1981 GMC G1500 Performance Engines

Essential 1981 GMC G1500 Performance Engines

FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit (Part No.2919)

Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit

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$37.49
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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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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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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Competition Cams – CAM & LIFTER KIT, SBC 260H HIGH ENERGY HYD 1 KT (Part No.CL12-206-2)

CAM & LIFTER KIT, SBC 260H HIGH ENERGY HYD 1 KT

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$323.99
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. Offering

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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Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7800)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

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$62.99


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
  • Not for OEM Hydraulic Roller-Lifter Camshaft Eng.
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit (Part No.7845)

Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit

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$27.49
Secure the harmonic balancer or dampener on your Chevy. Works on original equipment, high performance street, drag or circle track applications. Features a heat treated black oxide coated Grade 8 alloy steel bolt for strength with a tall hex head to prevent wrench from slipping. An extra thick parallel ground washer provides accurate, uniform torque, and a lock washer is also included.

Product Features:
  • Heat treated black oxide coated Grade 8 alloy steel
  • Tall hex head bolt to prevent wrench from slipping
  • Extra thick parallel ground washer provides accurate, uniform torque
  • Washers Provides More Accurate And Uniform Torque
  • Grade 8 Alloy Steel
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Intake Gasket (Part No.5822)

Ultra Seal: Intake Gasket

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$34.99
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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Mr. Gasket – Intake Manifold Bolts (Part No.6091)

Intake Manifold Bolts

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$32.09
These special Grade 8 intake manifold bolts feature a 12-point smaller-than-standard head and flange, and include special extra thick flat washers for optimum clamping pressures. They’re ideal for use where space is minimal, typical on larger runner race manifolds. These bolts and washers are bright zinc plated for protection and good looks.

Product Features:
  • Features 12-point Smaller-than-standard Bolt Head
  • Thick Flat Washers Distribute Optimum Clamp Load
  • Ideal Use Where Space Is Minimal On Race Manifolds
  • Bolts And Washers Zinc Plated For Protection
  • Zinc Plated For Protection
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Edelbrock – Performer Small-Block Chevy Cylinder Head 64cc Hydraulic Flat Tappet (Part No.60909)

Performer Small-Block Chevy Cylinder Head 64cc Hydraulic Flat Tappet

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$1009.99
Product Features:
  • 50-State Street Legal Aluminum Cylinder Head
  • Out-of-the-Box Bolt-On Performance
  • 64cc Combustion Chambers Improve Performance
  • Retain Stock Compression Ratio
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FEL-PRO Performance – Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts (Part No.1010)

Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts

from

$39.49
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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Competition Cams – High Energy/Marine 212/212 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Chevrolet Small Block (Part No.12-206-2)

High Energy/Marine 212/212 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Chevrolet Small Block

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$284.99
HYDRAULIC – High Energy: Vans, pickups, 4WD and towing, in 350c.i., good idle, strong mid-range torque. OR High Energy Marine: Single or dual engine with inboard/outboard drive for ski and economy.

Product Features:
  • HYDRAULIC – High Energy: Vans, pickups, 4WD and towing, in 350c.i., good idle, strong mid-range torque. OR High Energy Marine: Single or dual engine with inboard/outboard drive for ski and economy.
  • 260/260 Advertised Duration, 212/212 Duration @ .050″, .440″/.440″ Lift, 110 Lobe Separation
  • Work well with mainly stock components such as rockers, manifolds, heads, compression, torque converters and gears.
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Competition Cams – THUMPR CAMSHAFT, SBC 1 EA (Part No.12-600-4)

THUMPR CAMSHAFT, SBC 1 EA

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$587.99
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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Mr. Gasket – Engine Sealing (Part No.6560)

Engine Sealing

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$499.99
Manufactured from cellulose and nitrile composition gasket material. A black latex rubber coating is applied to outside of gasket to help seal minor oil pan rail irregularities and eliminate the possibility of oil leakage. Provides excellent sealing and durability. Complete with molded rubber front/rear oil pan seals where applicable. For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track.

Product Features:
  • Made of high temp silicone or nitrile blend rubber
  • Torque limiters to prevent over tightening
  • One piece molded rubber
  • Fits left and right hand dipsticks
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1819)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

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$31.49
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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Edelbrock – Front Timing Cover Gasket Set #6997 For Small-Block Chevy, With Front Seal (Part No.6997)

Front Timing Cover Gasket Set #6997 For Small-Block Chevy, With Front Seal

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$17.99
Product Features:
  • For Small-Block Chevy
  • One Piece Configuration
  • Includes Front Cover Gasket & Front Seal
  • Includes Necessary Gaskets & Crankshaft Oil Seal
  • For Replacement Or Installation
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Mr. Gasket – Timing Cover Gasket Set (Part No.90)

Timing Cover Gasket Set

from

$21.99
Mr. Gasket Performance Timing Cover Gaskets are high-density cork/rubber blend gaskets that use evenly sized cork particles distributed evenly throughout the rubber binder. The result is a compressible gasket without leak paths. These gaskets create a positive seal by controlled swelling of the gasket material when exposed to hot engine oil. Provides excellent flange sealing and durability. For original equipment replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured from high-density cork/rubber blend gasket material
  • Provides excellent sealing and durability
  • For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use
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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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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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Spectre – Water Neck; Chevy 90 Degree (Part No.4933)

Water Neck; Chevy 90 Degree

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$50.99
Spectre’s Chevrolet water neck fits Chevy V8 engines and features a 90 degree neck with a 360 degree swivel design for a custom look and fit. This water neck has been designed around the OEM specifications, has a height of 2-7/8 inches and has a polished aluminum finish for a lasting look that fits great. This water neck includes the allen bolts and sealing O-ring.

Product Features:
  • Fits Chevy V8 engines
  • 90 degree neck with a 360 degree swivel design
  • 2-7/8 inch height
  • Includes sealing O-ring and allen bolts
  • Polished aluminum finish
  • Easy to install
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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.1640)

Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set

from

$22.49
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 – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)

High Performance Thermostat

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$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

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

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

from

$494.99


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 – C-357-B Triple-Deuce Manifold for S/B Chevy 4-Bolt Carb Pattern (Part No.5419)

C-357-B Triple-Deuce Manifold for S/B Chevy 4-Bolt Carb Pattern

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$473.99
Product Features:
  • Designed for Idle to 5500 RPM
  • Manifold has a Balanced 180+ Firing Order
  • Contains Exhaust Gas Heat Riser
  • Offers Excellent Performance Potential
  • Front Oil Filler Tube Boss Included
  • Carburetor Center-to-Center Dimensions = 5-1/2 in
  • Also Available Polished PN[5419] But Not Fit HEI
  • Use Rochester 2GC (small 1-7/16 in bore)
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B & M – Tork Master 2400 (Part No.70418)

Tork Master 2400

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$429.99
Torque Converter – Tork Master 2400 for GM 1993 to 1996 TH700R4 (30 spline) 1984 to 1993 and 4L60E (30 spline) APPLICATION: Tork Master 2400 for GM 1993 to 1996 TH700R4 (30 spline) 1984 to 1993 and 4L60E (30 spline) The Tork Master is B&M’s lowest cost pe

Product Features:
  • New Precision Pump Drive Tube
  • Pressure Tested
  • Fully Balanced
  • Needle Thrust Bearing
  • New Thrust Washer
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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 – 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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1981 GMC G1500 Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1981 GMC G1500. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 78 different Performance Engines in our inventory ranging from $7.99 to $1,009.99. That means you can find the exact parts or products you need to keep that 1981 GMC G1500 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 G1500. 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 G1500, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 332 reviews in this category, some of the top rated parts include Action Plus Water Pumps with 3.7 stars and Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set with 3.3 stars.

So if you’re in the market for aftermarket Performance Engines to keep your 1981 GMC G1500 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 G1500 Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1981 GMC G1500 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 G1500 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 G1500, our most popular B & M Performance Engines include:
Tork Master 2400
from $339.99
(1)
Tork Master 2400
Performance Torque Converters

Top 1981 GMC G1500 Performance Engines from Mr. Gasket

Mr. Gasket products are another trusted brand when it comes to Performance Engines for your 1981 GMC G1500. 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
Ultra-Seal Intake Manifold Gasket with Silicone Beading
from $31.99
(18)
Ultra-Seal Intake Manifold Gasket with Silicone Beading
Performance Engine Intake Manifold Gaskets
Intake Manifold Bolts
from $32.09
(5)
Intake Manifold Bolts
Performance Intake Manifold Hardware

FAQs for 1981 GMC G1500 Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1981 GMC G1500?

Out of 78 Performance Engines for the 1981 GMC G1500, 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 G1500 Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1981 GMC G1500 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”
Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set
from $62.99
(3)
Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set
“Bolted right on, instructions were spot on. Great purchase. Hard to go wrong with an Edelbrock company product”
Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit
from $21.49
(2)
Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit
“Seals properly”