1978 Ford Thunderbird Performance and Racing Products

Essential 1978 Ford Thunderbird Performance and Racing Products

Edelbrock – Front Timing Cover Gasket Set #6991 For Small-Block Ford, With Front Seal (Part No.6991)

Front Timing Cover Gasket Set #6991 For Small-Block Ford, With Front Seal

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$28.99
Available in kits including front cover gasket, crankshaft seal, fuel pump and water pump gasket or including cover gasket and front seal.

Product Features:
  • Timing Cover Gasket And Oil Seal Kit
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MSD Ignition – Distributor Cap and Rotor Kit; MSD/Ford V8; 85-95 (Part No.8482)

Distributor Cap and Rotor Kit; MSD/Ford V8; 85-95

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$52.99
The cap and rotor of any ignition system must be considered maintenance items. Just as you change the oil and filter of your car, you should always replace the cap and rotor as a set. To make things easy, we now offer these cap and rotor replacement kits.

Product Features:
  • Rynite Injection Molded Caps And Retainers
  • Designed w/Performance In Mind
  • High Quality; Voltage Insulating Material
  • Stainless Terminals
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MSD Ignition – Distributor Cap; Ford HEI; Black (Part No.84083)

Distributor Cap; Ford HEI; Black

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$61.19
All the quality and performance you’ve come to expect from MSD is now available in black. Our customers have requested black parts for their builds so we’ve answered with the addition of several black distributor caps and cap and rotor kits. The black parts are built to the exact specifications of the traditional MSD red components. If you’re looking to change up the look under the hood of your street machine, off-road rig or race car; check out the complete line of MSD black components.

Product Features:
  • Injection Molded From DuPont Rynite Material
  • Extreme strength; high dielectric properties
  • Designed with performance in mind
  • High quality; voltage insulating material
  • Brass terminals
  • Black in color
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Competition Cams – VALVE SPRING KIT, FOR LS 1.310" BEEHIVE 1 KT (Part No.26918CS-KIT)

VALVE SPRING KIT, FOR LS 1.310" BEEHIVE 1 KT

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$592.99
This Beehive Valve Spring Kit for LS engines is designed for hydraulic roller cams and includes carefully matched Beehive Springs, steel retainers, locks, seals and spring seats. With a .625″ maximum lift, these Beehive Valve Springs deliver increased valve train stability and a much lighter valve train. This is achieved with less spring pressure for better valve control and reduced weight of both the spring and retainer. The unique Beehive shape handles valve train stress more efficiently to eliminate damaging harmonics and increases high RPM horsepower and durability. The oval/multi-arc wire shape places the maximum area of the wire at the point of highest stress to handle valve train stress more efficiently and allow better heat dissipation for longer life.Kit Includes:26918-16 Beehive Valve Springs774-16 Steel Retainers623-16 7° Steel Valve Locks511-16 Valve Seals4705-16 Spring Seats

Product Features:
  • Kit includes part #26918-16 Beehive valve springs and matching steel retainers, 7° valve locks, valve seals and spring seats
  • Kits designed for hydraulic roller cams
  • .625″ maximum lift springs
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Accel – Supercoil (Part No.140001)

Supercoil

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$105.99
Engineered for faster rise time, longer spark duration and increased performance. Unique design with premium grade wire, special low resistance, high turns ratio windings. Produces higher spark energy with breakerless electronic ignition systems. For points application the supplied 0.85 ohm ballast resistor must be used in conjunction with the vehicle original ballast resistor, if so equipped. Oversized molded case with integral cooling fins and high capacity oil filled construction provide high thermal conductivity ensuring cool operation and long life. Extra tall tan Alkyd tower and integral voltage dam eliminate “flashover” to primary terminals. Comes complete with mounting hardware and 0.85 ohm ballast resistor. Effective up to 6,500 RPM.

Product Features:
  • Oil Filled For Better Cooling
  • Optimized Low Resistance
  • Silicon Magnetic Steel E-Core
  • Higher Energy/Voltage Outputs
  • Quicker Starts
  • Improved Idle Quality
  • Resists Shock And Vibration
  • Resists Corrosion
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MSD Ignition – Distributor; Ford 351C-460; Vacuum Advance (Part No.8477)

Distributor; Ford 351C-460; Vacuum Advance

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$570.99
The street Pro-Billet distributors are the perfect choice for powerful engines that see plenty of street time. The street models share the same features as the small diameter models shown above, plus feature a vacuum advance. This canister provides improved economy and an accurate mechanical advance lets you dial-in an advance curve to match your driving needs. A magnetic pick-up produces accurate trigger signals that remain stable throughout the entire RPM range of your engine and is completely maintenance-free.

Product Features:
  • Billet housing 5/8 in. smaller dia. than stock Ford distributors
  • CARB E.O. Approved
  • Easy-to-adjust mech. advance w/supplied springs and stop bushings
  • Vacuum advance canister for improved economy (can be locked out)
  • CNC machined billet aluminum housing and billet aluminum base
  • Maintenance-free magnetic pickup and precision reluctor
  • Creates stable trigger signals throughout the rpm range
  • QPQ coated polished steel shaft; guided by sealed ball bearings
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Mr. Gasket – Valve Cover Gasket (Part No.275)

Valve Cover Gasket

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$42.49
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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Weiand – Action +Plus; Intake Manifold (Part No.8010)

Action +Plus; Intake Manifold

from

$349.99
New Everbright(TM) Manifold coating now available on the most popular Weiand and Holley intakes uses proprietary vacuum metalizing technology combined with a protective clear powdercoat to provide long lasting, virtually maintenance free polished looks.

Product Features:
  • Low Rise/Dual Plane Design For Maximum Torque
  • Permanent Mold Casting Process
  • Lighter/Smoother/Better Looking/Consistent Casting
  • Dyno Proven To Make 25hp Over Competition
  • Fully CNC Machined For A Perfect Fit
  • Square Bore Carburetor Flange
  • Exhaust Crossover For Improved Street Drivability
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Competition Cams – Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Roller Cam for Ford 221-302 (Part No.31-600-8)

Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Roller Cam for Ford 221-302

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$522.99
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, the Thumpr series’ early i

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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Hurst – Manual Shifter, Competition Plus (Part No.3916848)

Manual Shifter, Competition Plus

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$499.99
The industry standard for over 30 years, this shifter offers state of the art transmission control for popular manual transmissions. Dedicated applications assure a custom fit to a wide variety of vehicles.

Product Features:
  • High Ratio Pivot Mechanism
  • Adjustable Bias Spring Loads
  • Adjustable Stops
  • Chrome Plated Steel Bolt On Stick
  • Easy Installation
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Energy Suspension – Tie Rod Dust Boot (Part No.9.13102G)

Tie Rod Dust Boot

from

$5.99
Repair torn and worn-out boots of suspension tie rod ends – without having to buy the entire and expensive tie rod. Adds durability surpassing most OEM rubber boots. Exclusive 5 point sealing action. Choose from four sizes and round or octagon styles. Made of Energy’s Hyper-Flex performance polyurethane for added performance and durability.

Product Features:
  • Easy to Install
  • Superior Material
  • Saves Your Tie Rods
  • Lasts Longer
  • Looks Great
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Spectre – Water Neck (Part No.4232)

Water Neck

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$23.99
Spectre’s Ford small block water neck fits 1965 – 19475 Ford 221, 289, 302 and 351W engines. This water neck has been designed around the OEM specifications and has a chrome plated finish for a lasting look that fits great. This water neck includes the bolts and sealing O-ring, and also features a 1/2 inch outside diameter by-pass hose connection.

Product Features:
  • Fits 1965 – 19475 Ford 221, 289, 302 and 351W engines
  • Includes bolts and sealing O-ring
  • Has additional 1/2 inch by-pass hose fitting
  • Chrome plated
  • Designed for OEM fit
  • Easy to install
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Sure-Lock Rocker Arm Nuts (Part No.923G)

Ultra Seal: Sure-Lock Rocker Arm Nuts

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$87.19
Designed to keep the rocker arms positively locked for precise and critical valve train adjustments. Manufactured from quality grade steel, then heat-treated for extra strength and plated with a durable finish. Kits include 16 rocker arm nuts with socket head set screws and one hex key wrench.

Product Features:
  • (16) Rocker Arm Nuts w/ Locks 3/8″-24 Threads
  • Shank O.D. .540″
  • Includes Locks and Hex Wrench
  • High-Quality Grade Steel
  • Heat-Treated For Ex Strength
  • Plated With Durable Gold Tone Finish
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Energy Suspension – Sway Bar Bushing Set (Part No.4.5135R)

Sway Bar Bushing Set

from

$18.99
Energy Suspension performance polyurethane sway bar bushings and end links offer the greatest improvement in performance among all the products Energy offers. They make a vehicle’s sway bar system much more effective like adding a larger, higher performance sway bar! Economy, increased efficiency, and easy installation are just some of the reasons these products are so popular. Made of Hyper-Flex polyurethane that lasts much longer than O.E.M. rubber bushings.

Product Features:
  • Allows Sway Bar System to Work At 100% Efficiency
  • Zerk Type Fittings
  • Allows for Periodic Greasing
  • Lasts Much Longer Than OEM Rubber Bushings
  • Handling Characteristics Improve Dramatically
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Mr. Gasket – Super Intake Manifold Bolts (Part No.6082)

Super Intake Manifold Bolts

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$43.99
Super Intake Manifold Bolts

MSD Ignition – Wire Set; Black Super Conductor; Ford 351C-460 with HEI Cap (Part No.35383)

Wire Set; Black Super Conductor; Ford 351C-460 with HEI Cap

from

$181.99
The MSD 8.5mm super conductor wire is the performance wire. Engineered from the inside out, the 8.5 offers everything you have ever wanted in a wire; incredibly low resistance without electronic interference. In a single 12 inch length of super conductor wire there is only 40 – 50 ohms of resistance. That is the lowest resistance of any helically wound wire. To accomplish this, we use a copper alloy conductor due to it’s great voltage carrying capabilities. The low resistance results in less loss in spark energy so more reaches the spark plug. The conductor is wound extremely tight around a special center core. So tight in fact, that there is over 40 feet of conductor wrapped into a single foot of plug wire. This winding procedure, combined with a ferro-magnetic impregnated center core, produces an extremely effective electro magnetic interference (EMI) or choke. This choke, or suppression capability, keeps the EMI inside the wire where it cannot interfere with other electronics on your vehicle. The outer sleeve that surrounds the conductor assembly is just as impressive. A proprietary blend of silicone and synthetic material produce a sleeve that is highly resistant to high heat as well as abrasion and tears. Available in universal kits and bulk lengths.

Product Features:
  • Bolt-on Performance
  • Custom Fit For Make And Model Listed
  • Wires Are Pre-Cut To Exact Specifications
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Motive Gear – Differential Carrier (Part No.D3TZ4204A)

Differential Carrier

from

$226.99


Product Features:
  • FORD 9″ EMPTY POSI CASE – 28 & 31 SPLINES
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Lakewood – Clutch Fork Pivot Ball-Adj:GM (Part No.15501)

Clutch Fork Pivot Ball-Adj:GM

from

$45.99
Designed to allow additional adjustment of the clutch fork height to eliminate clutch release problems when installing a high performance clutch. Recommended for use with Lakewood safety bell housings. Available for most GM, Ford, and Mopar applications. Adjustable dowel pins correct for improper register bore alignment of bell housing.

Product Features:
  • Allows Additional Adjustment
  • Eliminates Clutch Release Problems
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Flowmaster Inc. – 50 Series Muffler, 2in Offset Inlet 2in Center Outlet, Non-Reversible, Moderate Sound (Part No.942051)

50 Series Muffler, 2in Offset Inlet 2in Center Outlet, Non-Reversible, Moderate Sound

from

$154.99
The three chamber design utilizes Flowmaster’s patented Delta Flow technology along with an internal tuning chamber to reduce sound inside the vehicle. Provides the same performance and exterior tone characteristics as the two chamber, but with less interior resonance. Constructed of 16 gauge aluminized steel and fully MIG welded for maximum durability.
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Holley – Keith Dorton Series; VoluMax Race Series Fuel Pump (Part No.12-289-20)

Keith Dorton Series; VoluMax Race Series Fuel Pump

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$217.99
Keith Dorton Series VoluMax race series fuel pump made from heavy duty construction for continuous high RPM operation. Redesigned high flow valves always ensure adequate fuel delivery. Fuel pressure regulator is required. Fuel body casting can be rotated

Product Features:
  • High Output Fuel Flow
  • Flows 170+ gph Free Flow
  • Shutoff Pressure Pre-Set At 8 PSI
  • Fuel Pressure Regulator Is Not Required
  • Heavy Duty Construction For Continuous High rpm Operation
  • Redesigned High Flow Valves Always Ensure Adequate Fuel Delivery
  • Fuel Body Casting Can Be Rotated For Plumbing Situations
  • Inlet And Outlet Tapped For 3/8 in. NPT
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Hays – Flexplt: Bb Ford 70-97 (164T) (Part No.12-055)

Flexplt: Bb Ford 70-97 (164T)

from

$185.99
Flexplt: Bb Ford 70-97 (164T)

Mr. Gasket – Engfullgsktset (Part No.7127)

Engfullgsktset

from

$80.99
Kit includes cylinder head gaskets, intake gaskets, exhaust gaskets, oil pan gaskets, valve cover gaskets, timing cover gaskets, fuel pump gaskets, water pump gaskets, distributor gaskets, thermostat gaskets, and rear main seals. For OE replacement, high-performance street, drag racing, or oval track racing.

Product Features:
  • Designed for stock, non-high performance engine rebuilds
  • Engineered to meet or exceed OE gasket and seal specifications
  • Overhaul gasket kits include all gaskets and seals to complete engine rebuild
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Edelbrock – SBF Timing Cover, 65-78 289(non K-Code) & 302 69-87 351 (Part No.4250)

SBF Timing Cover, 65-78 289(non K-Code) & 302 69-87 351

from

$210.99


Product Features:
  • Designed for 1500 to 7000 Performance
  • Large Plenum
  • Long Tapered Runners
  • 90mm. Throttle Body Opening
  • Polished Finish
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Mallory – Mallory Kit: Unil Conv: Delco: V8 (Part No.501)

Mallory Kit: Unil Conv: Delco: V8

from

$134.99
Put an end to high maintenance point ignition systems by installing a proven Mallory Unilite ignition conversion kit. Features at a glance, improves performance and fuel efficiency, easy to install with simple hand tools, reduced maintenance and is available for all popular 12-volt negative ground domestic cars and trucks.

Product Features:
  • Easy Installation
  • Improved Fuel Economy
  • Reduced Maintenance
  • Accurate Timing
  • Improved Performance
  • Provides A Simple Conversion
  • No Moving Parts To Wear Out
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Mr. Gasket – Enhancement Products (Part No.8830)

Enhancement Products

from

$70.99
Replace your stock black engine pulleys with a pair of chrome plated steel pulleys from Mr. Gasket. The pulleys are highly polished then chrome plated for lasting beauty.

Product Features:
  • Highly polished for lasting beauty
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Competition Cams – High Energy/Marine 218/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Ford 429,460 (Part No.CL34-227-4)

High Energy/Marine 218/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Ford 429,460

from

$426.99
Ideal for use with mainly stock components like rocker arms, intake manifolds, cylinder heads, compression ratio, torque converters and rear gear ratios, the High Energy camshaft grind family is a great choice for street performance applications. Offering

Product Features:
  • Good blend of efficiency and performance.
  • Perfect choice for performance street rebuilds.
  • Work well with mainly stock components such as rockers, manifolds, heads, compression, torque converters and gears.
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Energy Suspension – Strut Rod Bushing Set (Part No.4.7117G)

Strut Rod Bushing Set

from

$32.99
These performance polyurethane components help reduce common wheel roll-under. This occurs when stopping abruptly, especially when using performance tires for both front of rear drive vehicles is so equipped. Replaces that original, short lived and too-soft O.E.M, rubber on front wheel drive vehicles – diminishes wheel hop and traction loss during standing start accelerations. Better maintains proper alignment under extreme conditions. Made of Energy’s Hyper-Flex performance polyurethane to add both performance and durability.

Product Features:
  • Made from HYPER-Flex Polyurethane
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Richmond Gear – RngPnn (Part No.69-0284-1)

RngPnn

from

$577.99
RngPnn

Popular 1978 Ford Thunderbird Performance and Racing Products Categories

1978 Ford Thunderbird Performance and Racing Products

You count on your 1978 Ford Thunderbird to run right. That means taking care of it with regular maintenance, necessary repairs, and the right parts. Advance Auto Parts can help with all of that thanks to our extensive inventory of trusted Performance and Racing Products. With 162 Performance and Racing Products ranging in price from $5.99 to $788.99, you’re sure to find everything you need for your 1978 Ford Thunderbird.

Brands matter. If you want to shop a specific Performance and Racing Products brand, we stock 22 different brands like Accel, Mr. Gasket, and FEL-PRO Performance. 1978 Ford Thunderbird Performance and Racing Products start as low as $5.99!

One of the best ways to find top quality OEM or aftermarket Performance and Racing Products is by asking professionals. Short of that, you can shop with confidence thanks to our 365 extensive product reviews on 1978 Ford Thunderbird Performance and Racing Products. Some of the top-rated Performance and Racing Products products we carry are Water Neck with 3.8 stars and Distributor; Ford 351W; Ready-to-Run with 3.2 stars.

Did we mention you can order your Performance and Racing Products from our online catalog and have them shipped right to your garage? Or, if you feel like seeing the parts first-hand, search for your nearest Advance Auto Parts location above and pick up in-store when you’re ready. Browse our full Performance and Racing Products inventory for your 1978 Ford Thunderbird below to get started!

Top-Rated Performance and Racing Products Brands For Your 1978 Ford Thunderbird

Trusted Performance and Racing Products OEM and aftermarket product brands are what Advance Auto Parts specializes in. The brands we work with are sure to keep that 1978 Ford Thunderbird running right for years to come. In our inventory you’ll find brands like Accel, Mr. Gasket, FEL-PRO Performance, and even more.

Popular Proform Performance and Racing Products

You’ll find popular Proform brand products across Performance Distributors. All are waiting to get your 1978 Ford Thunderbird back on the road. Some of the top-rated Proform products in these categories are:
Ford HEI Distributor, Red Cap, For Ford 289-302 V8 Engines
from $228.99
(4)
Ford HEI Distributor, Red Cap, For Ford 289-302 V8 Engines
Performance Distributors

FAQs for 1978 Ford Thunderbird Performance and Racing Products

What are the most purchased Performance and Racing Products for the 1978 Ford Thunderbird?

Out of 162 Performance and Racing Products for the 1978 Ford Thunderbird, the most popular in our inventory are:
High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow
from $26.99
(20)
High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow
Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats
Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 11 Piece Set
from $33.99
(4)
Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 11 Piece Set
Performance Engine Intake Manifold Gaskets
Tie Rod Dust Boot
from $9.99
(3)
Tie Rod Dust Boot
Performance Tie Rod End Boots

What are the top-rated 1978 Ford Thunderbird Performance and Racing Products?

Top-rated Performance and Racing Products for your 1978 Ford Thunderbird based on customer reviews/ratings are:
Water Neck
from $19.99
(12)
Water Neck
“FINALLY… first time not having to re-do flimsy paper gaskets. Aside from thicker cork gasket, O ring is only way to go !”
Distributor; Ford 351W; Ready-to-Run
from $569.99
(6)
Distributor; Ford 351W; Ready-to-Run
“Reading all these reviews, it’s obvious the poor reviews are from people who didn’t use the product correctly and with the wrong tools. If you can’t ”
High Perf. Full-Flow Lube Spin-on
from $16.99
(4)
High Perf. Full-Flow Lube Spin-on
“Filter size for my boat. OMC 460. works fine. HP filters have a bypass so that clogs do not cause the engine to starve for oil… important for HP eng”