1981 Buick Electra Performance Engines

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Keep Your 1981 Buick Electra 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 1981 Buick Electra looking sharp and performing at its best. At Advance Auto Parts we carry a wide selection of dependable options, including Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats, Performance Intake Manifolds, and Performance Engine Intake Manifold 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 B & M and Edelbrock. For example, B & M Performance Engines start at just $562.99 with an average 4.1 star rating. Edelbrock offer similar pricing and quality, backed by strong customer feedback. With over 11 reviews and a solid 5 star average, you can shop with confidence knowing other Buick Electra owners approve.

Competitive Prices and Extensive Inventory

The average price for a 1981 Buick Electra Performance Engine at Advance Auto Parts is around $395.40, with a range that starts at $7.99 and goes up to $1,421.99. With 44 options in stock from 6 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like High Performance Thermostat, Water Neck; Olds, and Valve Seals, Umbrella 11/32" 1 St start at just $26.99 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 1981 Buick Electra in peak condition, inside and out.

Essential 1981 Buick Electra Performance Engines

Mr. Gasket – Water Neck (Part No.2557)

Water Neck

from

$32.49
Precision die cast, these water necks are first polished to a high luster, then chrome plated. Features an O-ring style seal to prevent water leaks. Comes with O-ring gasket and mounting bolts.

Product Features:
  • Complete with o-rings and mounting bolts
  • Features an o-ring style seal to prevent water leaks
  • Chrome plated
  • 1/2″ NPT port can be used for various coolant temp related sensors or switches
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FEL-PRO Performance – Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 4 Piece Set (Part No.1357)

Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 4 Piece Set

from

$44.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • DESIGNED FOR IMPERFECT SEALING SURFACES — Engineered and manufactured specifically for the repair environment to help seal imperfect sealing surfaces
  • SEALING TECHNOLOGIES — Exclusive sealing innovations and technologies with proprietary materials and unique design features to ensure a superior seal for your repair
  • ENGINEERING EXPERTISE — Parts are designed, reviewed, validated and approved by Fel-Pro engineers through rigorous research and development
  • REAL-WORLD TESTED — Parts are tested on-vehicle and validated to ensure optimal performance on the road
  • EVERY PART FOR THE REPAIR — Fel-Pro gasket sets include every part needed for the repair unless otherwise noted
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B & M – Holeshot 3000 (Part No.20413)

Holeshot 3000

from

$921.99
HoleShot 3000 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) APPLICATION: HoleShot 3000 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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Competition Cams – 11 Steel Retainer for Buick 350-455 with 1.225"-1.250" OD Valve Spring (Part No.712-1)

11 Steel Retainer for Buick 350-455 with 1.225"-1.250" OD Valve Spring

from

$10.99
11 Steel Retainer for Buick 350-455 with 1.225"-1.250" OD Valve Spring

Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 230/236 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit (Part No.CL42-224-4)

Xtreme Energy 230/236 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit

from

$449.99
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 – Thumpr 226/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit (Part No.CL42-600-5)

Thumpr 226/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit

from

$471.99
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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Competition Cams – Mutha’ Thumpr 234/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.42-601-5)

Mutha' Thumpr 234/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$341.99
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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Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 240/246 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.51-225-4)

Xtreme Energy 240/246 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$298.99
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

Edelbrock – Sure Seat Valve Springs for Chrysler 383-400-413-440 V8 1969-79 (Part No.5792)

Sure Seat Valve Springs for Chrysler 383-400-413-440 V8 1969-79

from

$149.99
Product Features:
  • Non-Rotator Type
  • 1.550 in. Outer Diameter
  • .190 Wire Size
  • Single Coil Spring Type
  • Set of 16
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Competition Cams – VALVE SEALS, TEFLON 3/8" 1 ST (Part No.505-16)

VALVE SEALS, TEFLON 3/8" 1 ST

from

$33.99
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 3/8″ 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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Competition Cams – Valve Seals, O-Ring 11/32" 1 St (Part No.501-16)

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

from

$223.99
VALVE SEALS, O-RING 11/32″ 1 ST
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Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)

High Performance Thermostat

from

$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
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Head Gasket (Part No.5799G)

Ultra Seal: Head Gasket

from

$81.99
Mr. Gasket Ultra-Seal Head Gaskets are a five layer (graphite core/perforated steel outer layers) composite construction. The graphite core has excellent thermoconductivity (transfers heat) away from hot spots in head preventing gasket burn-out. They provide excellent stability, compressibility and high temperature endurance. A high temperature silicone coating ensures sealing of engine fluids. Compatible with cast iron or aluminum heads, they will not brinell (indent) aluminum cylinder heads. Suitable for high performance street, drag race and oval track use. Sold individually.brbrGasket Bore 4.130 inch, Compressed thickness 0.055 inch

Product Features:
  • Five layer (graphite core/perforated steel outer layers) composite construction
  • Graphite core is excellent transfering heat away from hot spots in head preventing gasket burn-out.
  • Provides excellent stability, compressibility and high temperature endurance
  • Coated with high temperature silicone to ensure sealing of engine fluids
  • Will not brinell (indent) aluminum cylinder heads
  • For high performance street, drag race and oval track use
  • Compatible w/High Octane Fuel
  • Compatible With Exotic Fuel
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Head Gasket (Part No.5788G)

Ultra Seal: Head Gasket

from

$89.99
Mr. Gasket Ultra-Seal Head Gaskets are a five layer (graphite core/perforated steel outer layers) composite construction. The graphite core has excellent thermoconductivity (transfers heat) away from hot spots in head preventing gasket burn-out. They provide excellent stability, compressibility and high temperature endurance. A high temperature silicone coating ensures sealing of engine fluids. Compatible with cast iron or aluminum heads, they will not brinell (indent) aluminum cylinder heads. Suitable for high performance street, drag race and oval track use. Sold individually.brbrGasket Bore 4.230 inch, Compressed thickness 0.038 inch

Product Features:
  • Five layer (graphite core/perforated steel outer layers) composite construction
  • Graphite core has excellent thermo-conductivity-transfers heat away from hot spots in head preventing gasket burn-out
  • Provides excellent stability, compressibility and high temperature endurance
  • Coated with high temperature silicone to ensure sealing of engine fluids
  • Will not brinell (indent) aluminum cylinder heads
  • For high performance street, drag race and oval track use
  • Compatible w/High Octane Fuel
  • Compatible With Exotic Fuel
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Edelbrock – Performer Small-Block Oldsmobile 350 EGR Intake Manifold (Part No.3711)

Performer Small-Block Oldsmobile 350 EGR Intake Manifold

from

$487.99


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
  • 50-State Street Legal if Correct Carburetor Used
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Edelbrock – Performer T.B.I. Intake Manifold Small-Block Chevy (Part No.3704)

Performer T.B.I. Intake Manifold Small-Block Chevy

from

$519.99


Product Features:
  • For Idle to 5500 RPM Street-Driven Performance
  • All Factory Connections Used
  • Patented Runner Design Ensures Broad Torque Curve
  • Excellent Throttle Response and Mid-Range Power
  • 50-State Street Legal with OEM Throttle Body
  • For OE and Small Bore TBI Injectors Only
  • No Chip Changes/Computer Modifications Required
  • 5.7L Power Package Provides Free Computer Chip
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Edelbrock – RPM Air-Gap Oldsmobile 455 Intake Manifold (Part No.7551)

RPM Air-Gap Oldsmobile 455 Intake Manifold

from

$644.99
Edelbrock part #7551 Performer RPM Air-Gap Oldsmobile 455 intake manifold is intended for aggressive street/ strip big-block Oldsmobile applications. Designed to optimize horsepower production from 1500 to 6500 rpm, this manifold will perform best with en

Product Features:
  • 1500-6500 RPM Range
  • Dual Plane Type-4150 Style Flange
  • 5.04 in. Front Height, 5.54 in. Center Height, 6.04 in. Rear Height
  • Satin Finish
  • Non-EGR
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Most Popular Performance Engine Coolant Thermostat for 1981 Buick Electras

Enhance your 1981 Buick Electra with this popular Performance Engine Coolant Thermostat we have in stock, for $32.49.

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

High Performance Thermostat

from

$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
See More

Best-Selling 1981 Buick Electra Performance Intake Manifold

Upgrade your Electra with our best-selling Performance Intake Manifold with a 4 Starts rating across 2 reviews.

Edelbrock – Performer Small-Block Oldsmobile 350 EGR Intake Manifold (Part No.3711)

Performer Small-Block Oldsmobile 350 EGR Intake Manifold

from

$487.99


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
  • 50-State Street Legal if Correct Carburetor Used
See More

Top-Quality Performance Engine Intake Manifold Gaskets for 1981 Buick Electras

Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Engine Intake Manifold Gasket for Buick Electras and enjoy top-notch performance from $32.99.

FEL-PRO Performance – Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 3 Piece Set (Part No.1200)

Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 3 Piece Set

from

$32.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • DESIGNED FOR IMPERFECT SEALING SURFACES — Engineered and manufactured specifically for the repair environment to help seal imperfect sealing surfaces
  • SEALING TECHNOLOGIES — Exclusive sealing innovations and technologies with proprietary materials and unique design features to ensure a superior seal for your repair
  • ENGINEERING EXPERTISE — Parts are designed, reviewed, validated and approved by Fel-Pro engineers through rigorous research and development
  • REAL-WORLD TESTED — Parts are tested on-vehicle and validated to ensure optimal performance on the road
  • EVERY PART FOR THE REPAIR — Fel-Pro gasket sets include every part needed for the repair unless otherwise noted
See More

Our Top Pick for a 1981 Buick Electra Performance Water Outlet

Invest in a durable Performance Water Outlet for your 1981 Buick, knowing you’re getting trusted brands and expert craftsmanship.

Spectre – Water Neck; Olds (Part No.4733)

Water Neck; Olds

from

$26.99
Spectre’s Oldsmobile V8 water neck fits Oldsmobile 330, 350, 425 and 455 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 has an additional by-pass hose connection and includes the bolts.

Product Features:
  • Fits Oldsmobile 330, 350, 425 and 455 engines
  • Chrome plated
  • Bolts included
  • Designed for OEM fit
  • Easy to install
  • O-ring/gasket not included
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Our Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets for 1981 Buick Electras

Make a smart move for your 1981 Buick Electra with our Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gasket for $61.99.

FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1000)

Performance Cylinder Head Gasket

from

$61.99
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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Top-Rated Performance Engine Brands For Your 1981 Buick Electra

When it comes to finding the perfect Performance Engine for your 1981 Buick Electra, Advance Auto Parts has you covered with a wide selection of high-quality OEM and aftermarket options from 6 trusted brands. We carry the most popular Performance Engine brands including Edelbrock and B & M, and more, all known for their exceptional customer ratings (average brand rating of 4.4 stars) and competitive prices, as low as $487.99. Purchasing a Performance Engine from us here at Advance Auto Parts is a smart move for both you and your 1981 Buick Electra, providing peace of mind with parts that meet or exceed OEM standards.

Popular Edelbrock 1981 Buick Electra Performance Engines

If you’re looking for a top-quality Performance Engine for your 1981 Buick Electra, Advance Auto Parts has exactly what you need with our selection of Edelbrock Performance Engines. We have 1 Edelbrock Performance Engines in stock for this fitment, all known for their durability and precision fit. With prices starting at just $487.99, you’ll find the perfect Performance Engine for your needs and budget. Edelbrock Performance Engines for the 1981 Buick Electra come highly rated, with over 2 customer reviews and an impressive average rating of 4.4 stars. Choosing a Edelbrock Performance Engine from Advance Auto Parts is a smart move to ensure quality and value for your vehicle.
Performer Small-Block Oldsmobile 350 EGR Intake Manifold
from $487.99
(2)
Performer Small-Block Oldsmobile 350 EGR Intake Manifold
“Great street manifold, strong torque, can be driven daily if needed, looks cool when the hood is raised. Glad there are aftermarket suppliers heeding ”

Top-Quality B & M 1981 Buick Electra Performance Engines

For those in search of a high-quality Performance Engine for their 1981 Buick Electra, Advance Auto Parts offers a great selection of B & M Performance Engines. With 1 B & M Performance Engines in stock, you can trust you’re getting top-tier parts designed for durability and a perfect fit. Prices for these Performance Engines start at just $562.99, giving you a range of options to suit your budget. Backed by over 1 customer ratings and an average rating of 4.1 stars, B & M Performance Engines provide both reliability and excellent performance. Choosing a B & M Performance Engine from Advance Auto Parts is a smart investment in your vehicle’s performance and longevity.
Tork Master 3000
from $562.99
(1)
Tork Master 3000
“good parts and very strong”

FAQs for 1981 Buick Electra Performance Engines

What are the best-selling Performance Engines for 1981 Buick Electras?

Out of 44 Performance Engines that fit 1981 Buick Electras, the following parts are the top sellers:

What’s the price range for 1981 Buick Electra Performance Engines?

The prices of Performance Engines for the 1981 Buick Electra range from $7.99 up to $1,421.99 for the most premium parts.

What is the average price of a Performance Engine for a 1981 Buick Electra?

The average price for Performance Engines for the 1981 Buick Electra is $395.40. 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 Buick Electra model years?

Yes, we carry Performance Engines for 25 model years of Buick Electras between 1964 and 1990. The following model years are the most popular for Performance Engine purchases: 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, and 1982.

What are the cheapest Performance Engines for my 1981 Buick Electra?

The cheapest 1981 Buick Electra Performance Engines we carry are:

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Engines for any other 1981 Buick models?

Yes. We stock Performance Engines for 5 other popular 1981 Buick models. Some of the most popular are 1981 Regal Performance Engines, 1981 Century Performance Engines, 1981 LeSabre Performance Engines, 1981 Skylark Performance Engines, and 1981 Riviera Performance Engines.

What types of Performance Engines do you sell for my 1981 Buick Electra?

As of 3/1/26, these are some of the most in-demand types of Performance Engines for a 1981 Buick Electra:

Can I get help with 1981 Buick Electra Performance Engine orders?

Contact our customer support team by chat or phone, through the help desk page, where you can find instant answers about Buick Performance Engines and more.

What is your return policy for Buick Electra Performance Engines?

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