Technical Info

About the 1961-1963 GM Y-Body

The 1961-1963 Y-body was a all new front engine, RWD unibody platform derived from the new unibody structure of the all new 1960 Chevrolet Corvair. This platform lasted until 1963 for the Buick, Olds, and Pontiacs, and until model year 1964 for the Corvair. The Y-body platform was replaced by the Body on frame A-Body in 1964.

The following cars used the Y-body Platform:

1960 - 1964 Chevrolet Corvair, moved to a new Z-Body in 1965
1961 - 1963 Buick Special Sedan & Stationwagon
1962 - 1963 Buick Skylark, which was a 2-Door Special in all respects
1961 - 1963 Oldsmobile F-85 and Cutlass
1962 - 1963 Oldsmobile Jetfire
1961 - 1963 Pontiac Tempest & Tempest LeMans
1963 Pontiac LeMans

Engines used:

215ci (3.5L) All-Aluminum Fireball 90* OHV V8

Firing Order - 18436572
Cooling System - 13.5qts
Oil Capacity - 4qts less filter

2BBL - 155hp@4600rpm, 220tq@2400rpm. Compression Ratio 9.0:1
4BBL - 200hp@5000rpm, 240tq@3200rpm. Compression Ratio 11.0:1
Turbo - 215hp, 301tq? (If anyone can provide me with correct info, contact me)

198ci (3.2L) Cast iron Block/Heads Fireball 90* OHV V6

Firing Order - 165432
Cooling System - 12qts
Oil Capacity - 4qts less filter

2BBL - 135hp@4600rpm, 205tq@2400rpm. Compression Ratio 8.8:1

Transmissions & Axle Ratios:

3 Speed Synchromesh Manual transmission, 3.23 Axle Ratio
4 Speed Synchromesh Manual transmission, 3.36 Axle Ratio, Skylark 4BBL only
2 Speed Dual-Path Turbine Drive Auto transmission, 3.08 Axle Ratio(Special), 3.36(Skylark)
3 Speed Roto-Hydramatic "Slim Jim" Automatic transmission (need more info!)

I need more info on the Olds and Pontiac models. Contact me if you can provide that info!

About the Site Owner

Hi all! My name is William, and I decided to start this site, as I have a lot of spare time!

I am 21 years old, and I have been working with cars since I was 6 years old. At around 6.5-7 years old, I was able to do oil changes and tune-ups! Right then, my parents knew that I had a knack for cars. I've owned 15 cars already...some successful, some total flops. Most were sold for profit, others were sadly scrapped.