1981 GMC K3500 Performance Engines

Essential 1981 GMC K3500 Performance Engines

FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1640)

Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set

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$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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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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Mr. Gasket – Cam Change Gaskets (Part No.4406)

Cam Change Gaskets

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$56.99
When you change a cam, you don’t need a complete engine gasket set, because you don’t have to take everything apart. Mr. Gasket cam change gasket sets are tailored to deliver just the pieces that you need when you swap bump-sticks. They include gaskets for the valve covers, intake manifold, oil pan, water pump, timing-chain cover, and fuel pump.

Product Features:
  • Comes with all gaskets
  • Fuel injector oring not included
  • Meets performance standards
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Edelbrock – Water Pump Big-Block Chevy Standard/Long in Polished Finish (Part No.8861)

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

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$475.99
Maximum cooling for street and racing engines. Internal passages are balanced for maximum flow. Impeller is larger than others for maximum pressure. Impeller vanes dramatically increase flow rates. Equal distribution to both sides of block. Only flows in one direction for optimum efficiency. In the early days of the automotive performance industry, you either ran what was available, or you fabricated something you thought met your needs. Such needs were the building blocks of this industry, and it was through the efforts of many that we have the automotive aftermarket, but it was through the work of one name in particular to which many in the industry owe a great debt, and that name is Edelbrock.

Product Features:
  • Maximum Cooling for Street and Racing Engines
  • Internal Passages Are Balanced for Maximum Flow
  • Impeller is Larger than Others For Max Pressure
  • Impeller Vanes Dramatically Increase Flow Rates
  • Equal Distribution to Both Sides of Block
  • Only Flows in One-Direction for Optimum Efficiency
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Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for S/B Chevy (Part No.9629)

Pushrod Set for S/B Chevy

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$187.99


Product Features:
  • Case-Hardened Tubing
  • Surface Hardening
  • Welded Ends
  • 0.3125 in. Diameter
  • Use with or without Hardened Steel Guideplates
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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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Spectre – Engine Dress Steel Up Kit (Part No.54083)

Engine Dress Steel Up Kit

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$119.99
Spectre’s Engine Dress-Up Kit was designed for the ’58-’86 Chevrolet small block 265-400. This kit includes: stock height baffled covers, chrome T-bar hold downs, chrome PCV breather, chrome breather, chrome oil filler cap, grommets, and a stainless steel braided PCV hose with red/blue Magna-Clamps. Designed for use with OE specifications for fit and function, Spectre products are engineered to perform as good as they look.

Product Features:
  • For Chevrolet small block 265 and 400
  • Kit includes: stock height baffled covers, chrome T-bar hold downs, chrome PCV breather, chrome breather, chrome oil filler cap, grommets, and a stain
  • Designed for use with OE specifications for fit and function
  • Made from high quality material
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Edelbrock – Intake Manifold Gasket for 1965-1990, Mark IV B/B Chevy, Rec Port (Part No.7208)

Intake Manifold Gasket for 1965-1990, Mark IV B/B Chevy, Rec Port

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$30.99
Edelbrock part #7208 Intake Gaskets for 1965-1990, Mark IV 396-402-427-454-555, Rectangular Port 6 Bolt Flange with no crossover allow for optimum flow and performance. Any gasket can create a seal, but a good gasket can do it with less clamping force, an

Product Features:
  • 1.82″x2.46″
  • Rectangular Port Style
  • .060″ Thick
  • Two Piece Configuration
  • Composite Material
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal; Cylinder Head Bolts (Part No.941G)

Ultra Seal; Cylinder Head Bolts

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$64.99
These grade 8 alloy, longer length bolts allow increased torque and clamping.

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.1818)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

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$27.49
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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B & M – Tork Master 2000 (Part No.20400)

Tork Master 2000

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$266.99
Torque Converter – Tork Master 2000 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) APPLICATION: Tork Master 2000 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

Product Features:
  • New Precision Pump Drive Tube
  • Pressure Tested
  • Fully Balanced
  • Needle Thrust Bearing
  • New Thrust Washer
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Mr. Gasket – Precision Timing Tape (Part No.1588)

Precision Timing Tape

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$18.99
Avoid trouble with this precision timing tape. Use it for accurate timing, setting valve lash or when degreeing the harmonic balancer.

Product Features:
  • Accurate in calibration
  • For hi-performance engines
  • Increased performance
  • Set valve lash at proper time
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Mr. Gasket – Special Cam Bolt (Part No.944G)

Special Cam Bolt

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$12.99
Grade 8, single bolt. Black plated finish. The washers are designed to secure the Mr. Gasket cam button pn1180, pn1181, and pn1183 or can be used as stock replacements.

Product Features:
  • Specialty and drive train fastener
  • Special cam bolts
  • Black plated finish
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Edelbrock – Sure Seat Valve Springs for Chevy 262-400 V8 1957-95 (Part No.5802)

Sure Seat Valve Springs for Chevy 262-400 V8 1957-95

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$60.99
Springs made of highest quality spring wire. Springs precision wound to close tolerances. 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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Edelbrock – RPM Small-Block Chevy Cylinder Head SBC 70cc Hydraulic Flat Tappet Cam (Part No.60759)

RPM Small-Block Chevy Cylinder Head SBC 70cc Hydraulic Flat Tappet Cam

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$1014.99
Product Features:
  • 50-State Street Legal Aluminum Cylinder Head
  • Out-of-the-Box Bolt-On Performance
  • 70cc Combustion Chambers Improve Performance
  • Retain Stock Compression Ratio
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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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$73.99
This stud uses heat treated grade 8 alloy steel. The enlarged radius base provides extra strength for a more durable stable shank. Black plated finish. Fits Chevy small block and Ford small block.

Product Features:
  • Heat-treated
  • Grade 8 alloy steel
  • Ex strength enlarged radius
  • More durable/stable shank
  • Prevents stud flexing
  • Black plated 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 (Part No.4727)

Water Neck; Chevy

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$59.99
Spectre’s vertical Chevrolet V8 water neck is designed to give you a water neck for your Chevy V8 engine when running a custom cooling system that needs a vertical water neck. This water neck has a chrome plated finish for a lasting look that fits great. This water neck includes the bolts and sealing O-ring.

Product Features:
  • Fits Chevy V8 engines
  • Vertical water neck for custom cooling systems
  • Includes bolts and sealing O-ring
  • Chrome plated Easy to install
  • Chrome plated
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Edelbrock – Victor Jr. 23 Degree Tall Intake Manifold Small-Block Chevy (Part No.2999)

Victor Jr. 23 Degree Tall Intake Manifold Small-Block Chevy

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$463.99
Edelbrock part #2999 Victor Jr. 23 degree Tall intake manifold provides maximum performance for engines with standard port location, iron and aluminum cylinder heads. This versatile manifold is excellent for many applications from high-performance’s stree

Product Features:
  • Race Winning Design for all Types of Competition
  • Single Plane Maximizes Torque and Horsepower
  • For Performance in 3500 to 7500 RPM Range
  • Exit Ports Closely Match Unported GM Bowtie Heads
  • Ports Match GM PN[14011058/14011034/10134392]
  • Best for Classes Restricting Porting of Intakes
  • Features 1 in. Taller Carb Pad than PN[2972]
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Edelbrock – Performer 2-0; Intake Manifold (Part No.37611)

Performer 2-0; Intake Manifold

from

$590.99


Product Features:
  • For Idle to 5500 RPM Street-Driven Performance
  • Dual-Plane Low-Rise Intake w/180 Deg Firing Order
  • Patented Runner Design Ensures Broad Torque Curve
  • Excellent Throttle Response and Mid-Range Power
  • 50-State Street Legal if Correct Carburetor Used
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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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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal; Head Gasket (Part No.5801G)

Ultra Seal; Head Gasket

from

$61.99
Excellent resilience. High temperature endurance. Will not creep or cold-flow. Will not get brittle. Resists corrosion. Eliminates gasket sealer. Compatible with high octane and exotic fuel.

Product Features:
  • Excellent resilience
  • High temperature endurance
  • Will not creep/cold-flow
  • Will not get brittle
  • Resists corrosion
  • Eliminates gasket sealer
  • Compatible w/high octane fuel
  • Compatible with exotic fuel
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Mr. Gasket – Timing Cover Gasket Set (Part No.90)

Timing Cover Gasket Set

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$21.99
Made from high grade cork granules and a neoprene binder, these gaskets will not shrink or stick and provide excellent sealing and durability. These gaskets can be reused.

Product Features:
  • Will not shrink or stick
  • Provides excellent sealing and durability
  • Reusable
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Mr. Gasket – Timing Cover Seal (Part No.18)

Timing Cover Seal

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$16.99
Mr. Gasket manufactures a variety of performance parts and accessories, including carburetor and fuel accessories, cooling system accessories, engine components, fasteners, gaskets, and suspension and drive line components. Besides gaskets and fasteners, the Mr. Gasket brand provides a variety of performance and racing products for all parts of your vehicle including: carburetor and fuel accessories, chrome-plated accessories, cooling system accessories, engine components, ignition and electrical accessories, shifter accessories, specialty tools and suspension and driveline components. Mr .Gasket also includes Ultra-Seal gaskets and fasteners.

Product Features:
  • Nitrile rubber and high density cork
  • Will not shrink or stick
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Mr. Gasket – Water Outlet Gasket (Part No.738G)

Water Outlet Gasket

from

$30.99
Manufactured from a blend of nitrile rubber and fiber for excellent sealing and durability. Precision die cut for application.

Product Features:
  • Edge molded rubber water outlet gasket is reusable
  • Requires no gasket sealer
  • Solid aluminum carrier for strength/rigidity
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Mr. Gasket – Intake Manifold Bolts (Part No.957G)

Intake Manifold Bolts

from

$21.99
Choose from grade 5 hex or socket head intake bolts or grade 8 bolts with twelve point smaller-than-standard head and flange, ideal for where space is minimal. Bolts and washers are bright zinc plated for protection and appearance.

Product Features:
  • Grade 8 material
  • Extra thick flat washers
  • Ideal for minimal space
  • 12-pt head and flange
  • Zinc plated for protection
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1981 GMC K3500 Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1981 GMC K3500. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 108 different Performance Engines in our inventory ranging from $12.99 to $1,268.99. That means you can find the exact parts or products you need to keep that 1981 GMC K3500 running smoothly.

Performance Engines are only as good as their brand. We stock 6 different brands to make sure you have plenty of trusted parts to choose from for your 1981 GMC K3500. Mr. Gasket, FEL-PRO Performance, and Edelbrock 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 K3500, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 46 reviews in this category, some of the top rated parts include Performer Intake Manifold for 1955-86 Small-Block Chevy, Satin Finish with 5.0 stars and Action Plus Water Pumps with 3.7 stars.

So if you’re in the market for aftermarket Performance Engines to keep your 1981 GMC K3500 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 K3500 Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1981 GMC K3500 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 K3500 the best it can be. Be sure to browse some of our top Performance Engines brands and parts.

Popular FEL-PRO Performance Performance Engines

We carry FEL-PRO Performance parts in our stock across Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets categories, plus more. For a 1981 GMC K3500, our most popular FEL-PRO Performance Performance Engines include:
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts
from $62.99
(1)
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, 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
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

Top 1981 GMC K3500 Performance Engines from Mr. Gasket

Mr. Gasket products are another trusted brand when it comes to Performance Engines for your 1981 GMC K3500. Popular Mr. Gasket parts include:
Ultra Seal; Valve Cover Gasket Set
from $25.99
(7)
Ultra Seal; Valve Cover Gasket Set
Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets
Water Outlet Gasket
from $30.99
(6)
Water Outlet Gasket
Performance Water Outlet Gaskets
Intake Manifold Bolts
from $29.99
(5)
Intake Manifold Bolts
Performance Intake Manifolds

FAQs for 1981 GMC K3500 Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1981 GMC K3500?

Out of 108 Performance Engines for the 1981 GMC K3500, the most popular in our inventory are:
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
Ultra Seal; Valve Cover Gasket Set
from $35.99
(2)
Ultra Seal; Valve Cover Gasket Set
Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets
Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit
from $21.49
(2)
Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit
Performance Engine Main Bearing Gasket Sets

What are the top-rated 1981 GMC K3500 Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1981 GMC K3500 based on customer reviews/ratings are:
Performer Intake Manifold for 1955-86 Small-Block Chevy, Satin Finish
from $257.99
(3)
Performer Intake Manifold for 1955-86 Small-Block Chevy, Satin Finish
“Get the matching carb, increased HP by 50 points”
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”
Sure Seat Valve Springs for Chevy 262-400 V8 1957-95
from $60.99
(2)
Sure Seat Valve Springs for Chevy 262-400 V8 1957-95
“Used with the smallest Comp Thumpr Cam, good to 5500 RPM, Cost is great, No valve float. I would use again with a samll to medium cam and 416 heads.”