1981 GMC C1500 Performance Engines

Essential 1981 GMC C1500 Performance Engines

Mr. Gasket – Intake Bolt Kit (Part No.5003)

Intake Bolt Kit

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$75.99
Finish your custom engine job with these show quality grade 5 chromed 12-point bolts, includes AN washers which have no exposed shoulder for a professional appearance. Includes (12) 3/8-16 x 1 inch bolts with (12) 3/8 inch AN washers.

Product Features:
  • Chrome plated
  • Grade 8
  • 12-point head
  • AN washers with no exposed shoulder for a professional appearance
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Head Gasket (Part No.5780G)

Ultra Seal: Head Gasket

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$64.99
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 3.870 inch, Compressed thickness 0.028 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 – Pushrod Set for S/B Chevy (Part No.9646)

Pushrod Set for S/B Chevy

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$203.99
Edelbrock part #9646 Pushrods are designed for small-block Chevy 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 forme

Product Features:
  • 7.25 in. Length
  • 0.312 in. Diameter
  • 4130 Chromoly Steel Material
  • Black Oxide Finish
  • Made In The USA
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Spectre – Water Neck; Chevy Late Model (Part No.4730)

Water Neck; Chevy Late Model

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$23.79
Spectre’s Chevrolet late model water neck offers the normal angled water neck and a 1/2 inch NPT threaded hole for a by-pass hose. This water neck has a chrome plated finish for a lasting look great and includes the bolts.

Product Features:
  • Fits Chevy engines
  • Includes a 1/2 inch NPT threaded hole for by-pass hose
  • Includes bolts
  • Chrome plated
  • Easy to install
  • O-ring/gasket not included
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Edelbrock – Performer Big-Block Chevy Oval Hydraulic Flat Tappet Cam (Part No.60479)

Performer Big-Block Chevy Oval Hydraulic Flat Tappet Cam

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$1070.99
Product Features:
  • Complete Single For Flat Tappet
  • 110cc Combustion Chamber Volume
  • 290cc Intake/110cc Exhaust Runner Volume
  • 2.19 in. Intake/1.88 in. Exhaust Valve Diameter
  • 0.562 in. Deck Thickness
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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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Edelbrock – Water Pump Big-Block Chevy Standard/Long in Satin Finish (Part No.8851)

Water Pump Big-Block Chevy Standard/Long in Satin Finish

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$381.99
Product Features:
  • Standard Impeller Rotation
  • 0.625 in. Pilot Shaft
  • 0.750 in. Ball/Ball Bearing
  • 7.3125 in. Block To Hub Height
  • Satin Finish
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Competition Screw-In Rocker Arm Studs (Part No.1075)

Ultra Seal: Competition Screw-In Rocker Arm Studs

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$94.99
Mr. Gasket competition screw-in rocker arm studs are manufactured from heat treated black oxide coated Grade 8 steel. Ideal for high performance street and race applications.

Product Features:
  • Black Oxide Coated Grade 8 Steel
  • Kit Contains 16 Studs
  • Easy To Install
  • Heat Treated Steel
  • Prevents Stud Flexing
  • Black Plated Finish
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Mr. Gasket – Oil Pan Gasket (Part No.197)

Oil Pan Gasket

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$30.99
Manufactured from high-density cork and rubber blend gasket material. Provides excellent sealing and durability. Complete with molded rubber front/rear oil pan seals where applicable. For OE replacement and high performance street.

Product Features:
  • One-piece design
  • Eliminates potential leaks
  • Prevents over tightening
  • Prevents torque loss
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Mr. Gasket – Timing Cover Seal (Part No.17)

Timing Cover Seal

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$30.19
If you are changing your camshaft or replacing the timing set, make sure to replace this seal at the same time! Made from Nitrile rubber.

Product Features:
  • Nitrile Rubber And High Density Cork
  • Will Not Shrink Or Stick
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FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit (Part No.2918)

Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit

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$42.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Fluoroelastomer compound combines optimum resistance to heat, oils and abrasion for longivity.
  • Optimizes performance under high crankcase vacuum conditions, elevated temperatures and high RPM levels.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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Mr. Gasket – Intake Gasket (Part No.116)

Intake Gasket

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$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. 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.
  • For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use.
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Mr. Gasket – Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.585G)

Valve Cover Gasket Set

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$29.49
Molded rubber gaskets are reusable, great for engines that require valve lash maintenance. These gaskets feature Nitrile material for long life, solid steel carrier for strength and rigidity. Incorporates compression limiters to prevent fastener over-tightening.

Product Features:
  • Features Nitrile Rubber Material For Long Life
  • Molded Rubber Gaskets Are Reusable
  • Ideal For Engine Requiring Valve Lash Maintenance
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FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1603)

Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set

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$23.49
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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Mr. Gasket – Cylinder Head Dowel Pins (Part No.4375)

Cylinder Head Dowel Pins

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$14.99
Dowel pins are precision machined and case hardened for accurate head alignment. Two per set. 5/16 inch x 5/8 inch

Product Features:
  • Precision Machined
  • Case Hardened
  • Give Accurate Alignment
  • 2 Per Set
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Mr. Gasket – Cylinder Head Dowel Pins (Part No.4377)

Cylinder Head Dowel Pins

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$17.79
Big Block Chevrolet tubular head dowel, .638/.639 inch o.d. (outer diameter) by 1/2 inch. Packaged two per set. These hard to find dowel pins are precision machined then case hardened for accurate alignment in engine assembly.

Product Features:
  • Precision Machined
  • Case Hardened
  • Give Accurate Alignment
  • 2 Per Set
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Competition Cams – Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.11-600-4)

Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam

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$542.99
HYDRAULIC – Thumpr: High performance street, stock converter ok, best with 2000+ converter and gears. Choppy/thumping idle.

Product Features:
  • HYDRAULIC – Thumpr: High performance street, stock converter ok, best with 2000+ converter and gears. Choppy/thumping idle.
  • 279/296 Advertised Duration, 227/241 Duration @ .050″, .498″/.483″ Lift, 107 Lobe Separation
  • Valve spring upgrade required
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Competition Cams – CAMSHAFT, SBC 284 XTREME ENERGY HYDRAULIC 1 EA (Part No.12-250-3)

CAMSHAFT, SBC 284 XTREME ENERGY HYDRAULIC 1 EA

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$258.99
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 Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9721)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

from

$95.99
Valve spring retainers for use OE cast iron heads. Superior quality heat-treated steel. Machined for strength with black oxide finish. Finish ensures rust and corrosion protection.

Product Features:
  • Valve Spring Retainers for Use OE Cast Iron Heads
  • Superior Quality Heat-Treated Steel
  • Machined for Strength with Black Oxide Finish
  • Finish Ensures Rust and Corrosion Protection
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Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9730)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

from

$99.99
Product Features:
  • Use W/ Valve Springs Part #5703, 5794
  • Set of 16
  • 1.50 in. Outside Diameter
  • Steel Material
  • Black Oxide Finish
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Edelbrock – Street Tunnel Ram Big Block Chevy 2-O Intake Manifold (Part No.7115)

Street Tunnel Ram Big Block Chevy 2-O Intake Manifold

from

$798.99
For 3500 to 7500 PRM. Use where low-end torque is not a prime factor. Great for engines with slightly modified heads. HEI ignition will not clear manifold. Street machines, street rods, pro-street and marine.

Product Features:
  • For 3500 to 7500 RPM
  • Use Where Low-End Torque is Not a Prime Factor
  • Great For Engines w/Slightly Modified Heads
  • Top Has Vacuum Outlet for Power Brakes
  • Will Accept Forward and Sideways Mounted Carbs
  • Carburetor Center-to-Center Dimensions 9.38 in
  • HEI Ignition Will Not Clear Manifold
  • Street Machines; Street Rods; Pro-Street; Marine
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Edelbrock – Victor 454-R Intake Manifold Big-Block Chevy (Part No.2909)

Victor 454-R Intake Manifold Big-Block Chevy

from

$387.99
For 3000 to 7500 RPM high-performance engines. For oval port heads. Superior performance for drag racing and marine. Accepts 4500 series carburetors. Can use standard flange carburetor with Edelbrock adapter PN(8716). Flow max power use 1 inch spacer PN(8717). Match with Victor and Victor Jr. heads. Includes nitrous bosses on runners.

Product Features:
  • For 3000 to 7500 RPM High-Performance Engines
  • For Oval Port Heads
  • Superior Performance for Drag Racing and Marine
  • Accepts 4500 Series Carburetors
  • Can Use Std-Flange Carb w/Edelbrock Adptr PN[8716]
  • For Max Power Use 1-in. Spacer PN[8717]
  • Match with Victor and Victor Jr Race Heads
  • Includes Nitrous Bosses on Runners
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Mr. Gasket – Advance And Retard Cam Bushings (Part No.85)

Advance And Retard Cam Bushings

from

$42.49
With Mr. Gasket cam degree bushings you fine tune the camshaft timing of your engine to as little as 1 degree. Even aftermarket timing sets with multiple keyways can’t give the range of adjustment these bushings allow. Retard your camshaft to lower the powerband for more low end torque and midrange horsepower, or advance for more top end power. This kit does even number adjustment 0-8 degrees.

Product Features:
  • Advance the cam for increased torque and horsepower
  • Tune your powerband for more end torque or increase top end horsepower
  • Includes (4) offset bushings and (1) 0 degree bushing
  • Cam sprocket dowel pin hole must be drilled to .406¿ (13/32¿) dia.
  • Cam sprocket dowel pin hole must be drilled to .406┐ (13/32┐) dia.
  • Increase Top-End Horsepower
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Edelbrock – TIMING CHAIN (Part No.7844)

TIMING CHAIN

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$29.99
Product Features:
  • Timing Chain Only
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B & M – Torque Converter, Holeshot 3000 (Part No.70421)

Torque Converter, Holeshot 3000

from

$789.99
The Holeshot Converter is a very good choice for the typical street machine that is looking for better launch capability and more strength. With a furnace brazed turbine, New turbine hub and dual pattern drive lugs on some GM Holeshots.

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 3000 (Part No.20402)

Tork Master 3000

from

$499.99
Torque Converter – Tork Master 3000 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) APPLICATION: Tork Master 3000 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 allow steel pump drive tube. Needle thrust bearing when factory equipped. New thrust washer between turbine and cover when required.

Product Features:
  • New Precision Pump Drive Tube
  • Pressure Tested
  • Fully Balanced
  • Needle Thrust Bearing
  • New Thrust Washer
  • Washer Between Turbine and Cover
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Competition Cams – Set of 16 Single Springs w/ 1.254" O.D., 1.254" I.D., 1.700" Installed Height (Part No.981-16)

Set of 16 Single Springs w/ 1.254" O.D., 1.254" I.D., 1.700" Installed Height

from

$126.99
Single Outer Valve Springs from COMP Cams allow you to build the perfect spring assembly for your application. The valve spring creation process is far more involved than most people realize. Selecting the right metal stock and creating the best design is not done by chance. COMP Cams has developed a process that creates the highest quality valve spring available. The result is a product that meets and exceeds the expectations of today’s engine builders and racers.

Product Features:
  • Seat pressure: 105 lbs. @ 1.700″, Open Pressure: 273 lbs. @ 1.250″
  • O.D.: 1.254″, I.D.: .880″
  • Single valve springs with damper
  • Approximately .490″ max lift at recommended installed height
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Edelbrock – Sure Seat Valve Springs for Ford 429/460 V8 1969-1987 (Part No.5767)

Sure Seat Valve Springs for Ford 429/460 V8 1969-1987

from

$111.99
Complete kit includes retainers and locks. Springs made of highest quality spring wire. Springs precision wound to close tolerances. Includes superior quality steel retainers. Includes 7 degree heat-treated valve stem locks. Retainers and locks black oxide coated. Non-Rotator style: Dyno tested and street proven. Great match to Edelbrock camshaft kit.

Product Features:
  • For Use With Cast Iron Heads
  • Springs Made of Highest Quality Spring Wire
  • Springs Precision Wound To Close Tolerances
  • Use with Original Equipment Heads Only
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1981 GMC C1500 Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1981 GMC C1500. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 83 different Performance Engines in our inventory ranging from $14.99 to $1,268.99. That means you can find the exact parts or products you need to keep that 1981 GMC C1500 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 1981 GMC C1500. Mr. Gasket, Edelbrock, 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 GMC C1500, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 244 reviews in this category, some of the top rated parts include Action Plus Water Pumps with 3.7 stars and Action Plus Water Pumps with 1.5 stars.

So if you’re in the market for aftermarket Performance Engines to keep your 1981 GMC C1500 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 GMC C1500 Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1981 GMC C1500 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 C1500 the best it can be. Be sure to browse some of our top Performance Engines brands and parts.

Popular B & M Performance Engines

We carry B & M parts in our stock across Performance Torque Converters categories, plus more. For a 1981 GMC C1500, our most popular B & M Performance Engines include:
Tork Master 2400
from $339.99
(1)
Tork Master 2400
Performance Torque Converters
Tork Master 3000
from $499.99
(1)
Tork Master 3000
Performance Torque Converters

Top 1981 GMC C1500 Performance Engines from Mr. Gasket

Mr. Gasket products are another trusted brand when it comes to Performance Engines for your 1981 GMC C1500. 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 GMC C1500 Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1981 GMC C1500?

Out of 83 Performance Engines for the 1981 GMC C1500, the most popular in our inventory are:
Performer EPS Intake Manifold for 1955-86 Small-Block Chevy
from $195.99
(7)
Performer EPS Intake Manifold for 1955-86 Small-Block Chevy
Performance Intake Manifolds
Cylinder Head Gasket: Multi-Layered Steel, Without Head Bolts
from $39.49
(1)
Cylinder Head Gasket: Multi-Layered Steel, Without Head Bolts
Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts
from $52.99
(1)
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts
Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets

What are the top-rated 1981 GMC C1500 Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1981 GMC C1500 based on customer reviews/ratings are:
Action Plus Water Pumps
from $215.99
(3)
Action Plus Water Pumps
“I bought this item for my 1979 Camaro SBC for Street/Strip application. Water pump weighs 4 LBS less than factory, comes with its own cork gaskets. N”
Action Plus Water Pumps
from $215.99
(2)
Action Plus Water Pumps
“The twisted neck comes to far up on the hub. For a 2 groove pulley it causes the pulley to hit the water pump. You will also need new bolts for the”
MAGNUM ROLLER ROCKERS, SMALL BLOCK CHEVY 1.52 1 ST
from $213.99
(1)
MAGNUM ROLLER ROCKERS, SMALL BLOCK CHEVY 1.52 1 ST
“just spill on break in oil on rocker wheels,adjust nut down till u can’t go any more and then back off 1/2 turn and your done no noise on start up eve”