1961 Pontiac Safari Performance Engines

Keep Your 1961 Pontiac Safari in Top Shape with Quality Performance Engines

Whether you’re repairing or upgrading your Performance Engine, using high-quality parts is key to keeping your 1961 Pontiac Safari looking sharp and performing at its best. At Advance Auto Parts we carry a wide selection of dependable options, including Performance Engine Oil Pan Gaskets, Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats, and Performance Engine Rocker Arms. Whether you’re replacing a damaged part or enhancing your truck’s style and protection, you’ll find exactly what you need to get the job done right.

Top-Rated Performance Engines from Trusted Brands

Looking for a reliable Performance Engine? We’ve got you covered with options from brands you know and trust like Competition Cams and Edelbrock. For example, Competition Cams Performance Engines start at just $223.99 with an average 4.1 star rating. Edelbrock offer similar pricing and quality, backed by strong customer feedback. With over 34 reviews and a solid 5 star average, you can shop with confidence knowing other Pontiac Safari owners approve.

Competitive Prices and Extensive Inventory

The average price for a 1961 Pontiac Safari Performance Engine at Advance Auto Parts is around $260.48, with a range that starts at $7.99 and goes up to $743.99. With 83 options in stock from 4 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like High Performance Thermostat, PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET, and Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set start at just $30.49 and offer a great balance of form and function.

Explore Related Parts

While you’re upgrading or replacing your Performance Engine, don’t forget to check out other key components like Performance Distributors and Performance Fuel Systems. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re here to help you keep your 1961 Pontiac Safari in peak condition, inside and out.

Find Your Specific 1961 Pontiac Safari Performance Engines

Looking for the perfect Performance Engine for your 1961 Pontiac Safari? You’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find links to various types of Performance Engines that fit your vehicle. At Advance Auto Parts, we offer only the highest quality OEM and aftermarket Performance Engines, ensuring durability and a precise fit for your Pontiac Safari. Whether you’re driving a 1961 model or another popular model year like 1955, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, and 1965, we’ve got you covered. Purchasing Performance Engines from Advance Auto Parts is a smart choice, giving you access to trusted brands and parts built to perform. Below, you’ll find links to various types of Performance Engines that fit your vehicle.

Essential 1961 Pontiac Safari Performance Engines

Competition Cams – Big Mutha’ Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.51-602-5)

Big Mutha' Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$341.99
Designed to deliver an aggressive, hard-hitting exhaust note at idle, the Thumpr camshaft series from COMP Cams also delivers excellent horsepower gains and a broad torque curve. A perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.

Product Features:
  • Early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration create optimum overlap for powerful, hard-hitting exhaust note.
  • Best with aftermarket converters and more rear gear.
  • Three unique cam designs for each application that deliver excellent horsepower gains and broad torque curve; perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
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Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 206/212 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.51-220-4)

Xtreme Energy 206/212 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$298.99
Featuring a quicker valve opening, the Xtreme Energy camshaft profile provides increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve than older, slower grinds. Designed to increase performance without sacrificing driveability and creature comforts,

Product Features:
  • Excellent performance in street carbureted applications.
  • More vacuum allows an increase in duration for improved performance and assists power brakes.
  • Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
  • Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.
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Edelbrock – Water Pump for Pontiac, Standard Rotation in Black Finish (Part No.88563)

Water Pump for Pontiac, Standard Rotation in Black Finish

from

$405.99
Edelbrock #88563 Water Pump Pontiac 389-455 standard rotation black ideal to prevent overheating in street rods and street machines, as well as in tow rigs and motorhomes. Using state-of-the-art racing technology, Edelbrock has designed these “super cooli

Product Features:
  • Standard Impeller Rotation
  • 0.625 in. Pilot Shaft
  • 0.750 in. Ball/Ball Bearing
  • 4.50 in. Block To Hub Height
  • Black Finish
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(1 reviews)
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Competition Cams – Magnum 224/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit (Part No.CL51-233-4)

Magnum 224/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit

from

$403.99
An older member of the COMP Cams grind family, the Magnum series of camshafts offers excellent performance gains over stock without the added wear and tear associated with more aggressive camshafts.

Product Features:
  • Best with aftermarket torque converters and 9.5:1 compression.
  • Great high RPM power.
  • Easy on valve train parts.
  • Can be used with mild ratio rocker arms and traditional performance valve springs.
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Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 212/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit (Part No.CL51-221-4)

Xtreme Energy 212/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit

from

$403.99
Featuring a quicker valve opening, the Xtreme Energy camshaft profile provides increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve than older, slower grinds. Designed to increase performance without sacrificing driveability and creature comforts.

Product Features:
  • Excellent performance in street carbureted applications.
  • More vacuum allows an increase in duration for improved performance and assists power brakes.
  • Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
  • Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1814)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

from

$30.49
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Felcoid/Plus gaskets have a fiber sheet core and a latex rubber coating to eliminate potential leakage paths. The core material resists crushing and splitting, while providing excellent blowout resistance.
  • With steel core to provide ultimate excellent blowout resistance.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1016)

Performance Cylinder Head Gasket

from

$54.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions.

Product Features:
  • Fel-Pro Performance head gaskets accommodate the high cylinder pressures and cylinder head movement associated with performance engines.
  • Inserted within a stainless steel armor surrounding each cylinder, wire ring design provides highly concentrated sealing around the combustion chamber.
  • Raises combustion sealing force to roughly three times that of standard head gaskets.
  • Steel wire rings for the greatest combustion seal strength.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1622)

Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set

from

$34.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Blue Stripe performance cork-rubber gaskets use cork particles evenly distributed throughout a rubber binder resulting in a compressible gasket without leak paths.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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Mr. Gasket – Gskt Valve Cover (Part No.576)

Gskt Valve Cover

from

$27.99
Mr. Gasket Performance Valve Cover Gaskets are high-density cork/rubber blend gaskets that use evenly sized cork particles distributed evenly throughout the rubber binder. The result is a compressible valve cover gasket without leak paths. These gaskets create a positive seal by controlled swelling of the gasket material when exposed to hot engine oil. Provides excellent flange sealing and durability. For original equipment replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured from high-density cork/rubber blend gasket material
  • Provides excellent sealing and durability
  • For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use
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Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat – 160 Degree Brass & Copper (Part No.4363)

High Performance Thermostat - 160 Degree Brass & Copper

from

$29.49
Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostats are designed to resist large variations of coolant pressure at high RPM (revolutions per minute). This allows them to fully open at correct temperature consistently regardless of engine RPM. The design also provides the high flow that engines operated a higher RPM need. This thermostat also features a copper/brass construction to further resist corrosion. Mr. Gasket High Performance / High Flow Thermostats are suitable for street, drag race, or oval track applications.

Product Features:
  • Opens at 160 Degrees
  • Designed to Resist Large Variations of Coolant Pressure at High RPM
  • Fully opens at Correct Temperature Consistently Regardless of engine RPM
  • For High Performance Street, Drag Race, and Oval Track
  • Copper & Brass Construction – Resists Corrosion
  • High Flow
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(12 reviews)
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Mr. Gasket – High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow (Part No.4364)

High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow

from

$29.99
Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostats are designed to resist large variations of coolant pressure at high RPM (revolutions per minute). This allows them to fully open at correct temperature consistently regardless of engine RPM. The design also provides the high flow that engines operated a higher RPM need. This thermostat also features a copper/brass construction to further resist corrosion. Mr. Gasket High Performance / High Flow Thermostats are suitable for street, drag race, or oval track applications.

Product Features:
  • Opens At 180 Degrees
  • Designed to Resist Large Variations of Coolant Pressure at High RPM
  • Fully Opens at Correct Temperature Consistently Regardless of Engine RPM
  • For High Performance Street, Drag Race, and Oval Track
  • Copper & Brass Construction – Resists Corrosion
  • High Flow
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(20 reviews)
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Competition Cams – Set of 16 O-Ring Valve Seals for Stock Guide Size, 11/32" Valve Stem (Part No.501-16)

Set of 16 O-Ring Valve Seals for Stock Guide Size, 11/32" Valve Stem

from

$223.99
VALVE SEALS, O-RING 11/32″ 1 ST
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(1 reviews)
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Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9724)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

from

$106.99
Product Features:
  • Use W/ Valve Springs Part #5822, 5882, 5896, 5872, 5867, 5812, 5857
  • Set of 16
  • 1.50 in. Outside Diameter
  • Steel Material
  • Black Oxide Finish
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Popular 1961 Pontiac Safari Performance Engines Categories

Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats
Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats
Performance Engine Water Pumps
Performance Engine Water Pumps
Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets
Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets
Performance Engine Camshaft and Lifter Kits
Performance Engine Camshaft and Lifter Kits
Performance Engine Timing Sets and Components
Performance Engine Timing Sets and Components
Performance Engine Valve Springs
Performance Engine Valve Springs
Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets
Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets
Performance Engine Rocker Arms
Performance Engine Rocker Arms
Performance Engine Camshafts
Performance Engine Camshafts
Performance Engine Oil Pan Gaskets
Performance Engine Oil Pan Gaskets
Performance Engine Valve Lifters
Performance Engine Valve Lifters
Performance Engine Push Rod Guideplates
Performance Engine Push Rod Guideplates
Performance Engine Push Rods
Performance Engine Push Rods
Performance Engine Valve Spring Retainer
Performance Engine Valve Spring Retainer
Performance Engine Valve Stem Seal Sets
Performance Engine Valve Stem Seal Sets

Most Popular Performance Engine Oil Pan Gasket for 1961 Pontiac Safaris

Enhance your 1961 Pontiac Safari with this popular Performance Engine Oil Pan Gasket we have in stock, for $30.49.
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1814)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

from

$30.49
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Felcoid/Plus gaskets have a fiber sheet core and a latex rubber coating to eliminate potential leakage paths. The core material resists crushing and splitting, while providing excellent blowout resistance.
  • With steel core to provide ultimate excellent blowout resistance.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
See More
View Product

Best-Selling 1961 Pontiac Safari Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats

Upgrade your Safari with one of our 3 best-selling Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats, earning an average 4 stars rating across 32 reviews.
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Mr. Gasket – High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow (Part No.4364)

High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow

from

$29.99
Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostats are designed to resist large variations of coolant pressure at high RPM (revolutions per minute). This allows them to fully open at correct temperature consistently regardless of engine RPM. The design also provides the high flow that engines operated a higher RPM need. This thermostat also features a copper/brass construction to further resist corrosion. Mr. Gasket High Performance / High Flow Thermostats are suitable for street, drag race, or oval track applications.

Product Features:
  • Opens At 180 Degrees
  • Designed to Resist Large Variations of Coolant Pressure at High RPM
  • Fully Opens at Correct Temperature Consistently Regardless of Engine RPM
  • For High Performance Street, Drag Race, and Oval Track
  • Copper & Brass Construction – Resists Corrosion
  • High Flow
See More

(20 reviews)
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Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat – 160 Degree Brass & Copper (Part No.4363)

High Performance Thermostat - 160 Degree Brass & Copper

from

$29.49
Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostats are designed to resist large variations of coolant pressure at high RPM (revolutions per minute). This allows them to fully open at correct temperature consistently regardless of engine RPM. The design also provides the high flow that engines operated a higher RPM need. This thermostat also features a copper/brass construction to further resist corrosion. Mr. Gasket High Performance / High Flow Thermostats are suitable for street, drag race, or oval track applications.

Product Features:
  • Opens at 160 Degrees
  • Designed to Resist Large Variations of Coolant Pressure at High RPM
  • Fully opens at Correct Temperature Consistently Regardless of engine RPM
  • For High Performance Street, Drag Race, and Oval Track
  • Copper & Brass Construction – Resists Corrosion
  • High Flow
See More

(12 reviews)
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Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)

High Performance Thermostat

from

$31.99
Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostats are designed to resist large variations of coolant pressure at high RPM (revolutions per minute). This allows them to fully open at correct temperature consistently regardless of engine RPM. The design also provides the high flow that engines operated a higher RPM need. This thermostat also features a copper/brass construction to further resist corrosion. Mr. Gasket High Performance / High Flow Thermostats are suitable for street, drag race, or oval track applications.

Product Features:
  • Opens At 195 Degrees
  • Designed to Resist Large Variations of Coolant Pressure at High RPM
  • Fully Opens at Correct Temperature Consistently Regardless of Engine RPM
  • For High Performance Street, Drag Race, and Oval Track
  • Copper & Brass Construction – Resists Corrosion
  • High Flow
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Top-Quality Performance Engine Rocker Arms for 1961 Pontiac Safaris

Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Engine Rocker Arm for Pontiac Safaris and enjoy top-notch performance from $48.99.
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Competition Cams – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.19060-16)

ENGINE ROCKER ARM

from

$621.99
ENGINE ROCKER ARM
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Competition Cams – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.19061-16)

ENGINE ROCKER ARM

from

$621.99
ENGINE ROCKER ARM
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Competition Cams – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.19060-1)

ENGINE ROCKER ARM

from

$59.99
ENGINE ROCKER ARM
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Competition Cams – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.19061-1)

ENGINE ROCKER ARM

from

$48.99
ENGINE ROCKER ARM
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Top Picks for 1961 Pontiac Safari Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets

Invest in one of our 2 durable Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets for your 1961 Pontiac, knowing you’re getting trusted brands and expert craftsmanship.
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FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1622)

Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set

from

$34.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Blue Stripe performance cork-rubber gaskets use cork particles evenly distributed throughout a rubber binder resulting in a compressible gasket without leak paths.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
See More
View Product

FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1623)

Performance Valve Cover Gasket Set

from

$23.29
Fel-Pro® Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions.

Product Features:
  • Blue Stripe® performance cork-rubber gaskets use cork particles evenly distributed throughout a rubber binder resulting in a compressible gasket without leak paths.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
See More
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Our Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets for 1961 Pontiac Safaris

Make a smart move for your 1961 Pontiac Safari with our Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gasket for $54.99.
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FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1016)

Performance Cylinder Head Gasket

from

$54.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions.

Product Features:
  • Fel-Pro Performance head gaskets accommodate the high cylinder pressures and cylinder head movement associated with performance engines.
  • Inserted within a stainless steel armor surrounding each cylinder, wire ring design provides highly concentrated sealing around the combustion chamber.
  • Raises combustion sealing force to roughly three times that of standard head gaskets.
  • Steel wire rings for the greatest combustion seal strength.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
See More
View Product

Top-Rated Performance Engine Brands For Your 1961 Pontiac Safari

When it comes to finding the perfect Performance Engine for your 1961 Pontiac Safari, Advance Auto Parts has you covered with a wide selection of high-quality OEM and aftermarket options from 4 trusted brands. We carry the most popular Performance Engine brands including Edelbrock and Competition Cams, and more, all known for their exceptional customer ratings (average brand rating of 4.4 stars) and competitive prices, as low as $223.99. Purchasing a Performance Engine from us here at Advance Auto Parts is a smart move for both you and your 1961 Pontiac Safari, providing peace of mind with parts that meet or exceed OEM standards.

Popular Edelbrock 1961 Pontiac Safari Performance Engines

If you’re looking for a top-quality Performance Engine for your 1961 Pontiac Safari, Advance Auto Parts has exactly what you need with our selection of Edelbrock Performance Engines. We have 1 Edelbrock Performance Engines in stock for this fitment, all known for their durability and precision fit. With prices starting at just $405.99, you’ll find the perfect Performance Engine for your needs and budget. Edelbrock Performance Engines for the 1961 Pontiac Safari come highly rated, with over 1 customer reviews and an impressive average rating of 4.4 stars. Choosing a Edelbrock Performance Engine from Advance Auto Parts is a smart move to ensure quality and value for your vehicle.
Water Pump for Pontiac, Standard Rotation in Black Finish
from $405.99
(1)
Water Pump for Pontiac, Standard Rotation in Black Finish
“It is a great product”

Top-Quality Competition Cams 1961 Pontiac Safari Performance Engines

For those in search of a high-quality Performance Engine for their 1961 Pontiac Safari, Advance Auto Parts offers a great selection of Competition Cams Performance Engines. With 1 Competition Cams Performance Engines in stock, you can trust you’re getting top-tier parts designed for durability and a perfect fit. Prices for these Performance Engines start at just $223.99, giving you a range of options to suit your budget. Backed by over 1 customer ratings and an average rating of 4.1 stars, Competition Cams Performance Engines provide both reliability and excellent performance. Choosing a Competition Cams Performance Engine from Advance Auto Parts is a smart investment in your vehicle’s performance and longevity.
Set of 16 O-Ring Valve Seals for Stock Guide Size, 11/32" Valve Stem
from $223.99
(1)
Set of 16 O-Ring Valve Seals for Stock Guide Size, 11/32" Valve Stem
“Replaced as original, super easy to install!”

FAQs for 1961 Pontiac Safari Performance Engines

What are the best-selling Performance Engines for 1961 Pontiac Safaris?

Out of 83 Performance Engines that fit 1961 Pontiac Safaris, the following parts are the top sellers:

What’s the price range for 1961 Pontiac Safari Performance Engines?

The prices of Performance Engines for the 1961 Pontiac Safari range from $7.99 up to $743.99 for the most premium parts.

What is the average price of a Performance Engine for a 1961 Pontiac Safari?

The average price for Performance Engines for the 1961 Pontiac Safari is $260.48. Keep in mind the variety of part types within our Performance Engine category, where you are likely to find a wide range of prices across a variety of parts and components.

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Engines for other Pontiac Safari model years?

Yes, we carry Performance Engines for 7 model years of Pontiac Safaris between 1955 and 1965. The following model years are the most popular for Performance Engine purchases: 1965, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1960, 1959, 1958, and 1955.

What are the cheapest Performance Engines for my 1961 Pontiac Safari?

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Engines for any other 1961 Pontiac models?

Yes. We stock Performance Engines for 4 other popular 1961 Pontiac models. Some of the most popular are 1961 Bonneville Performance Engines, 1961 Catalina Performance Engines, 1961 Ventura Performance Engines, 1961 Tempest Performance Engines, and 1961 Star Chief Performance Engines.

What are the top-rated Performance Engines that fit the 1961 Pontiac Safari?

The one 1961 Pontiac Safari Performance Engine we have in stock is the Flat 1 Piece Guide Plate for AMC 290-401/Pontiac V8 with 5/16" Pushrod 7/16" Stud. It costs $7.99.

What types of Performance Engines do you sell for my 1961 Pontiac Safari?

As of 11/2/25, these are some of the most in-demand types of Performance Engines for a 1961 Pontiac Safari:

Can I get help with 1961 Pontiac Safari Performance Engine orders?

Contact our customer support team by chat or phone, through the help desk page, where you can find instant answers about Pontiac Performance Engines and more.

What is your return policy for Pontiac Safari Performance Engines?

Advance Auto Parts keeps returns simple. For new Pontiac Safari Performance Engines and accessories, your online orders can be returned, in their original condition, within 45 days. For requirements, see the returns page.

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