1981 GMC C3500 Performance Engines

Essential 1981 GMC C3500 Performance Engines

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

Torque Converter, Nitrous Holeshot 3600

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$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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Edelbrock – RPM Air-Gap Big Block Chevy 2-O Intake Manifold (Part No.7561)

RPM Air-Gap Big Block Chevy 2-O Intake Manifold

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$438.99
Based on performer RPM-series with unique air gap. Air gap cooler and denser mixture for more power. Designed for 1500 to 6500 RPM street-driven power. Dual-plane high-rise intake with 180 degree firing order. Produces incredible top-end horsepower. Retains good throttle response and acceleration. Larger plenum and runners maximize other upgrades. Edelbrock total power package maximizes gains. Available in cast, polished or endurashine finish.

Product Features:
  • Based on Performer RPM-Series with Unique Air Gap
  • Air Gap Cooler and Denser Mixture for More Power
  • Designed for 1500 to 6500 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 – Cylinder Head Gasket Set for Chevrolet (Part No.7310)

Cylinder Head Gasket Set for Chevrolet

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$58.99
Product Features:
  • 4.125 in. Cylinder Bore Diameter
  • 0.039 in. Thickness
  • 8.7cc Volume
  • Charcoal Color
  • Two Piece Configuration
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Edelbrock – Replacement Timing Cover Gasket #4243 For SB Chevy, Fits 2-Piece Part #4242 (Part No.4243)

Replacement Timing Cover Gasket #4243 For SB Chevy, Fits 2-Piece Part #4242

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$41.99
Product Features:
  • Replacement Gasket Set For PN[4242]
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Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9721)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

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$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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Weiand – Action Plus Water Pumps (Part No.9240P)

Action Plus Water Pumps

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$215.99
Weiand’s light weight, performance aluminum mechanical Action-Plus water pumps give a weight saving of 30 percent to 50 percent over stock cast-iron pumps. These pumps feature a premium quality bearing and seal that have twice the load capacity of stock pumps. Weiand’s exclusive housing counter bore keeps the bearing form walking out. All pumps are designed with the necessary bracket bosses and water connections to fit popular street applications.

Product Features:
  • Twisted Snout Water Pump Design For Updated Style
  • Street Performance
  • Heavy Duty Shaft w/5/8 in. Pilot
  • Six-Blade Stamped Steel
  • Anti-Cavitation Impeller
  • 100 Percent Leak Tested
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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 – 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 – Water Neck (Part No.2557)

Water Neck

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$27.49
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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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Cylinder Head Bolts (Part No.941G)

Ultra Seal: Cylinder Head Bolts

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$73.99
These grade 8 alloy steel, longer length bolts are designed to compensate for thread length lost when using head bolt washers. This allows increased torque and clamping. Set of 16 does one cylinder head.

Product Features:
  • Cylinder Head Bolts
  • Longer-Than-Stock
  • High Quality Grade 8 Alloy
  • Increase Torque Settings
  • Higher Clamp Loads On Gasket
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1866)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

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$33.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Rigid core, molded silicone rubber gaskets utilize the one-piece molded rubber technology for a perfect fit, ease of installation and include compression limiters to prevent overtightening.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET (Part No.2912)

PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET

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$36.99
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.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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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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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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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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Mr. Gasket – Intake Gasket Set – Standard Duty – Big Block Chevy With Stock Rectangle Ports – 1.75"W X 2.50"H (Part No.108)

Intake Gasket Set - Standard Duty - Big Block Chevy With Stock Rectangle Ports - 1.75"W X 2.50"H

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$29.99
Mr. Gasket Performance Intake Gaskets are manufactured from cellulose/nitrile composition gasket material. This is a low density material that conforms well to irregular surfaces and has very good crush resistance at high flange pressures. They provide excellent sealing and durability as the material is designed for sealing gasoline, oils, water and coolant in applications up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While die-cut for an excellent fit, they can be trimmed if necessary for modified port applications. Comes complete with front & rear manifold end seals. 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
  • Die-cut for an excellent fit
  • Can be trimmed if necessary for modified port applications
  • Complete with manifold end seals & distributor gaskets if applicable
  • For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Intake Gasket (Part No.5818)

Ultra Seal: Intake Gasket

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$48.49
Ultra-Seal intake manifold gaskets are manufactured from cellulose/nitrile composition gasket material. Provides excellent sealing and durability. Incorporates Silicone beading around each intake and water outlet port to provide additional sealing strength on both sides of each gasket. No gasket sealer required. For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use. Includes manifold end seals and distributor gasket.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured from cellulose/nitrile composition gasket material
  • Provides excellent sealing and durability
  • Silicone beading on both sides of each gasket
  • Complete with manifold end seals and distributor gasket
  • For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use
  • Creates Tight Leak proof Seal
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Edelbrock – Complete Sure Seat Valve Spring Kit for Chevy 262-400 V8 1957-95 (Part No.5794)

Complete Sure Seat Valve Spring Kit for Chevy 262-400 V8 1957-95

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$151.99
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 are black oxide coated. Non-rotator style: Dyno tested and street proven. Great match to Edelbrock camshaft kit.

Product Features:
  • 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 deg. 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
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Edelbrock – Complete Sure Seat Valve Spring Kit for Chevy 262-400 V8 1957-95 (Part No.5894)

Complete Sure Seat Valve Spring Kit for Chevy 262-400 V8 1957-95

from

$147.99
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 are black oxide coated. Non-rotator style: Dyno tested and street proven. Great match to Edelbrock camshaft kit.

Product Features:
  • 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 deg. Heat-Treated Valve Stem Locks
  • Retainers and Locks Black Oxide Coated
  • Dyno Tested And Street Proven
  • Great Match to Edelbrock Camshaft Kit
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Competition Cams – Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Big Block 396-454 (Part No.CL11-602-4)

Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Big Block 396-454

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$1322.99
BIG BLOCK CHEVY HYDRAULIC CAM AND LIFTER KIT – Big Mutha’ Thumpr: Street/strip, needs 9.5:1 compression, 2800+ stall, intake, gears and headers, very rough idle.

Product Features:
  • Cam and lifter kit for Big Block Chevy engines
  • CL-Kit includes cam, lifters, assembly lube, instructions and decals
  • HYDRAULIC – Big Mutha’ Thumpr: Street/strip, needs 9.5:1 compression, 2800+ stall, intake, gears and headers, very rough idle.
  • 295/312 Advertised Duration, 243/257 Duration @ .050″, .522″/.507″ Lift, 107 Lobe Separation
  • Valve spring upgrade required
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Edelbrock – Performer-Plus Camshaft Kit for 1957-86 Small-Block Chevrolet (Part No.2103)

Performer-Plus Camshaft Kit for 1957-86 Small-Block Chevrolet

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$334.99


Product Features:
  • Designed for Optimum Torque and Acceleration
  • Maximum Performance From Idle through Mid-Range
  • Matched to Edelbrock Performer Intakes
  • 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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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 – Ultra Seal: Competition Screw-In Rocker Arm Studs (Part No.1074)

Ultra Seal: Competition Screw-In Rocker Arm Studs

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$85.09
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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Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7810)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

from

$74.99


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 – TIMING CHAIN (Part No.7844)

TIMING CHAIN

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$29.99
Product Features:
  • Timing Chain Only
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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

from

$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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Edelbrock – Performer Big-Block Chevy Oval Port Hydraulic Flat Tappet Springs (Part No.60489)

Performer Big-Block Chevy Oval Port Hydraulic Flat Tappet Springs

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$830.99
Product Features:
  • Made of aluminum with a natural finish
  • 100cc chambers with 290cc intake ports
  • 2.19 in. intake and 1.88 in. exhaust valves
  • Bare Cylinder Head
  • Standard intake and exhaust port location
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1981 GMC C3500 Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1981 GMC C3500. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 130 different Performance Engines in our inventory ranging from $14.99 to $1,322.99. That means you can find the exact parts or products you need to keep that 1981 GMC C3500 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 C3500. 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 C3500, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 91 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 C3500 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 C3500 Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1981 GMC C3500 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 C3500 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 C3500, 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 C3500 Performance Engines from Mr. Gasket

Mr. Gasket products are another trusted brand when it comes to Performance Engines for your 1981 GMC C3500. 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 C3500 Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1981 GMC C3500?

Out of 130 Performance Engines for the 1981 GMC C3500, 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
Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 9 Piece Set
from $27.49
This product is not rated
Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 9 Piece Set
Performance Engine Intake Manifold Gaskets

What are the top-rated 1981 GMC C3500 Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1981 GMC C3500 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”