1978 Pontiac Sunbird Performance Engines

Essential 1978 Pontiac Sunbird Performance Engines

FEL-PRO Performance – Cylinder Head Gasket: Multi-Layered Steel, Without Head Bolts (Part No.1003)

Cylinder Head Gasket: Multi-Layered Steel, Without Head Bolts

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$39.49
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • PROPRIETARY COATING – Nonstick anti-friction coating seals small surface imperfections
  • NO RETORQUE DESIGN – Steel core helps eliminate the need for retorquing head bolts
  • SUPERIOR SEAL – Precise embossed Printoseal sealing beads at all vital areas to eliminate leak paths
  • STRONG AND DURABLE – Features graphite or reinforced fiber facing material and steel armor for strength and durability
  • DESIGNED FOR IMPERFECT SEALING SURFACES – Engineered and manufactured specifically for the repair environment to help seal imperfect sealing surfaces
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Edelbrock – Sure Seat Valve Springs for S/B Chevy O.E Cast iron Cylinder Heads (Part No.5703)

Sure Seat Valve Springs for S/B Chevy O.E Cast iron Cylinder Heads

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$65.99
Springs made of highest quality spring wire. Springs precision wound to close tolerances. Non-Rotator style: Dyno tested and street proven. Great match to Edelbrock camshaft kit.

Product Features:
  • For Use With Cast Iron Heads
  • Springs Made of Highest Quality Spring Wire
  • Springs Precision Wound To Close Tolerances
  • Use with Original Equipment Heads Only
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Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9730)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

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$99.99
Product Features:
  • Use W/ Valve Springs Part #5703, 5794
  • Set of 16
  • 1.50 in. Outside Diameter
  • Steel Material
  • Black Oxide Finish
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Competition Cams – Magnum 7.800" Long, .080" Wall, 3/8" Diameter Pushrod Set (Part No.7513-16)

Magnum 7.800" Long, .080" Wall, 3/8" Diameter Pushrod Set

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$157.99
Magnum Pushrods from COMP Cams offer an affordable solution for your .080″ wall chromemoly pushrod needs. Designed to withstand the stresses of a high performance engine, Magnum Pushrods are head-treated for extended durability and have precision formed, reinforced ends. Magnum Pushrods are black-oxide finished with their part number and length laser etched onto the surface for easy identification.

Product Features:
  • 3/8″ Diameter, 7.800″ Length
  • Magnum Pushrods for Small Block Chevy
  • One-piece .080″ wall chromemoly steel tubing
  • Heat-treated for extended durability and guide plate compatibility
  • Precision formed and reinforced pushrod end
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Weiand – Team G; Water Pump Spacer Kit (Part No.8207)

Team G; Water Pump Spacer Kit

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$112.99
Use with a short water pump to convert to a long water pump.

Product Features:
  • Water Pump Spacer Kit
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1800)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

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$18.29
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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Edelbrock – Performer Intake Manifold for 1955-86 Small-Block Chevy, Polished Finish (Part No.21011)

Performer Intake Manifold for 1955-86 Small-Block Chevy, Polished Finish

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$566.99
Edelbrock part #21011 Performer intake manifold is designed for street 1955-86 small-block Chevys. Edelbrock’s Patented Dual-plane, low-rise design with a 180-degree firing order greatly improves torque over a wide rpm range for excellent throttle respons
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Competition Cams – Ultra-Gold ARC Rocker Set w/ 1.6 Ratio for Chevrolet Small Block w/ 3/8" Stud (Part No.19002-16)

Ultra-Gold ARC Rocker Set w/ 1.6 Ratio for Chevrolet Small Block w/ 3/8" Stud

from

$412.99
These COMP Cams Ultra-Gold Aluminum Roller Rocker Arms with a 3/8″ stud diameter and 1.6 ratio are designed for Chevrolet V8 265-400 applications. The new modern design features of these Ultra-Gold Rockers are proven to withstand extremely aggressive spring pressure and valve lift. Designed specifically for high performance street and race engines, the Ultra-Gold Aluminum Rocker Arms are precision CNC-machined to strict tolerances. Developed to meet the demands of professional engine builders, these rockers include features never before possible in an aluminum rocker arm.

Product Features:
  • CNC-machined, lightweight design removes weight and yields unrivaled quality and ratio accuracy
  • Designed for high performance street and race engines
  • Precision-sorted trunion bearings withstand elevated valve spring pressure and valve lift
  • Additional clearance, up to 1.650″ O.D. valve spring
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Spectre – Water Neck; Chevy Late Model (Part No.4730)

Water Neck; Chevy Late Model

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$23.79
Spectre’s Chevrolet late model water neck offers the normal angled water neck and a 1/2 inch NPT threaded hole for a by-pass hose. This water neck has a chrome plated finish for a lasting look great and includes the bolts.

Product Features:
  • Fits Chevy engines
  • Includes a 1/2 inch NPT threaded hole for by-pass hose
  • Includes bolts
  • Chrome plated
  • Easy to install
  • O-ring/gasket not included
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B & M – Holeshot 2000 (Part No.20416)

Holeshot 2000

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$369.99
HoleShot 2000 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) Application: HoleShot 2000 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) A higher than stock stall speed as delivered by the Holeshot c

Product Features:
  • Furnace Brazed Impeller
  • Steel Alloy Pump Drive Tube
  • Heavy Duty Needle Bearing
  • Between Stator and Turbine
  • Furnace Brazed Turbine
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Mr. Gasket – Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.585G)

Valve Cover Gasket Set

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$29.49
Molded rubber gaskets are reusable, great for engines that require valve lash maintenance. These gaskets feature Nitrile material for long life, solid steel carrier for strength and rigidity. Incorporates compression limiters to prevent fastener over-tightening.

Product Features:
  • Features Nitrile Rubber Material For Long Life
  • Molded Rubber Gaskets Are Reusable
  • Ideal For Engine Requiring Valve Lash Maintenance
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Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7802)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

from

$37.99


Product Features:
  • Solid Bushing Chain Resists Stretching
  • For Use with Stock or Edelbrock Camshafts
  • Stressproof Steel Crank Gears
  • 3 Keyway Setting Points To Ensure Accurate Timing
  • True Bearing Surface Rolls with the Sprockets
  • 50 State Street Legal
  • Not for OEM Hydraulic Roller-Lifter Camshaft Eng.
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Edelbrock – Front Timing Cover Gasket Set #6997 For Small-Block Chevy, With Front Seal (Part No.6997)

Front Timing Cover Gasket Set #6997 For Small-Block Chevy, With Front Seal

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$17.99
Product Features:
  • For Small-Block Chevy
  • One Piece Configuration
  • Includes Front Cover Gasket & Front Seal
  • Includes Necessary Gaskets & Crankshaft Oil Seal
  • For Replacement Or Installation
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FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Timing Cover Gasket (Part No.2335)

Engine Timing Cover Gasket

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$20.29
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Steel core gasket construction
  • Exclusive design permits significantly faster gasket installation while eliminating potential sealing leak paths.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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Edelbrock – Performer-Plus Camshaft Kit for Buick 231-252 V6 Even Fire (Part No.5487)

Performer-Plus Camshaft Kit for Buick 231-252 V6 Even Fire

from

$367.99


Product Features:
  • Designed for Optimum Torque and Acceleration
  • Maximum Performance From Idle through Mid-Range
  • Matched To Performer Intake PN[5486]
  • Includes Hydraulic Lifters and Assembly Lube
  • Major Improvement in Throttle Response and Torque
  • Use For Daily Drivers/Trucks/Vans/RVs/4x4s
  • Take The Guesswork Out Of Camshaft Selection
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Edelbrock – Intake Manifold Gasket for 1958-1986 Small-Block Chevy (Part No.7201)

Intake Manifold Gasket for 1958-1986 Small-Block Chevy

from

$26.99


Product Features:
  • Clean Positive Seal
  • Embossed Silicone Bead Surrounding The Port
  • Matched To Manifolds And Cylinder Heads
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Edelbrock – Intake Manifold Gasket for 1958-1986 Small-Block Chevy (Part No.72018)

Intake Manifold Gasket for 1958-1986 Small-Block Chevy

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$244.99
Any gasket can create a seal, but a good gasket can do it with reduced clamping force and for a long period of time. Edelbrock gaskets are manufactured from extremely high-quality materials and are specifically designed to fit Edelbrock intakes and cylinder heads, so there’s no chance that they will interfere with component operation.

Product Features:
  • 10-Pack of 7201 Intake Gasket Sets
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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

$26.99
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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Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)

High Performance Thermostat

from

$27.49
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
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Spectre – Chevrolet Small Block V8 Harmonic Balancer Bolt Kit (Part No.4699)

Chevrolet Small Block V8 Harmonic Balancer Bolt Kit

from

$7.99
Spectre’s Harmonic Balancer Bolt Kit is designed to fit Chevrolet Small Block 265-400 V8 engines. This grade 8 bolt is 2-1/2 inches long, and features a plated finish for corrosion resistance. This kit also includes a security lock washer.

Product Features:
  • Fits Chevrolet Small Block 265-400 V8 engines
  • Features a corrosion resistant plated finish
  • Gold iridite finish
  • Grade 8 bolt, 7/16 inch-20 by 2-1/2 inches
  • Includes security lock washer
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET (Part No.2912)

PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET

from

$36.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Fluoroelastomer compound combines optimum resistance to heat, oils and abrasion for longivity.
  • Optimizes performance under high crankcase vacuum conditions, elevated temperatures and high RPM levels.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET (Part No.2904)

PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET

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$16.29
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Meets or exceeds all original equipment specifications
  • Application specific design to ensure a perfect fit
  • Engineered and manufactured specifically for repair applications
  • Unsurpassed quality you can trust
  • Validated for fit, form, and function
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Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 250/256 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit Chevrolet Small Block (Part No.CL12-254-3)

Xtreme Energy 250/256 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit Chevrolet Small Block

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$321.99
SMALL BLOCK CHEVY HYDRAULIC CAM AND LIFTER KIT – Xtreme Energy: Pro Street/bracket, needs good intake, headers, gear and 3300+ stall.

Product Features:
  • Cam and lifter kit for Small Block Chevy engines
  • CL-Kit includes cam, lifters, assembly lube, instructions and decals
  • HYDRAULIC – Xtreme Energy: Pro Street/bracket, needs good intake, headers, gear and 3300+ stall.
  • 294/306 Advertised Duration, 250/256 Duration @ .050″, .519″/.523″ Lift, 110 Lobe Separation
  • Valve spring upgrade required
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Competition Cams – CAM & LIFTER KIT, SBC 260H HIGH ENERGY HYD 1 KT (Part No.CL12-206-2)

CAM & LIFTER KIT, SBC 260H HIGH ENERGY HYD 1 KT

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$323.99
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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Competition Cams – CAMSHAFT, SBC 252 HIGH ENERGY HYDRAULIC 1 EA (Part No.12-205-2)

CAMSHAFT, SBC 252 HIGH ENERGY HYDRAULIC 1 EA

from

$518.99
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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Competition Cams – THUMPR CAMSHAFT, SBC 1 EA (Part No.12-600-4)

THUMPR CAMSHAFT, SBC 1 EA

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$587.99
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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Competition Cams – CAMSHAFT, SBC 249 XTREME ENERGY COMPUTER CONTROLLED HYDRAULIC 1 EA (Part No.12-249-4)

CAMSHAFT, SBC 249 XTREME ENERGY COMPUTER CONTROLLED HYDRAULIC 1 EA

from

$276.99
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, the Xtreme Energy grind family offers gains in torque and horsepower while still delivering adequate vacuum for power brakes and other vacuum dependent accessories. Xtreme Energy camshafts work great in carbureted applications, but offer the best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, lower gear ratios, headers and free flowing exhaust.

Product Features:
  • HYDRAULIC – Xtreme Energy Computer Controlled: Great in throttle body, crossfire or carbureted engine and 305 TPI.
  • 249/260 Advertised Duration, 206/212 Duration @ .050″, .434″/.444″ Lift, 112 Lobe Separation
  • 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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Competition Cams – High Energy/Marine 212/212 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Chevrolet Small Block (Part No.12-206-2)

High Energy/Marine 212/212 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Chevrolet Small Block

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$284.99
HYDRAULIC – High Energy: Vans, pickups, 4WD and towing, in 350c.i., good idle, strong mid-range torque. OR High Energy Marine: Single or dual engine with inboard/outboard drive for ski and economy.

Product Features:
  • HYDRAULIC – High Energy: Vans, pickups, 4WD and towing, in 350c.i., good idle, strong mid-range torque. OR High Energy Marine: Single or dual engine with inboard/outboard drive for ski and economy.
  • 260/260 Advertised Duration, 212/212 Duration @ .050″, .440″/.440″ Lift, 110 Lobe Separation
  • Work well with mainly stock components such as rockers, manifolds, heads, compression, torque converters and gears.
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1978 Pontiac Sunbird Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1978 Pontiac Sunbird. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 60 different Performance Engines in our inventory ranging from $7.99 to $825.99. That means you can find the exact parts or products you need to keep that 1978 Pontiac Sunbird running smoothly.

Performance Engines are only as good as their brand. We stock 7 different brands to make sure you have plenty of trusted parts to choose from for your 1978 Pontiac Sunbird. Edelbrock, Mr. Gasket, and FEL-PRO Performance are just some of the brands we stock. Search for brands you know or compare prices and reviews to help you decide!

We know you’ll find the perfect Performance Engines for your 1978 Pontiac Sunbird, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 88 reviews in this category, some of the top rated parts include Action Plus Water Pumps with 3.7 stars and PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET with 1.0 stars.

So if you’re in the market for aftermarket Performance Engines to keep your 1978 Pontiac Sunbird rolling for years to come, look no further. Shop online and have your products shipped direct to your door, or pick up at the nearest Advance Auto Parts location today!

Performance Engines Brands To Make Your 1978 Pontiac Sunbird Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1978 Pontiac Sunbird demands trusted brand parts and products to keep it running. Many trusted brands of Performance Engines make up Advance Auto Parts’ inventory, and all are ready to help make your Sunbird the best it can be. Be sure to browse some of our top Performance Engines brands and parts.

Popular B & M Performance Engines

We carry B & M parts in our stock across Performance Torque Converters categories, plus more. For a 1978 Pontiac Sunbird, our most popular B & M Performance Engines include:
Tork Master 2400
from $339.99
(1)
Tork Master 2400
Performance Torque Converters

Top 1978 Pontiac Sunbird Performance Engines from Edelbrock

Edelbrock products are another trusted brand when it comes to Performance Engines for your 1978 Pontiac Sunbird. Popular Edelbrock parts include:
Intake Manifold Gasket for 1958-1986 Small-Block Chevy
from $26.99
(12)
Intake Manifold Gasket for 1958-1986 Small-Block Chevy
Performance Engine Intake Manifold Gaskets
Performer EPS Intake Manifold for 1955-86 Small-Block Chevy
from $195.99
(7)
Performer EPS Intake Manifold for 1955-86 Small-Block Chevy
Performance Intake Manifolds
Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set
from $62.99
(3)
Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set
Performance Engine Timing Sets and Components

FAQs for 1978 Pontiac Sunbird Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1978 Pontiac Sunbird?

Out of 60 Performance Engines for the 1978 Pontiac Sunbird, 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
Cylinder Head Gasket: Multi-Layered Steel, Without Head Bolts
from $39.49
(1)
Cylinder Head Gasket: Multi-Layered Steel, Without Head Bolts
Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts
from $52.99
(1)
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts
Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets

What are the top-rated 1978 Pontiac Sunbird Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1978 Pontiac Sunbird based on customer reviews/ratings are:
Action Plus Water Pumps
from $215.99
(3)
Action Plus Water Pumps
“I bought this item for my 1979 Camaro SBC for Street/Strip application. Water pump weighs 4 LBS less than factory, comes with its own cork gaskets. N”
PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET
from $18.29
(3)
PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET
“This part is incorrectly listed as fitting a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix. It’s not Advanced’s fault as EVERY shop and site has this part listed for that v”
Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit
from $21.49
(2)
Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit
“Seals properly”