1961 Pontiac Tempest Performance Engines

Name: Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Roller Cam and Lifter Kit
Brand: Competition Cams
SKU: CL12-600-8
Price: 1152.99 USD

Please Select your Vehicle to See Exact Fit Parts

Keep Your 1961 Pontiac Tempest 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 Tempest looking sharp and performing at its best. At Advance Auto Parts we carry a wide selection of dependable options, including Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets, Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats, and Performance Engine Oil Pan Gaskets. 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. For example, Competition Cams Performance Engines start at just $223.99 with an average 4.1 star rating. With over 81 reviews and a solid 5 star average, you can shop with confidence knowing other Pontiac Tempest owners approve.

Competitive Prices and Extensive Inventory

The average price for a 1961 Pontiac Tempest Performance Engine at Advance Auto Parts is around $233.91, with a range that starts at $10.99 and goes up to $1,137.00. With 41 options in stock from 3 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like High Performance Thermostat, VALVE SEALS, 11/32" TEFLON 1 ST, and PERFORMANCE OIL PAN 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 Tempest in peak condition, inside and out.

Looking for the perfect Performance Engine for your 1961 Pontiac Tempest? 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 Tempest. Whether you’re driving a 1961 model or another popular model year like 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, and 1970, 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 Tempest Performance Engines

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$1152.99

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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$963.99

SMALL BLOCK CHEVY HYDRAULIC CAM AND LIFTER KIT – Mutha’ Thumpr: High performance street/strip, needs 9:1 compression, 2500+ stall, intake, gears and headers, rough idle.

Product Features:

Cam and lifter kit for Small Block Chevy engines
CL-Kit includes cam, lifters, assembly lube, instructions and decals
HYDRAULIC – Mutha’ Thumpr: High performance street/strip, needs 9:1 compression, 2500+ stall, intake, gears and headers, rough idle.
287/305 Advertised Duration, 235/249 Duration @ .050″, .489″/.476″ Lift, 107 Lobe Separation
Valve spring upgrade required

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$31.49

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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$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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$75.99

These are high quality nuts with allen set screws to provide you with that positive lock needed for Race or original equipment Rocker Arms.

Product Features:

They Are Zinc Dichromate Plated Steel
They Have Black Oxide Coated Set Screws
Keeps Rocker Arms Positively Locked
(16) Rocker Arm Nuts w/ Locks 3/8″-24 Threads
Includes Locks and Hex Wrench
Shank O.D. .603″

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$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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$223.99

COMP Cams offers a complete line of valve stem seals, from the umbrella seals to the positive-stop Teflon seal. These seals are a must to keep unwanted oil from entering the combustion chamber through the clearance in the valve guides. The umbrella seal is normally used when a larger-than-stock diameter spring is used, in the case of a double spring, the positive-stop Teflon seal is used. The umbrella seals require no machining, but with the Teflon seal it is necessary to disassemble the heads and machine the top of the guide with a special .530 diameter cutter. Whenever you are planning an engine overhaul or a cam change, don’t forget the valve seals.

Product Features:

Work with .530″ guides and 11/32″ valve stem diameter
Valve stem oil seals keep unwanted oil from entering the combustion chamber
Several different types of valve seals are offered

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$223.99

VALVE SEALS, O-RING 11/32″ 1 ST

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$350.99

HYDRAULIC – Mutha’ Thumpr: High performance street/strip, needs 9:1 compression, 2500+ stall, intake, gears and headers, rough idle.

Product Features:

HYDRAULIC – Mutha’ Thumpr: High performance street/strip, needs 9:1 compression, 2500+ stall, intake, gears and headers, rough idle.
287/305 Advertised Duration, 235/249 Duration @ .050″, .489″/.476″ Lift, 107 Lobe Separation
Valve spring upgrade required

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$258.99

HYDRAULIC – Xtreme Energy: Very strong mid-range torque and throttle response, 2200+ stall.

Product Features:

HYDRAULIC – Xtreme Energy: Very strong mid-range torque and throttle response, 2200+ stall.
274/286 Advertised Duration, 230/236 Duration @ .050″, .490″/.490″ Lift, 110 Lobe Separation
Valve spring upgrade required
Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.

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$251.99

HYDRAULIC – Xtreme Energy: Great for street machines, largest cam for stock converter, better with 2000 stall.

Product Features:

HYDRAULIC – Xtreme Energy: Great for street machines, largest cam for stock converter, better with 2000 stall.
268/280 Advertised Duration, 224/230 Duration @ .050″, .477″/.480″ Lift, 110 Lobe Separation
Valve spring upgrade required
Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.

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$74.99

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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$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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$22.99

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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$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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$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.

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$43.49

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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$32.49

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 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

Popular 1961 Pontiac Tempest Performance Engines Categories

Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats

Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets

Performance Engine Camshaft and Lifter Kits

Performance Engine Valve Springs

Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets

Performance Engine Rocker Arms

Performance Engine Camshafts

Performance Engine Oil Pan Gaskets

Performance Engine Valve Lifters

Performance Engine Push Rod Guideplates

Performance Engine Push Rods

Performance Engine Valve Spring Retainer

Performance Engine Valve Stem Seal Sets

Most Popular Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets for 1961 Pontiac Tempests

Enhance your 1961 Pontiac Tempest with one of the 2 Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets we have in stock, starting at just $23.29.

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$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.

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.

Best-Selling 1961 Pontiac Tempest Performance Engine Coolant Thermostat

Upgrade your Tempest with our best-selling Performance Engine Coolant Thermostat.

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$32.49

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

Top-Quality Performance Engine Oil Pan Gaskets for 1961 Pontiac Tempests

Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Engine Oil Pan Gasket for Pontiac Tempests and enjoy top-notch performance from $30.49.

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$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.

Top Picks for 1961 Pontiac Tempest Performance Engine Rocker Arms

Invest in one of our 4 durable Performance Engine Rocker Arms for your 1961 Pontiac, knowing you’re getting trusted brands and expert craftsmanship.

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$621.99

ENGINE ROCKER ARM

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$241.99

ENGINE ROCKER ARM

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$59.99

ENGINE ROCKER ARM

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$48.99

ENGINE ROCKER ARM

Our Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets for 1961 Pontiac Tempests

Make a smart move for your 1961 Pontiac Tempest with our Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gasket for $54.99.

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$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.

Top-Rated Performance Engine Brands For Your 1961 Pontiac Tempest

When it comes to finding the perfect Performance Engine for your 1961 Pontiac Tempest, Advance Auto Parts has you covered with a wide selection of high-quality OEM and aftermarket options from 3 trusted brands. We carry the most popular Performance Engine brands including Competition Cams, and more, all known for their exceptional customer ratings (average brand rating of 4.1 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 Tempest, providing peace of mind with parts that meet or exceed OEM standards.

Popular Competition Cams 1961 Pontiac Tempest Performance Engines

If you’re looking for a top-quality Performance Engine for your 1961 Pontiac Tempest, Advance Auto Parts has exactly what you need with our selection of Competition Cams Performance Engines. We have 1 Competition Cams Performance Engines in stock for this fitment, all known for their durability and precision fit. With prices starting at just $223.99, you’ll find the perfect Performance Engine for your needs and budget. Competition Cams Performance Engines for the 1961 Pontiac Tempest come highly rated, with over 1 customer reviews and an impressive average rating of 4.1 stars. Choosing a Competition Cams Performance Engine from Advance Auto Parts is a smart move to ensure quality and value for your vehicle.

from $223.99

(1)

Valve Seals, O-Ring 11/32" 1 St

“Replaced as original, super easy to install!”

FAQs for 1961 Pontiac Tempest Performance Engines

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

Out of 41 Performance Engines that fit 1961 Pontiac Tempests, the following parts are the top sellers:

High Performance Thermostat (22903641) – $32.49
VALVE SEALS, 11/32" TEFLON 1 ST (10043400) – $223.99
PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (19781419) – $30.49

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

The prices of Performance Engines for the 1961 Pontiac Tempest range from $10.99 up to $1,137.00 for the most premium parts.

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

The average price for Performance Engines for the 1961 Pontiac Tempest is $233.91. 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 Tempest model years?

Yes, we carry Performance Engines for 7 model years of Pontiac Tempests between 1963 and 1970. The following model years are the most popular for Performance Engine purchases: 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964, and 1963.

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

The cheapest 1961 Pontiac Tempest Performance Engines we carry are:

10 Degree Steel Retainer for 26120 Beehive Spring (50289146) – $10.99
7 Degree Steel Retainer for 3/8" Valves with 1.500"-1.550" Spring (50289506) – $10.99
7 Degree Steel Retainer for 11/32" Valve with 1.437"-1.500" Spring (50289120) – $10.99
7 Degree Steel Retainer for 11/32" Valves with 1.500"-1.550" Spring (50289132) – $10.99
Valve Spring, 1.384" 2 Spring (50286949) – $11.99

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 Safari Performance Engines, and 1961 Star Chief Performance Engines.

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

The one 1961 Pontiac Tempest Performance Engine we have in stock is the 10 Degree Steel Retainer for 26120 Beehive Spring. It costs $10.99.

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

As of 3/1/26, these are some of the most in-demand types of Performance Engines for a 1961 Pontiac Tempest:

Can I get help with 1961 Pontiac Tempest 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 Tempest Performance Engines?

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

1961 Pontiac Tempest Performance Engines

Competition Cams – Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Roller Cam and Lifter Kit (Part No.CL12-600-8)

Competition Cams – Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit (Part No.CL12-601-4)

FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1819)

FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1814)

Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Sure-Lock Rocker Arm Nuts (Part No.920G)

Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9724)

Competition Cams – VALVE SEALS, 11/32" TEFLON 1 ST (Part No.503-16)

Competition Cams – Valve Seals, O-Ring 11/32" 1 St (Part No.501-16)

Competition Cams – Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.12-601-4)

Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 230/236 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.12-246-3)

Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 224/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.12-242-2)

FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1025)

FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1016)

FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1640)

FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1622)

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

Mr. Gasket – Gskt Valve Cover (Part No.576)

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

FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1622)

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

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

FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1814)

Competition Cams – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.19060-16)

Competition Cams – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.1452-16)

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

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

FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1016)