1979 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines

Essential 1979 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines

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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Edelbrock – Water Pump for Small-Block Ford 1970-79 351C and 351M/400 in Polished Finish (Part No.8849)

Water Pump for Small-Block Ford 1970-79 351C and 351M/400 in Polished Finish

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$451.99
Maximum cooling for street and racing engines. Internal passages are balanced for maximum flow. Impeller is larger than others for maximum pressure. Impeller vanes dramatically increase flow rates. Equal distribution to both sides of block. Only flows in one direction for optimum efficiency. In the early days of the automotive performance industry, you either ran what was available, or you fabricated something you thought met your needs. Such needs were the building blocks of this industry, and it was through the efforts of many that we have the automotive aftermarket, but it was through the work of one name in particular to which many in the industry owe a great debt, and that name is Edelbrock.

Product Features:
  • Maximum Cooling for Street and Racing Engines
  • Internal Passages Are Balanced for Maximum Flow
  • Impeller is Larger than Others For Max Pressure
  • Impeller Vanes Dramatically Increase Flow Rates
  • Equal Distribution to Both Sides of Block
  • Only Flows in One-Direction for Optimum Efficiency
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit (Part No.7847)

Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit

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$38.49
Mr. Gasket Harmonic Balancer Bolt for Ford V8 except 351C. Fits 221,260,289,302,351W small block Windsor engines, 332,352,360,390,406,410,427,428 FEs, and 429,460 385 series big blocks. 5/8-18 x 2 inch long heat treated black oxide coated Grade 8 alloy steel with a thick parallel ground washer to provide accurate, uniform torque.

Product Features:
  • Heat treated black oxide coated Grade 8 alloy steel
  • Thick parallel ground washer provides more accurate, uniform torque
  • Hex Prevents Socket Slippage
  • Accurate And Uniform Torque
  • Black Plated Finish
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FEL-PRO Performance – Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 7 Piece Set (Part No.1240)

Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 7 Piece Set

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$39.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Fel-Pro performance intake manifold gaskets have been tested with virtually all aftermarket cylinder head and intake manifold combinations.
  • Performance intake manifold gaskets designed without a metal core, to allow engine builders to trim the gasket for exact fit on modified ports.
  • 1970-82; w/2 Bbl. Cylinder heads
  • Printoseal elastomeric sealing beads to provide extra sealing strength around the intake port.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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Edelbrock – Engine Gasket Set (Head / Intake / Exhaust / Valve Cover) for Ford (Part No.7365)

Engine Gasket Set (Head / Intake / Exhaust / Valve Cover) for Ford

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$186.99
Product Features:
  • Head: 4.500″ Bore/0.048″ Thick/12.5cc Vol.
  • Intake: 1.98″x2.26″ Port/.060″ Thick
  • Exhaust: 1.50″x2.10″ Port
  • 5/16″ Valve Cover
  • Multi Piece Configuration
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Edelbrock – Torker II 302 Intake Manifold Small-Block Ford (Part No.5021)

Torker II 302 Intake Manifold Small-Block Ford

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$376.99
2500-6500 RPM high-performance street engines. Single-plane low-rise intake good for high RPM. Ideal for applications with limited hood clearance. For top-end HP and adequate throttle response. Available in cast or polished.

Product Features:
  • 2500 to 6500 RPM High Performance Street Engines
  • Single-Plane Low-Rise Intake Good for High RPM
  • Ideal for Applications with Limited Hood Clearance
  • For Top-End HP and Adequate Throttle Response
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Mr. Gasket – Oil Pan Gasket (Part No.290)

Oil Pan Gasket

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$35.99
Mr. Gasket Performance Oil Pan Gaskets are manufactured from a high-density cork /rubber blend gasket material to provide excellent sealing and durability. For original equipment replacement and high performance street use.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured from high-density cork /rubber blend gasket material
  • Provides excellent sealing and durability
  • For OE replacement and high performance street use
  • Prevents Torque Loss
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Spectre – Water Neck; Ford 390-428 (Part No.4736)

Water Neck; Ford 390-428

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$47.99
Spectre’s Ford water neck fits Ford 390, 427 and 428 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 bolts.

Product Features:
  • Fits Ford 390, 427 and 428 engines
  • Includes bolts and gasket
  • Chrome plated
  • Easy to install
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Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 218/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 221-302 (Part No.31-238-3)

Xtreme Energy 218/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 221-302

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$257.99
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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Competition Cams – VALVE SPRINGS, 1.509" DUAL 1 ST (Part No.924-16)

VALVE SPRINGS, 1.509" DUAL 1 ST

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$788.99
Dual Valve Springs from COMP Cams are manufactured from Super Clean wire and subject to extensive quality control testing to deliver a valve spring assembly with superior strength, durability and valve train stability, no matter what the application. The dual spring design creates a stronger valve spring that can easily handle the increased lift found in extreme stress applications. COMP Cams Dual Valve Springs exceed the expectations of today’s engine builders and racers.

Product Features:
  • Seat pressure: 112 lbs. @ 1.900″, Open Pressure: 355 lbs. @ 1.200″
  • O.D.: 1.509″, I.D.: 0.697″
  • Dual valve springs with damper
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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

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$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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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

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$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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Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for Ford 351W (Part No.9659)

Pushrod Set for Ford 351W

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$190.99
Edelbrock part #9659 Pushrods are designed for small-block Ford 351W V-8 engine applications. These one-piece pushrods are manufactured from high quality 4130 Chromoly steel tubing that has been surface hardened for maximum durability. They have precise f

Product Features:
  • 7.7 in. Length
  • 0.312 in. Diameter
  • 4130 Chromoly Steel Material
  • Black Oxide Finish
  • Made In The USA
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Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for Ford 289-302 (Part No.9655)

Pushrod Set for Ford 289-302

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$208.99
Edelbrock part #9655 Pushrods are designed for small-block Ford 289-302 V-8 engine applications. These one-piece pushrods are manufactured from high quality 4130 Chromoly steel tubing that has been surface hardened for maximum durability. They have precis

Product Features:
  • 6.4 in. Length
  • 0.312 in. Diameter
  • 4130 Chromoly Steel Material
  • Black Oxide Finish
  • Made In The USA
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B & M – Torque Converter, Tork Master 2000 (Part No.40427)

Torque Converter, Tork Master 2000

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$349.99
A higher than stock stall speed as delivered by a B&M Converter will provide several advantages. The high stall converter allows the engine to launch the car at a higher RPM where more torque is available and increased strength.

Product Features:
  • New Precision Pump Drive Tube
  • Pressure Tested
  • Fully Balanced
  • Needle Thrust Bearing
  • New Thrust Washer
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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

Mr. Gasket – Timing Cover Gasket Set (Part No.793G)

Timing Cover Gasket Set

from

$20.99
Mr. Gasket Performance Timing 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 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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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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FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1619)

Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set

from

$30.49
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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FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1684)

Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set

from

$46.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Rigid core, molded silicone rubber gaskets provide for ease of installation, and are great for on-again/off-again situations (like setting valve lash).
  • Features high-tech silicone material for long life, a solid steel core for strength and durability, and stainless steel compression limiters to prevent
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9724)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

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$100.99
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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Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7820)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

from

$67.99


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
  • For Engine with One-Piece Fuel Pump Eccentric
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Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7821)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

from

$81.99


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
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Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7808)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

from

$80.99


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
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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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1979 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1979 Ford Thunderbird. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 62 different Performance Engines in our inventory ranging from $19.99 to $788.99. That means you can find the exact parts or products you need to keep that 1979 Ford Thunderbird 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 1979 Ford Thunderbird. Mr. Gasket, FEL-PRO Performance, and Edelbrock 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 1979 Ford Thunderbird, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 97 reviews in this category, some of the top rated parts include PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET with 2.0 stars and Action +Plus; Intake Manifold with 3.5 stars.

So if you’re in the market for aftermarket Performance Engines to keep your 1979 Ford Thunderbird 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 1979 Ford Thunderbird Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1979 Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird the best it can be. Be sure to browse some of our top Performance Engines brands and parts.

Popular FEL-PRO Performance Performance Engines

We carry FEL-PRO Performance parts in our stock across Performance Engine Intake Manifold Gaskets categories, plus more. For a 1979 Ford Thunderbird, our most popular FEL-PRO Performance Performance Engines include:
Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 5 Piece Set
from $31.49
(1)
Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 5 Piece Set
Performance Engine Intake Manifold Gaskets
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
Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set
from $46.99
(1)
Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set
Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets

Top 1979 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines from Mr. Gasket

Mr. Gasket products are another trusted brand when it comes to Performance Engines for your 1979 Ford Thunderbird. Popular Mr. Gasket parts include:
High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow
from $26.99
(20)
High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow
Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats
Water Neck
from $19.99
(12)
Water Neck
Performance Water Outlets
Intake Manifold Bolts
from $19.99
(1)
Intake Manifold Bolts
Performance Intake Manifolds

FAQs for 1979 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1979 Ford Thunderbird?

Out of 62 Performance Engines for the 1979 Ford Thunderbird, the most popular in our inventory are:
High Performance Thermostat
from $27.49
This product is not rated
High Performance Thermostat
Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts
from $51.99
(2)
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts
Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets
Water Neck
from $23.99
(2)
Water Neck
Performance Water Outlets

What are the top-rated 1979 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1979 Ford Thunderbird based on customer reviews/ratings are:
PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET
from $25.49
(3)
PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET
“Good product at a reasonable price. Works great.”
Action +Plus; Intake Manifold
from $349.99
(2)
Action +Plus; Intake Manifold
“Nice clean intake lookes better than edelbrock”