Essential 1981 Buick Riviera Performance Engines

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$223.99

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 11/32″ 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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$106.99

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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$32.99

Edelbrock part #7246 Intake Gaskets for 1967-1976 400-455 Buick allow for optimum flow and performance. Any gasket can create a seal, but a good gasket can do it with less clamping force, and for a longer period of time. The new MP-2N Micropore technology

Product Features:

1.15″x2.38″
Features Embossed Silicone Bead Around The Intake Ports & Water Openings
.032″ Thick
Two Piece Configuration
End Seals Not Included

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$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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$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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$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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$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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$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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$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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$328.99

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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$350.99

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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$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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$449.99

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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$416.99

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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$429.99

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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$416.99

Cam & Lifter Kit, Oldsmobile V8 280 Magnum Hydraulic 1 Ea

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$1421.99

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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$471.99

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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$402.99

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.

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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$405.99

An older member of the COMP Cams grind family, the Magnum series of camshafts offers excellent performance gains over stock without the added wear and tear associated with more aggressive camshafts.

Product Features:

Best with aftermarket torque converters and 9.5:1 compression.
Great high RPM power.
Easy on valve train parts.
Can be used with mild ratio rocker arms and traditional performance valve springs.

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$109.99

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 Printo seal 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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$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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$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

FAQs for 1981 Buick Riviera Performance Engines

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

Out of 39 Performance Engines that fit 1981 Buick Rivieras, the following parts are the top sellers:

High Performance Thermostat (22903641) – $32.49
Water Neck; Olds (22905408) – $26.99
Valve Seals, Umbrella 11/32" 1 St (10214929) – $230.99

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

The prices of Performance Engines for the 1981 Buick Riviera 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 Riviera?

The average price for Performance Engines for the 1981 Buick Riviera is $264.71. 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 Riviera model years?

Yes, we carry Performance Engines for 33 model years of Buick Rivieras between 1964 and 1999. The following model years are the most popular for Performance Engine purchases: 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1991, and 1990.

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

The cheapest 1981 Buick Riviera Performance Engines we carry are:

High Energy 8.500" Long, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod (50289696) – $7.99
Engine Valve Spring (50286657) – $9.99
7 Degree Steel Retainer for 11/32" Valve with 1.437"-1.500" Spring (50289120) – $10.99
Pro Magnum Hydraulic Flat Lifter for Oldsmobile 260-455 and Pontiac 326-455. (50286488) – $15.99
Magnum 7.850" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod (50289636) – $17.99

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 Electra Performance Engines.

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

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

Can I get help with 1981 Buick Riviera 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 Riviera Performance Engines?

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

1981 Buick Riviera Performance Engines

Competition Cams – VALVE SEALS, 11/32" TEFLON 1 ST (Part No.503-16)

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

Edelbrock – Intake Manifold Gasket for 1967-1976 400-455 Buick (Part No.7246)

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

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

Edelbrock – Performer T.B.I. Intake Manifold Small-Block Chevy (Part No.3704)

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

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

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

Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 224/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.42-223-4)

Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 218/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.42-222-4)

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

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

Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 240/246 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit (Part No.CL42-225-4)

Competition Cams – Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit (Part No.CL51-600-5)

Competition Cams – Cam & Lifter Kit, Oldsmobile V8 280 Magnum Hydraulic 1 Ea (Part No.CL42-231-4)

Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 218/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam K-Kit (Part No.K42-222-4)

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

Competition Cams – High Energy/Marine 218/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam/Lifter Kit (Part No.CL42-229-4)

Competition Cams – Magnum 224/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit (Part No.CL42-308-4)

FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1125)

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

Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Head Gasket (Part No.5788G)

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

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

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

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

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