1981 GMC G3500 Performance Engines

Essential 1981 GMC G3500 Performance Engines

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
See More

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
See More

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

Water Neck

from

$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
See More

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
See More

Edelbrock – Engine Cylinder Head (Part No.60849)

Engine Cylinder Head

from

$605.99


Product Features:
  • 50-State Street Legal Aluminum Cylinder Head
  • Out-of-the-Box Bolt-On Performance
  • Hand-Blended Intake and Exhaust Bowls
  • CNC-Matched Intake/Exhaust Ports in Std Location
  • Thicker Deck Surfaces than Other Brands
  • Hardened Tip Stainless Swirl-Polished Valves
  • Heli-Coils Rocker Studs And Exhaust Bolt Holes
See More

Weiand – Action Plus Water Pumps (Part No.9208P)

Action Plus Water Pumps

from

$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
See More

Mr. Gasket – Cylinder Head Dowel Pins (Part No.4377)

Cylinder Head Dowel Pins

from

$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
See More

Mr. Gasket – Head Gasket (Part No.1130G)

Head Gasket

from

$32.99
Mr. Gasket Steel Shim Cylinder Head Gaskets are for high performance street machines, drag racing and oval track racing. With today’s extreme compression ratios you need stronger more durable gaskets. Mr. Gasket steel shim gaskets are made from .020 inch steel shim stock which is thinner than most composite gaskets increasing engine compression. Stress formed embossments will seal the extreme cylinder pressure.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured from .020″ steel shim stock.
  • Thinner than composition head gaskets – increases engine compression.
  • Stress formed embossments seal extreme cylinder pressures.
  • For high performance street, drag race and oval track use.
See More

Competition Cams – MAGNUM ROLLER ROCKERS, SMALL BLOCK CHEVY 1.52 1 ST (Part No.1412-16)

MAGNUM ROLLER ROCKERS, SMALL BLOCK CHEVY 1.52 1 ST

from

$213.99
These Magnum Roller Rocker Arms for Chevy V8 265-400 and V6 200-262 applications are the ultimate street rocker. With a 3/8″ stud diameter and 1.52 ratio, they are designed for serious performance enthusiasts. All Magnum Roller Rocker Arms are constructed

Product Features:
  • Roller tip reduces friction while stiff design and superior ratio accuracy yield more effective valve lift
  • For applications with less than 350 lbs. of open spring pressure
  • Constructed from 8620 chromemoly steel, a superior material that will not flex and ensures maximum lift
  • Ultimate street roller rocker arm designed for serious performance enthusiasts
See More

Edelbrock – Victor Ram Intake Manifold #7079 Big-Block Chevy, Top Only (Part No.7079)

Victor Ram Intake Manifold #7079 Big-Block Chevy, Top Only

from

$125.99
Top intake for Victor Ram 2-R PN(7075). Available for two in line carburetors and two sideways mounted 4500 series carburetors. Carburetor center-to-center dimensions 9.38 inches.

Product Features:
  • Top Intake for Victor Ram 2-R PN[7075]
  • For Two Sideways Mounted 4500 Series Carburetors
  • Carburetor Center-to-Center Dimensions 9.38 in
  • Includes Top Gasket PN[6989]
  • Use Matching Throttle Linkage PN[7077]
See More

Mr. Gasket – Intake Manifold Bolt Set – Chevrolet Small Block – Socket Head 3/8"-16 X 1" Bolts & Washers (Part No.956G)

Intake Manifold Bolt Set - Chevrolet Small Block - Socket Head 3/8"-16 X 1" Bolts & Washers

from

$17.49
These grade 5 hex head bolts are brite zinc plated for protection and appearance. Hardened flat washers provide uniform torque & prevent galling on aluminum manifolds. Includes twelve (12) 3/8 inch-16 x 1 inch bolts & washers

Product Features:
  • Zinc plated to resist corrosion and provide a clean professional appearance
  • Made from Grade 5 steel for strength and durability
  • Flat washers provide uniform clamp load and prevent galling on aluminum intake manifolds
  • Allen (socket) Head
  • Zinc Plated For Protection
See More

FEL-PRO Performance – Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 3 Piece Set (Part No.1202)

Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 3 Piece Set

from

$34.49
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
See More

FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1866)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

from

$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.
See More

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

Engine Sealing

from

$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
See More

Mr. Gasket – Timing Cover Seal (Part No.17)

Timing Cover Seal

from

$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
See More

FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Timing Cover Gasket (Part No.2335)

Engine Timing Cover Gasket

from

$20.29
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Steel core gasket construction
  • Exclusive design permits significantly faster gasket installation while eliminating potential sealing leak paths.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
See More

Competition Cams – Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.11-600-4)

Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$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
See More

Competition Cams – CAMSHAFT, SBC 284 XTREME ENERGY HYDRAULIC 1 EA (Part No.12-250-3)

CAMSHAFT, SBC 284 XTREME ENERGY HYDRAULIC 1 EA

from

$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.
See More

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
See More

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
See More

Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.5867)

Ultra Seal: Valve Cover Gasket Set

from

$38.49
Ultra-Seal is Mr. Gasket premium valve cover gasket material. It’s manufactured from a high density cork and rubber blend with a black latex coat applied to the outside to help seal minor flange irregularites and eliminate oil leakage. It creates a positive seal by controlled swelling of the gasket material when exposed to hot oil. For original equipment replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use. Sold as a pair, these gaskets are .187 inch thick. They fit both 1987-2002 Gen I Chevrolet Small Blocks as well as 1992-1997 Gen II LT-Based Small Blocks.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured from high-density cork /rubber blend gasket material
  • A black latex rubber coating is applied to outside of gasket to help seal minor flange irregularities and eliminate the possibility of oil leakage
  • Creates a positive seal by controlled swelling of the gasket material when exposed to hot engine oil
  • For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track
  • .187″ thick
  • Handles Ex Flange Pressure
  • Forms Leak Proof Seal
  • Black Latex Coating
See More

Mr. Gasket – Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.182)

Valve Cover Gasket Set

from

$42.99
Mr. Gasket Performance Valve 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 valve cover 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.brbrThese gaskets are .312 inch thick. That’s substantially thicker than stock which can allow for additional valve train clearance.brbrFits Chevrolet 396,402,427,454,502 Gen IV, Gen V and Gen VI Big Block.

Product Features:
  • This Gasket Has A Cork Rubber Blend
  • Provides Excellent Sealing And Durability
  • Extra Thick For The Hard To Seal Applications
See More

Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for S/B Chevy (Part No.9630)

Pushrod Set for S/B Chevy

from

$189.99


Product Features:
  • Case-Hardened Tubing
  • Welded Ends
  • 5/16 in. Diameter
  • Use with or without Hardened Steel Guideplates
See More

Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for S/B Chevy (Part No.9646)

Pushrod Set for S/B Chevy

from

$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
See More

Competition Cams – Engine Valve Spring Kit (Part No.911-16)

Engine Valve Spring Kit

from

$759.99
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.O.D. Dia. 1 I.D. Dia. 2 Damper Seat Load Open Load Coil Bind Rate (Lbs./In.) Titanium Retainer Steel Retainer Cup Seat Shims 1.524 1.110 Y 122 @ 1.900 309 @ 1.400 1.200 373 721, 732 1732, 741 4779* 4757

Product Features:
  • Seat pressure: 122 lbs. @ 1.900″, Open Pressure: 309 lbs. @ 1.400″
  • O.D.: 1.524″, I.D.: 1.110″
  • Single valve springs with damper
See More

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
See More

Mr. Gasket – Rear Main Seal Gasket (Part No.1960)

Rear Main Seal Gasket

from

$23.99
This Mr. Gasket Rear Main Seal is made from silicone to allow the seal to handle extreme engine oil temperature. It also provides for an upgrade for that leaky rope style seal and is a direct replacement for a rubber main seal. It’s also injection molded for a precise fit.

Product Features:
  • Repairs That Leaky Rear Main Sail
  • Silicone Rubber to Withstand Extreme Engine Oil Temperatures
  • Upgrade for Rope Seal Equipped Cars or Direct Replacement for Rubber Main Seal
  • Injection Molded for Precise Fit
See More

FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET (Part No.2912)

PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET

from

$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.
See More

1981 GMC G3500 Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1981 GMC G3500. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 79 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 G3500 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 G3500. 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 G3500, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 176 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 G3500 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 G3500 Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1981 GMC G3500 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 G3500 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 G3500, 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 G3500 Performance Engines from Mr. Gasket

Mr. Gasket products are another trusted brand when it comes to Performance Engines for your 1981 GMC G3500. 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 G3500 Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1981 GMC G3500?

Out of 79 Performance Engines for the 1981 GMC G3500, 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 G3500 Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1981 GMC G3500 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”