1981 Buick Riviera Performance Engines

Essential 1981 Buick Riviera Performance Engines

Edelbrock – Performer Small Block Oldsmobile 350 Intake Manifold (Part No.7111)

Performer Small Block Oldsmobile 350 Intake Manifold

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$458.99


Product Features:
  • Best for the Ultimate in Street High-Performance
  • Designed Idle to 5500 RPM Street-Driven Power
  • Dual-Plane High-Rise Intake w/180 deg Firing Order
  • Produces Incredible Top-End Horsepower
  • Retains Good Throttle Response and Acceleration
  • Larger Plenum and Runners Maximizes Other Upgrades
  • Edelbrock Total Power Package Maximizes Gains
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Edelbrock – Performer Intake Manifold for Buick 400-455 V8, Non-EGR, Satin Finish (Part No.2146)

Performer Intake Manifold for Buick 400-455 V8, Non-EGR, Satin Finish

from

$541.99


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
  • Will Fit Cold Air Induction Hoods
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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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Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 218/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Oldsmobile 260-455 (Part No.42-222-4)

Xtreme Energy 218/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Oldsmobile 260-455

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$548.99
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 for Oldsmobile 260-455 (Part No.42-600-5)

Thumpr 226/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Oldsmobile 260-455

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$324.99
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 – Xtreme Energy 224/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Oldsmobile 260-455 (Part No.42-223-4)

Xtreme Energy 224/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Oldsmobile 260-455

from

$337.99
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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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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FEL-PRO Performance – Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 3 Piece Set (Part No.1200)

Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 3 Piece Set

from

$31.49
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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FEL-PRO Performance – Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 4 Piece Set (Part No.1357)

Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 4 Piece Set

from

$43.99
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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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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Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7813)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

from

$97.99


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.7840)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

from

$118.99


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 – 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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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 – Ultra Seal: Head Gasket (Part No.5810G)

Ultra Seal: Head Gasket

from

$59.99
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 4.250 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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FEL-PRO Performance – Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts (Part No.1125)

Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts

from

$106.99
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
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FEL-PRO Performance – Cylinder Head Gasket: Multi-Layered Steel, Without Head Bolts (Part No.1000)

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

from

$59.99
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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B & M – Torque Converter, Nitrous Holeshot 3600 (Part No.20482)

Torque Converter, Nitrous Holeshot 3600

from

$665.99
Nitrous Holeshot Converters are Built with the same features as the other B&M Holeshots, with the addition of anti-balloon plates. The anti-balloon plates will allow these converters to stand up to the instant horsepower nitrous delivers.

Product Features:
  • 3400-3800 RPM
  • Small And Big Blocks
  • Serious Performance
  • Furnace Brazed
  • Fully Balanced
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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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B & M – Tork Master 2400 (Part No.20404)

Tork Master 2400

from

$339.99
Torque Converter – Tork Master 2400 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) APPLICATION: Tork Master 2400 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) The Tork Master is B&M’s lowest cost performance torque converter. The Tork Master is an excellent all-around performance street converter. The best value priced street converters available, Tork Master converters come with a new precision pump drive tube and all are pressure tested and fully balanced. The Tork Master torque converter is not recommended for big block or supercharged applications. New alloy steel pump drive tube. Needle thrust bearing when factory equipped. New thrust washer between turbine and cover when required. Due to torque converter core availability, the actual converter size may vary but performance functionality will be as advertised.

Product Features:
  • New Precision Pump Drive Tube
  • Pressure Tested
  • Fully Balanced
  • Needle Thrust Bearing
  • New Thrust Washer
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B & M – Holeshot 3600 (Part No.20425)

Holeshot 3600

from

$825.99
HoleShot 3600 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) APPLICATION: HoleShot 3600 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 converter will provide several advantages and benefits in vehicles with modified engines. Many modifications, particularly big cams, tend to reduce low end power and torque. The high stall converter allows the engine to launch the car at higher rpm where more torque is available. The Holeshot is generally a very good choice for the typical street machine that is looking for better launch capability and more strength. Street rods with modified engines will also benefit from a Holeshot converter. If your vehicle is equipped with a plate type nitrous system, you will need a Nitrous Holeshot!! Stall speed listings are based on engines producing 230lb. ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm. More torque at 2,500 rpm will give you more stall speed, less torque at 2,500 rpm will give you less stall speed than the stall speed ratings indicated. Furnace brazed impeller. New precision steel alloy pump drive tube. New heavy duty needle bearing between stator and impeller (not a thrust washer). Needle bearing between stator and turbine. Furnace brazed turbine. Dual pattern drive lugs on some GM Holeshots. New turbine hub. New springs and rollers in stator.

Product Features:
  • Furnace Brazed Impeller
  • Steel Alloy Pump Drive Tube
  • Heavy Duty Needle Bearing
  • Between Stator and Turbine
  • Furnace Brazed Turbine
  • Dual Pattern Drive Lugs
  • New Turbine Hub
  • New Springs/Rollers In Stator
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B & M – Torque Converter, Nitrous Holeshot 3000 (Part No.20481)

Torque Converter, Nitrous Holeshot 3000

from

$766.99
Nitrous Holeshot Converters are Built with the same features as the other B&M Holeshots, with the addition of anti-balloon plates. The anti-balloon plates will allow these converters to stand up to the instant horsepower nitrous delivers.

Product Features:
  • 2800-3200 RPM
  • Small And Big Blocks
  • Serious Performance
  • Furnace Brazed
  • Fully Balanced
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1981 Buick Riviera Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1981 Buick Riviera. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 16 different Performance Engines in our inventory ranging from $18.29 to $766.99. That means you can find the exact parts or products you need to keep that 1981 Buick Riviera running smoothly.

Performance Engines are only as good as their brand. We stock 6 different brands to make sure you have plenty of trusted parts to choose from for your 1981 Buick Riviera. Mr. Gasket, Spectre, 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 1981 Buick Riviera, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence.

So if you’re in the market for aftermarket Performance Engines to keep your 1981 Buick Riviera 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 1981 Buick Riviera Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1981 Buick Riviera 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 Riviera the best it can be. Be sure to browse some of our top Performance Engines brands and parts.

Popular Edelbrock Performance Engines

We carry Edelbrock parts in our stock across Performance Intake Manifolds categories, plus more. For a 1981 Buick Riviera, our most popular Edelbrock Performance Engines include:
Performer Small-Block Oldsmobile 350 EGR Intake Manifold
from $463.99
(2)
Performer Small-Block Oldsmobile 350 EGR Intake Manifold
Performance Intake Manifolds

Top 1981 Buick Riviera Performance Engines from Mr. Gasket

Mr. Gasket products are another trusted brand when it comes to Performance Engines for your 1981 Buick Riviera. 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

FAQs for 1981 Buick Riviera Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1981 Buick Riviera?

Out of 16 Performance Engines for the 1981 Buick Riviera, 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
Water Neck; Olds
from $26.99
This product is not rated
Water Neck; Olds
Performance Water Outlets
PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET
from $18.29
(3)
PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET
Performance Engine Oil Pan Gaskets