my dad owns a 1961 buick le sabre and we were wondering if any one could tell us what size the motor is. the # is 4H1040534


thanks alot,
mr_shortkhop

it is a 401 but the book says that the 61 lesabre didnt come with a 401 but it came with a 250 horse 364 and a 235 horse 364 the codes are prefix:h=215 v8; 3h=v8 364; 4h=v8 401 the invicta and electra came with the 401 but from what i understand most parts are interchangable from the 401 to the 364 but not all.

Go to the engine identification section on this site. From the home page click on SHOP then go to Engine Identification. The 4H1040534 is the VIN and the engine serial number. When these two numbers on the car match, it confirms the car has its original engine. The beginning 4 in the VIN indicates a LeSabre series car, which yours is.

To identify the engine type, see the other number stamped on the block, the engine production code number. It should be in the form 3Hxxxxx, where 3H indicates a 61 364 cid engine. The last digits after the H are the production sequence number of the engine. If there is an L ahead of the 3H, it indicates a low compression engine.

The three 364 cid engines available on the LeSabre that year were the Wildcat 384 (2-bbl. carb, 10.25 compression ratio, 250 HP), the Wildcat 375-E (2-bbl. carb, 9.0 compression ratio, 235 HP), and the Wildcat 405-4B (4-bbl. carb, 10.25 compression ratio, 300 HP).

or you can buy a book on your car and year and it will give you plenty of helpfull info