative
Generator Output: 45 Amperes
Brush Spring Tension 28 Ounces
Field Current: 2.66 to 2.86 Amperes
Regulator #: 1119617
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 12.4 Volts
Armature Air Gap: .020"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.2 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 45 Amperes
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"
Generator # 1110389
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Ground Polarity: Negative
Generator Output: 35 Amperes
Brush Spring Tension 26-32 Ounces
Field Current: 1.69 to 1.79 Amperes
Regulator #: 1119242
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 12.3 Volts
Armature Air Gap: .020"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 35 Amperes
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"
Generator # 1102235
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Ground Polarity: Negative
Generator Output: 35 Amperes
Brush Spring Tension 28 Ounces
Field Current: 1.69 to 1.79 Amperes
Regulator #: 1119277
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 12.8 Volts
Armature Air Gap: .020"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.4 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 35 Amperes
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"
Delco-Remy Starting Motor Specifications, 364 Engine:
Starter # 1107800
Brush Spring Tension: 40 Ounces
No Load Test: 65 Amperes, 10.6 Volts @ 3,600 RPM
Torque Test: 300 Amperes, 3.5 Volts;
Delco-Remy Starting Motor Specifications, 401 Engine:
Starter # 1107876
Brush Spring Tension: 35 Ounces
No Load Test: 80 Amperes, 10.6 Volts @ 3,900 RPM
Torque Test: 290 Amperes, 2.0 Volts;
Rear Axle & Brake Data, All Series:
Differential Bearing Preload:
Method: Shim
Adjustment: .004" Compression (.022" each side)
Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash:
Method: Shim
Adjustment: .007"-.009"
Pinion Bearing Preload:
Method: Spacer
Adjustment: 15-35 Inch Pounds
Brake Drum Diameter: 12.002" (Plus or minus .005")
Wheel Cylinder Bore:
Front: 1.125"
Rear: 1.00"
Master Cylinder Bore: 1.00"
Wheel Alignment Data:
Caster: - 2 Degrees
Camber:
Left: +1/3 Degrees
Right: + 1/3 Degrees
Toe In: 3/16" to 9/32"
Toe Out on Turns:
Outer Wheel: 20 Degrees
Inner Wheel: 22-1/2 Degrees
Carter Carburetor Specifications:
Carburetor Model #AFB
Carburetor Part # 3088S, 3089S
Idle Screw Setting, 1/4 to 1-3/4 Turns to Open
Fast Idle Speed: 650 RPM
Float Level:
Primary: 7/32"
Secondary: 7/32"
Float Drop:
Primary: 23/32"
Secondary: 23/32"
Pump Travel: 7/16"
Choke Unloader: 7/32
Automatic Choke Setting: Index
Rochester Carburetor Specifications:
Carburetor Type: 4GC
Part #: 7015040
Idle Screw Setting: 1-1/2 Turns to Open
Float Level:
Primary: 1-11/32"
Secondary: 1-3/8"
Float Drop:
Primary: 1-7/16"
Secondary: 1-5/16"
Pump Rod: Center Hole
Choke Setting: Index
Fast Idle Setting: 650 RPM
Part #: 7019040
Idle Screw Setting: 1-1/2 Turns to Open
Float Level:
Primary: 1-11/32"
Secondary: 1-3/8"
Float Drop:
Primary: 1-7/16"
Secondary: 1-5/16"
Pump Rod: Center Hole
Choke Setting: Index
Fast Idle Setting: 650 RPM
Part #: 7020043
Idle Screw Setting: 1-1/2 Turns to Open
Float Level:
Primary: 1-11/32"
Secondary: 1-3/8"
Float Drop:
Primary: 1-7/16"
Secondary: 1-5/16"
Pump Rod: Outer Hole
Choke Setting: Index
Fast Idle Setting: 650 RPM
Part #: 7020045
Idle Screw Setting: 1-1/2 Turns to Open
Float Level:
Primary: 1-11/32"
Secondary: 1-3/8"
Float Drop:
Primary: 1-7/16"
Secondary: 1-5/16"
Pump Rod: Outer Hole
Choke Setting: Index
Fast Idle Setting: 650 RPM
Carburetor Type: 2GC
Part #: 7019042
Idle Screw Setting: 1-1/2 Turns to Open
Float Level: 11/16"
Float Drop: 1-29/32"
Choke Setting: 1 Rich
Part #: 7019090, 7019093
Idle Screw Setting: 1-1/2 Turns to Open
Float Level: 21/32"
Float Drop: 1-29/32"
Choke Setting: Index
Stromberg Carburetor Adjustments:
Carburetor Type: WW
Code #: 7-114A
Idle Mixture Screw: 1 to 1-1/2 Turns
Float Level: 3/16"
Fast Idle Cam Position: .025"
Choke Unloader: .144"
Pump Travel: 7/8"
Choke Vacuum Piston Position: .040"
Choke Thremostat Setting: Index
Fast Idle Speed: 625 RPM
Note: All Buick Carburetors for 1961 are listed including those for Buick Special Models.
1961 Buick Paint Codes & Colors:
A Sable Black
C Arctic White
D Newport Silver
E Venice Blue
F Laguna Blue
H Bimini Blue
J Dublin Green
K Kerry Green
L Rio Red
M Sun Valley Cream
N Cordovan
P Turquoise
R Phoenix Beige
T Desert Fawn
V Tampico Red
Popular Options, All Series:
Power Steering on LeSabre & Invicta; Power Brakes on LeSabre & Invicta; Twilight Sentinental; Air conditioning; Heater & Defroster; Compass; Vanity Visor Mirror, Trunk Mat, Floor Mats, Litter Basket, 6 Way Power Seat; Bucket Seats; Power Vent Windows; Power Windows; Sonotone Radio; Electric Antenna; Wonder Bar Radio; Rear Seat Speaker; Guidematic Headlight Dimmer; DeLuxe Steering Wheel for LeSabre; DeLuxe Wheel Covers for LeSabre; Tinted Glass; Custom Exterior Moldings; Whitewall Tires; Two-Tone Paint; Station Wagon Luggage Rack; Station Wagon Electric Rear Window; Dual Speed Wipers & Washer; Turbine Drive Transmission; Dual Exhausts; Glare Proof Mirror, Back-Up Lights; Parking Brake Warning Signal; Safety Light Buzzer; Electric Clock; Trunk Light; License Plate Frames.
1961 Buick Historical Data:
Power Steering & Power Brakes were standard equipment on Electra models.
1961 Buick Model Year Production for Full-Sized Buicks: 185,906.
Total production including Specials: 272,774.
Promotional Model Cars Available:
Plastic: Invicta 2 Door Hardtop, Invicta Convertible.
Copyright 2001, Custom Solutions & Services