1980 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines

Essential 1980 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines

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
See More

FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1613)

Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set

from

$27.49
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.
See More

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

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

from

$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
See More

Edelbrock – 289-302 Ford Head Bolt Kit (Part No.8552)

289-302 Ford Head Bolt Kit

from

$107.99


Product Features:
  • Highest Quality Head Bolts
  • Cold-Formed/Heat Treated
  • Ensures Molecular Integrity
  • Reduced Diameter Bolt Heads
  • Hardened/Parallel-Ground Washers Included
  • Rated At 170000 psi
  • Manufactured By ARP
See More

Edelbrock – Sure Seat Valve Springs for Ford 351M/400 V8 1971-1982 (Part No.5872)

Sure Seat Valve Springs for Ford 351M/400 V8 1971-1982

from

$59.99
Product Features:
  • Non-Rotator Type
  • 1.400 in. Outer Diameter
  • 1.000 in. Inner Diameter
  • 1.000 in. Coil Blind
  • Set of 16
See More

Mr. Gasket – Cam Change Gaskets (Part No.4410)

Cam Change Gaskets

from

$63.09
If you want to update just your camshaft and aren’t doing a complete engine overhaul, this kit contains all the gaskets needed to change out your camshaft. That way you don’t have to buy a complete gasket kit just to change the cam, but still can replace all the gaskets you should in the process.

Product Features:
  • Contains all the gaskets needed to change out your camshaft
  • Fuel Injector O-Ring Not Included
  • Meets Performance Standards
See More

FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1817)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

from

$27.49
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

Mr. Gasket – Precision Timing Tape (Part No.1594)

Precision Timing Tape

from

$21.79
Precision timing tape can be used on a factory balancer to create HP through accurate timing, and makes setting valve lash simple.

Product Features:
  • 6 3¿8″ diameter
  • 6 3┐8″ diameter
  • 289-302-351 cu. in.
  • Increased Performance
  • Set Valve Lash At Proper Time
See More

Mr. Gasket – Rear Main Seal Gasket (Part No.1963)

Rear Main Seal Gasket

from

$42.49
This Mr. Gasket Rear Main Seal is made from silicone to allow the seal to handle extreme engine oil temperature. It also provides for an upgrade for that leaky rope style seal and is a direct replacement for a rubber main seal. It’s also injection molded for a precise fit.

Product Features:
  • Repairs That Leaky Rear Main Sail
  • Silicone Rubber to Withstand Extreme Engine Oil Temperatures
  • Upgrade for Rope Seal Equipped Cars or Direct Replacement for Rubber Main Seal
  • Injection Molded for Precise Fit
See More

Edelbrock – Water Pump Ford 5.0 V8 Reverse Rotation in Black Finish (Part No.88403)

Water Pump Ford 5.0 V8 Reverse Rotation in Black Finish

from

$337.99
Edelbrock #88403 Water Pump Ford 5.0l 1986-93 reverse 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 cool

Product Features:
  • Reverse Impeller Rotation
  • 0.625 in. Pilot Shaft
  • 0.750 in. Ball/Ball Bearing
  • 5.750 in. Block To Hub Height
  • Black Finish
See More

Competition Cams – ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST (Part No.17043-16)

ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST

from

$237.99
The COMP Cams High Energy Die-Cast Aluminum Roller Rocker Arms are new rocker arms from the valve train leader that have been designed for street and moderate race use. They feature a die-cast body created from aluminum with a needle bearing fulcrum and roller tip. The die-cast, larger than stock body offers the strength properties and light weight of aluminum while the specially engineered fulcrum and roller tip decrease friction and lower oil temperatures, thus improving response and horsepower.

Product Features:
  • Cost effective aluminum construction provides superior strength to weight ratio
  • Needle bearing fulcrum and roller tip reduce friction and lower oil temperatures for improved response and horsepower
  • Durable design increases valve lift while withstanding the rigors of moderate race use
  • Die-formed aluminum body is larger than stock, and may require modifications to stock valve covers for clearance.
See More

Mr. Gasket – Water Neck (Part No.9713)

Water Neck

from

$48.09
Precision die cast, these water necks or thermostat housings are first polished to a high luster, then chrome plated. Comes with gasket and Allen head mounting bolts. Fits 1979-1997 Ford 5.0/5.8L V8s.

Product Features:
  • Chrome Plated For Great Looks
  • Includes Gasket & Mounting Bolts
See More

Edelbrock – Performer 460 Intake Manifold #2166 for Ford 429/460, Non-EGR, Satin Finish (Part No.2166)

Performer 460 Intake Manifold #2166 for Ford 429/460, Non-EGR, Satin Finish

from

$397.99
Product Features:
  • For Idle to 5500 RPM Street-Driven Performance
  • Dual-Plane Low-Rise Intake w/180 deg. Firing Order
  • Patented Runner Design Ensures Broad Torque Curve
  • Excellent Throttle Response and Mid-Range Power
  • Accepts Late-Model Choke; Waterneck; and HEI
  • Accepts A/C And Alternator
  • Accepts Exhaust Heated Chokes
See More

Mr. Gasket – Intake Gasket (Part No.202A)

Intake Gasket

from

$40.19
Mr. Gasket Performance Intake Gaskets are manufactured from cellulose/nitrile composition gasket material. They provide excellent sealing and durability. Can be trimmed if necessary for modified port applications. Complete with manifold end seals and distributor gasket (where applicable). For original equipment replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured from cellulose/nitrile composition gasket material
  • Provides excellent sealing and durability
  • Can be trimmed if necessary for modified port applications
  • Complete with manifold end seals and distributor gasket where applicable
  • For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use
See More

Edelbrock – NHRA Legal Ford FE 428 Cylinder Head (Part No.60058)

NHRA Legal Ford FE 428 Cylinder Head

from

$567.99


Product Features:
  • Out-of-the-Box Bolt-On Performance
  • Valves Promote Excellent Flow For Streetable Power
  • NHRA Accepted For Stock And Super Stock
  • Thicker Deck Surfaces than Other Brands
  • NHRA Accepted for Stock/Super Stock
See More

Edelbrock – Performer Small-Block Ford 5.0L/ 5.8L Cylinder Head 1.90" (Part No.60379)

Performer Small-Block Ford 5.0L/ 5.8L Cylinder Head 1.90"

from

$1035.99
Product Features:
  • Capable of 300 plus horsepower when matched with the Edelbrock Performer Power Package
  • 1.90 in. intake valves are for use with stock pistons
  • Exhaust valve is 1.60 in.
  • 60cc combustion with 170cc intake port
  • Flat Tappet Camshaft Type
See More

Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for Ford 289-302 (Part No.9655)

Pushrod Set for Ford 289-302

from

$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
See More

Competition Cams – PUSHROD SET, SBF HIGH ENERGY 1 ST (Part No.7831-16)

PUSHROD SET, SBF HIGH ENERGY 1 ST

from

$75.99
High Energy Pushrods from COMP Cams are an affordable, high quality solution when building street rods, RVs and daily drivers. High Energy Pushrods have a durable one-piece construction that meets or exceeds all OE pushrod specifications and fit perfectly with High Energy and Magnum Rocker Arms.

Product Features:
  • 5/16″ diameter, 6.881″ length for Small Block Ford 255 and 302, ’65-up with Flat Tappet Cam
  • Best choice when building street rods, RVs or daily drivers
  • Meet or exceed all OE pushrod specifications
  • Mate perfectly with High Energy and Magnum Rockers
  • Durable one-piece construction
See More

Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 218/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.31-238-3)

Xtreme Energy 218/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$257.99
HYDRAULIC – Xtreme Energy: Excellent response, good mid-range, stock converter, 3.23-4.10 gear.

Product Features:
  • HYDRAULIC – Xtreme Energy: Excellent response, good mid-range, stock converter, 3.23-4.10 gear.
  • 262/270 Advertised Duration, 218/224 Duration @ .050″, .493″/.500″ Lift, 110 Lobe Separation
  • Valve spring upgrade required
  • 289-302 Firing Order
See More

Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy Computer Controlled 206/212 Hydraulic Roller Cam (Part No.35-512-8)

Xtreme Energy Computer Controlled 206/212 Hydraulic Roller Cam

from

$522.99
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.
See More

B & M – Torque Converter, Tork Master 2400 (Part No.50441)

Torque Converter, Tork Master 2400

from

$450.99
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. Due to torque converter co

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

B & M – Torque Converter, Tork Master 3000 (Part No.50442)

Torque Converter, Tork Master 3000

from

$587.99
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. Due to torque converter co

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

Mr. Gasket – Head Gasket (Part No.1132G)

Head Gasket

from

$37.59
Mr. Gasket Embossed Steel Shim Cylinder Head Gaskets are for high performance street machines, drag racing and oval track racing. This is a very unique design that has a solid metal on metal fold at the combustion seal. This fold makes for a very stout seal that is almost the equivalent of a higher-end MLS (multi-layer steel) gasket with a gas stopper layer, but at a much lower cost. This gasket also has embossments around the coolant and oil passages and has a thick aluminum flake coating. All of these features result in a steel shim head gasket that handles extreme cylinder pressures very well. It’s probably the best steel shim head gasket you could ask for. Sold individually.

Product Features:
  • Embossed steel with aluminum flake coating
  • Solid metal over metal fold at the combustion seal
  • Embossed seals at coolant and oil passages
  • Approximately .020″ compressed thickness
  • For high performance street, drag race and oval track use.
See More

FEL-PRO Performance – Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts (Part No.1011-1)

Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts

from

$51.99
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
See More

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
See More

Mr. Gasket – Super Intake Manifold Bolts (Part No.6082)

Super Intake Manifold Bolts

from

$43.99
Super Intake Manifold Bolts

Mr. Gasket – Intake Manifold Bolts (Part No.958G)

Intake Manifold Bolts

from

$19.99
These grade 5 hex head bolts are brite zinc plated for protection and appearance. Hardened flat washers provide uniform torque & prevent galling on aluminum manifolds. Includes twelve (12) 5/16 inch-18 x 2 inch bolts & washers

Product Features:
  • Hex Head
  • Zinc Plated
  • Ideal For Minimal Space
  • 12-Point Head And Flange
  • Zinc Plated For Protection
See More

1980 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1980 Ford Thunderbird. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 49 different Performance Engines in our inventory ranging from $19.99 to $1,035.99. That means you can find the exact parts or products you need to keep that 1980 Ford Thunderbird running smoothly.

Performance Engines are only as good as their brand. We stock 5 different brands to make sure you have plenty of trusted parts to choose from for your 1980 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 1980 Ford Thunderbird, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 62 reviews in this category, some of the top rated parts include 289-302 Ford Head Bolt Kit with 2.0 stars and Torker II 302 Intake Manifold Small-Block Ford with 2.0 stars.

So if you’re in the market for aftermarket Performance Engines to keep your 1980 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 1980 Ford Thunderbird Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1980 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 and Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets categories, plus more. For a 1980 Ford Thunderbird, our most popular FEL-PRO Performance Performance Engines include:
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
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

FAQs for 1980 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1980 Ford Thunderbird?

Out of 49 Performance Engines for the 1980 Ford Thunderbird, the most popular in our inventory are:
Intake Manifold Gasket for 1963-1996 Small-Block Fords
from $28.99
(1)
Intake Manifold Gasket for 1963-1996 Small-Block Fords
Performance Engine Intake Manifold Gaskets
Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set
from $67.99
This product is not rated
Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set
Performance Engine Timing Sets and Components
Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit
from $38.49
This product is not rated
Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit
Performance Engine Harmonic Balancers

What are the top-rated 1980 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1980 Ford Thunderbird based on customer reviews/ratings are:
289-302 Ford Head Bolt Kit
from $107.99
(7)
289-302 Ford Head Bolt Kit
“Great quality bolts. They include thread locker. Would definitely recommend to anyone replacing their heads.”
Torker II 302 Intake Manifold Small-Block Ford
from $376.99
(1)
Torker II 302 Intake Manifold Small-Block Ford
“Nice looking product but mine was a used store return so I returned it.”
ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST
from $237.99
(1)
ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST
“These things break very easy. Not a big fan of the soft brass when trying to install them with the screwdriver head they use. Change it hex and it woy”