1961 PONTIAC
Full-Sized Cars
Model Designations:
Pontiac Catalina, Series 23, 8 Cylinder
Pontiac Ventura, Series 25, 8 Cylinder
Pontiac Star Chief, Series 26, 8 Cylinder
Pontiac Bonneville Custom, Series 27, 8 Cylinder
Pontiac Bonneville, Series 28, 8 Cylinder
Pontiac Catalina, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2369
Base Price: $2,702; Shipping Weight: 3,725 Pounds
Total Production: 38,638
4 Door Vista Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2339
Base Price: $2,842; Shipping Weight: 3,785 Pounds
Total Production: 17,589
2 Door Sport Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2311
Base Price: $2,631; Shipping Weight: 3,650 Pounds
Total Production: 9,846
2 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2337
Base Price: $2,766; Shipping Weight: 3,680 Pounds
Total Production: 14,524
2 Door Convertible, 5 Passenger, Body Style #2367
Base Price: $3,078; Shipping Weight: 3,805 Pounds
Total Production: 12,379
4 Door Station Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body Style #2335
Base Price: $3,099; Shipping Weight: 4,135 Pounds
Total Production: 12,595
4 Door Station Wagon, 9 Passenger, Body Style #2345
Base Price: $3,207; Shipping Weight: 4,175 Pounds
Total Production: 7,783
Total Catalina Production: 113,354
Total with Manual Transmission: 6,337
Total with Hydra-Matic Transmission: 107,017
Pontiac Ventura, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:
4 Door Vista Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2539
Base Price: $3,047; Shipping Weight: 3,795 Pounds
Total Production: 13,912
2 Door Hardtop Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2537
Base Price: $2,971; Shipping Weight: 3,865 Pounds
Total Production: 13,297
Total Ventura Production: 27,209
Total with Manual Transmission: 1,940
Total with Hydra-Matic Transmission: 25,269
Pontiac Star Chief, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2669
Base Price: $3,003; Shipping Weight: 3,840 Pounds
Total Production: 16,024
4 Door Vista Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2639
Base Price: $3,136; Shipping Weight: 3,870 Pounds
Total Production: 13,557
Total Star Chief Production: 29,581
Total with Manual Transmission: 130
Total with Hydra-Matic Transmission: 29,451
Pontiac Bonneville, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:
4 Door Vista Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2839
Base Price: $3,331; Shipping Weight: 3,895 Pounds
Total Production: 30,830
2 Door Hardtop Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2837
Base Price: $3,225; Shipping Weight: 3,810 Pounds
Total Production: 16,906
2 Door Convertible, 5 Passenger, Body Style #2867
Base Price: $3,476; Shipping Weight: 3,905 Pounds
Total Production: 18,264
Total Bonneville Production: 66,385
Total with Manual Transmission: 1,480
Total with Hydra-Matic Transmission: 64,905
Pontiac Bonneville Custom, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:
4 Door Custom Safari Station Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body Style #2735
Base Price: $3,530; Shipping Weight: 4,185 Pounds
Total Production: 3,323
Total Bonneville Custom Safari Production: 3,323
Total with Manual Transmission: 18
Total with Hydra-Matic Transmission: 3,305
Chassis:
Wheelbase:
Catalina, Ventura, & Bonneville Custom Wagons: 119"
Star Chief & Bonneville Passenger Cars: 123"
Tire Size:
Passenger Cars: 8.00 X 14"
Station Wagons: 8.50 X 14"
Rear Axle Ratios:
Standard Ratios:
Manual Transmission: 3.23:1
Hydra-Matic Transmission: 2.87:1
Optional Ratios: Ratio Information Not Available
General Engine Specifications:
8 Cylinder, 389 Cubic Inch, 215 H.P. with Standard Transmission:
Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 4.0625" X 3.750"
Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 8.60 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 52.81
Horsepower: 215 @ 3,600 RPM
Torque: 390 Ft Lbs @ 2,000 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 30-40 PSI
Carburetor: 2 Barrel
8 Cylinder, 389 Cubic Inch, 230 H.P. with Automatic Transmission:
Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 4.0625" X 3.750"
Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 8.60 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 52.81
Horsepower: 230 @ 4,000 RPM
Torque: 380 Ft Lbs @ 2,000 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 30-40 PSI
Carburetor: 2 Barrel
8 Cylinder, 389 Cubic Inch, 235 H.P. with Standard Transmission:
Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 4.0625" X 3.750"
Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 8.60 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 52.81
Horsepower: 235 @ 3,600 RPM
Torque: 402 Ft Lbs @ 2,000 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 30-40 PSI
Carburetor: 4 Barrel
8 Cylinder, 389 Cubic Inch, 267 H.P. with Automatic Transmission:
Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 4.0625" X 3.750"
Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 10.25 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 52.81
Horsepower: 267 @ 4,200 RPM
Torque: 405 Ft Lbs @ 2,400 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 30-40 PSI
Carburetor: 2 Barrel
8 Cylinder, 389 Cubic Inch, 283 H.P. with Automatic Transmission:
Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 4.0625" X 3.750"
Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 10.25 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 52.81
Horsepower: 283 @ 4,400 RPM
Torque: 413 Ft Lbs @ 2,800 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 30-40 PSI
Carburetor: 2 Barrel
8 Cylinder, 389 Cubic Inch, 303 H.P. with Automatic Transmission:
Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 4.0625" X 3.750"
Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 10.25 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 52.81
Horsepower: 303 @ 4,600 RPM
Torque: 425 Ft Lbs @ 2,800 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 30-40 PSI
Carburetor: 4 Barrel
8 Cylinder, 389 Cubic Inch, 318 H.P.:
Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 4.0625" X 3.750"
Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 10.75 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 52.81
Horsepower: 318 @ 4,600 RPM
Torque: 430 Ft Lbs @ 3,200 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 30-40 PSI
Carburetor: Three 2 Barrel Carburetors
8 Cylinder, 389 Cubic Inch, 333 H.P.:
Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 4.0625" X 3.750"
Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 10.75 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 52.81
Horsepower: 333 @ 4,800 RPM
Torque: 425 Ft Lbs @ 2,800 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 30-40 PSI
Carburetor: 4 Barrel
8 Cylinder, 389 Cubic Inch, 348 H.P.:
Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 4.0625" X 3.750"
Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 10.75 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 52.81
Horsepower: 348 @ 4,800 RPM
Torque: 430 Ft Lbs @ 3,200 RPM
Normal Oil Pressure: 30-40 PSI
Carburetor: Three 2 Barrel Carburetors
Tune Up Specifications:
All Models:
Spark Plug Type: AC 45S
Spark Plug: Gap .035"
Point Gap: Turn adjusting screw in until engine begins to misfire, then turn screw out 1/2 turn.
Distributor Cam Angle: 30 Degrees
Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Ignition Timing: 6 Degrees BTDC
Engine Idle Speed:
Standard Transmission: 490 RPM
Automatic Transmission: 490 RPM in Drive, with A/C "On"
Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 145 PSI
Fuel Pump Pressure: 5-1/4 to 6-1/2 PSI
Valve Specifications:
Standard Transmission Engines:
Valve Lash: Hydralic
Valve Angles
Seat:
Intake 30 Degrees
Exhaust 45 Degrees
Face:
Intake: 29 Degrees
Exhaust: 44 Degrees
Valve Spring Installed Height: 1-17/32"
Valve Spring Pressure: 171 Lbs @ 1-13/64"
Valve Stem Clearance:
Intake .0021"-.0038"
Exhaust .0026"-.0043"
Valve Stem Diameter:
Intake: .3407"-.3414"
Exhaust: .3402"-.3409"
Automatic Transmission Engines:
Valve Lash: Hydralic
Valve Angles
Seat:
Intake 30 Degrees
Exhaust 45 Degrees
Face:
Intake: 29 Degrees
Exhaust: 44 Degrees
Valve Spring Installed Height: 1-17/32"
Valve Spring Pressure: 107 Lbs @ 1-5/32"
Valve Stem Clearance:
Intake .0021"-.0038"
Exhaust .0026"-.0043"
Valve Stem Diameter:
Intake: .3407"-.3414"
Exhaust: .3402"-.3409"
303 & 318 H.P. Engines:
Valve Lash: Hydralic
Valve Angles
Seat:
Intake 30 Degrees
Exhaust 45 Degrees
Face:
Intake: 29 Degrees
Exhaust: 44 Degrees
Valve Spring Installed Height: 1-33/64"
Valve Spring Pressure: 114 Lbs @ 1-1/8"
Valve Stem Clearance:
Intake .0021"-.0038"
Exhaust .0026"-.0043"
Valve Stem Diameter:
Intake: .3407"-.3414"
Exhaust: .3402"-.3409"
333 & 348 H.P. Engines:
Valve Lash: Hydralic
Valve Angles
Seat:
Intake 30 Degrees
Exhaust 45 Degrees
Face:
Intake: 29 Degrees
Exhaust: 44 Degrees
Valve Spring Installed Height: 1-33/64"
Valve Spring Pressure: 131 Lbs @ 1-1/8"
Valve Stem Clearance:
Intake .0021"-.0038"
Exhaust .0026"-.0043"
Valve Stem Diameter:
Intake: .3407"-.3414"
Exhaust: .3402"-.3409"
Pistons, Rings, Wrist Pin, Crankshaft, & Bearing Data:
Piston Clearance: .007"-.0013"
Ring End Gap:
Compression Ring:
Top Ring: .021"
Second Ring: .019"
Oil Ring: .025"
Wristpin Diameter: .9802"
Rod Bearings:
Shaft Diameter: 2.2488"-2.2498"
Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0025"
Main Bearings:
Shaft Diameter: 2.998"-2.999"
Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.002"
Thrust on #4 Bearing
Crankshaft End Play: .0035"-.0085"
Engine Tightening Specifications:
Spark Plugs: 25 Ft. Lbs.
Cylinder Head Bolts: 95 Ft. Lbs.
Intake Manifold: 40 Ft. Lbs.
Exhaust Manifold: 30 Ft. Lbs.
Rocker Arm Shaft Bracket: 15 Ft. Lbs.
Rocker Arm Cover: 5 Ft. Lbs.
Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 45 Ft. Lbs.
Main Bearing Cap Bolts:
Rear: 120 Ft. Lbs.
Others: 95 Ft. Lbs.
Flywheel to Crankshaft: 95 Ft. Lbs.
Vibration Damper or Pulley: 160 Ft. Lbs.
Capacities:
Cooling System:
Without Heater: 18.5 Quarts
With Heater: 19.5 Quarts
With Air Conditioning: 19.5 Quarts
Radiator Pressure Cap:
With Air Conditioning: 14-17 PSI
Without Air Conditioning: 12-15 PSI
Thermostat Opening: 180 Degrees
Fuel Tank:
Passenger Cars: 25 Gallons
Station Wagons: 19 Gallons
Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*
Manual Transmission:
Three Speed:
Standard Unit: 2 Pints
Heavy Duty Unit: 3 Pints
Four Speed: 2-1/2 Pints
Hydra-Matic Transmission:
Roto: 6 Quarts
Super: 9 Quarts
Rear Axle: 5-3/4 Pints
* With New Oil Filter
Delco-Remy Distributor Specifications:
Engines using Regular Fuel:
Distributor #1110971
Rotation: Counter-Clockwise
Breaker Point Gap: Turn adjusting screw in until engine begins to misfire, then turn screw out 1/2 turn.
Cam Angle: 30 Degrees
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 19-23 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 2 Degrees @ 450 RPM
Full Advance: 10 Degrees @ 1,800 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 7"
Maximum Vacuum Advance: 10 Degrees @ 14" Vacuum
Engines requiring Premium Fuel:
Distributor #1110970
Rotation: Counter-Clockwise
Breaker Point Gap: Turn adjusting screw in until engine begins to misfire, then turn screw out 1/2 turn.
Cam Angle: 30 Degrees
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 19-23 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 2 Degrees @ 400 RPM
Full Advance: 9 Degrees @ 1,450 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 11"
Maximum Vacuum Advance: 10 Degrees @ 18" Vacuum
Delco-Remy Generator & Regulator Specifications:
Generator #1102199
Rated Capacity: 35 Amperes
Generator Ground Field Location: External
Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces
Field Current: 1.69-1.70 Amperes
Regulator #1119264
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 12.6
Armature Air Gap: .020"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 35 Amperes
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"
Ground Polarity: Negative
Generator #1102240
Rated Capacity: 35 Amperes
Generator Ground Field Location: External
Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces
Field Current: 1.69-1.79 Amperes
Regulator #1119623
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 12.6
Armature Air Gap: .020"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 35 Amperes
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"
Ground Polarity: Negative
Generator #1102263
Rated Capacity: 30 Amperes
Generator Ground Field Location: External
Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces
Field Current: 1.48-1.62 Amperes
Regulator #1119001
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 12.6
Armature Air Gap: .020"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"
Ground Polarity: Negative
Generator #1102264
Rated Capacity: 35 Amperes
Generator Ground Field Location: External
Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces
Field Current: 1.48-1.62 Amperes
Regulator #1119264
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 12.6
Armature Air Gap: .020"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 35 Amperes
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"
Ground Polarity: Negative
Generator #1102265
Rated Capacity: 35 Amperes
Generator Ground Field Location: External
Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces
Field Current: 1.48-1.62 Amperes
Regulator #1119623
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 12.6
Armature Air Gap: .020"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 35 Amperes
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"
Ground Polarity: Negative
Generator #1102303-4
Rated Capacity: 35 Amperes
Generator Ground Field Location: External
Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces
Field Current: 1.69-1.70 Amperes
Regulator #1119668
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 12.4
Armature Air Gap: .020"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 35 Amperes
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .067"
Ground Polarity: Negative
Generator #1102220
Rated Capacity: 45 Amperes
Generator Ground Field Location: External
Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces
Field Current: 2.66-2.86 Amperes
Regulator #1119623
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 12.4
Armature Air Gap: .020"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.2 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 45 Amperes
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .067"
Ground Polarity: Negative
Generator #1105143
Rated Capacity: 45 Amperes
Generator Ground Field Location: External
Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces
Field Current: 2.66-2.86 Amperes
Regulator #1119623
Cutout Relay:
Voltage to Close Points: 12.4
Armature Air Gap: .020"
Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.2 Volts
Current Regulator Setting: 45 Amperes
Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .067"
Ground Polarity: Negative
Delco-Remy Starting Motor Specifications:
Manual Transmission:
Part #1107791
Brush Spring Tension: 35 Ounces (Minimum)
Free Speed Test: 65-100 Amperes, 10.6 Volts, @ 3,600-5,100 RPM
Resistance Test: 300-360 Amperes, 3.5 Volts,.
Automatic Transmission:
Part #1107781
Brush Spring Tension: 35 Ounces (Minimum)
No Load Test: 70-105 Amperes, 10.6 Volts, @ 3,800-6,200 RPM
Lock Test: 480-540 Amperes, 3.0 Volts,.
Rear Axle & Brake Specifications:
Carrier Type: Removable
Differential Bearing Preload:
Method: Nuts
Adjustment: 2 to 3 notches tight
Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash:
Method: Nuts
Adjustment: .005"-.009"
Pinion Bearing Preload:
Method: Tighten pinion shaft nut with an inch pound torque wrench
Adjustment:
New Bearings: 24-32 Inch Lbs.
Used Bearings: 12-15 Inch Lbs
Brake Drum Diameter: 11"
Wheel Cylinder Bore:
Front: 1-3/16"
Rear: 1"
Master Cylinder Bore: 1"
Wheel Alignment Specifications:
Caster: - 1-1/2 Degrees
Camber:
Left: + 1/4 Degrees
Right: +1/4 Degrees
Toe In: 0 to 1/8"
Toe-Out on Turns:
Outer Wheel: 18 Degrees
Inner Wheel: 20 Degrees
Carter Carburetor Specifications:
Carburetor Model: All AFB Carburetors
Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 2 Turns
Fast Idle Speed: 2,200 RPM
Throttle Return Dashpot: 15/16"
Float Level:
Primary Float: 21/64"
Secondary Float: 21/64"
Float Drop:
Primary Float: 23/32"
Secondary Float: 23/32"
Pump Travel Setting: 5/16"
Choke Unloader Setting: 5/32"
Choke Setting: 1 Rich
Rochester Carburetor Specifications:
Model: 2GC
Part #7019060
Idle Mixture Screws: 1-1/2 Turns
Float Level: 11/16"
Float Drop: 1-3/4"
Idle Vent: 1-3/32"
Automatic Choke Setting: Index
Model: 2GC
Part #7019070; 7019071; 7019072; 7019073
Idle Mixture Screws: 1-1/2 Turns
Float Level: 5/8"
Float Drop: 1-3/4"
Idle Vent: 1-9/32"
Automatic Choke Setting: Index
Model: 2GC
Part #7019074; 7019075; 7019076; 7019077
Idle Mixture Screws: 1-1/2 Turns
Float Level: 11/16"
Float Drop: 1-3/4"
Idle Vent: 1-3/32"
Automatic Choke Setting: Index
Popular Options:
Air Conditioning; Heater & Defroster; Super DeLuxe Radio; Wonder Bar Radio; Sportable Radio; Rear Seat Speaker; Electric Antenna; Guide-Matic Headlamp Control; Power Steering; Power Brakes; Power Windows; Six Way Power Seat; Safeguard Speedometer; Magic-Cruise; Aluminum Hubs & Drums; Bucket Seats; Heavy-Duty Springs; Tinted Glass; Luggage Carrier for Wagons; Power Tailgate for Wagons; Various Engine & Transmission Options, and much more.
1961 Pontiac Historical Data:
Introduction date for the 1961 Pontiac line was October 6, 1960.
Total 1961 Pontiac Production was 340,635, including Tempests.
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1961 Pontiac Colors & Codes:
Code Color
61-A Regent Black
61-C Shelltone Ivory
61-D Richmond Gray
61-E Bristol Blue
61-F Richelieu Blue
61-H Tradewind Blue
61-J Jadestone Green
61-K Seacrest Green
61-L Coronado Red
61-M Bamboo Cream
61-N Cherrywood Bronze
61-P Rainier Turquoise
61-R Fernando Beige
61-S Dawnfire Mist
61-T Mayan Gold
Promotional Model Cars Available:
Plastic: Bonneville 2 Door Hardtop, Bonneville Convertible & Tempest 4 Door Sedan
Copyright 2001, Custom Solutions & Services