1981 GMC K3500 Performance Engines

Essential 1981 GMC K3500 Performance Engines

FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit (Part No.2900)

Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit

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$21.49
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Meets or exceeds all original equipment specifications
  • Application specific design to ensure a perfect fit
  • Engineered and manufactured specifically for repair applications
  • Unsurpassed quality you can trust
  • Validated for fit, form, and function
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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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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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FEL-PRO Performance – Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 5 Piece Set (Part No.1210)

Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 5 Piece Set

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$44.99
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
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Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9730)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

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$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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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

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$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 – 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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Competition Cams – VALVE SEALS, TEFLON 3/8" 1 ST (Part No.505-16)

VALVE SEALS, TEFLON 3/8" 1 ST

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$31.99
COMP Cams offers a complete line of valve stem seals, from the umbrella seals to the positive-stop Teflon seal. These seals are a must to keep unwanted oil from entering the combustion chamber through the clearance in the valve guides. The umbrella seal is normally used when a larger-than-stock diameter spring is used, in the case of a double spring, the positive-stop Teflon seal is used. The umbrella seals require no machining, but with the Teflon seal it is necessary to disassemble the heads and machine the top of the guide with a special .530 diameter cutter. Whenever you are planning an engine overhaul or a cam change, don’t forget the valve seals.

Product Features:
  • Work with .530″ guides and 3/8″ valve stem diameter
  • Valve stem oil seals keep unwanted oil from entering the combustion chamber
  • Several different types of valve seals are offered
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Spectre – Valve Cover Gasket Steel reinforced (Part No.585)

Valve Cover Gasket Steel reinforced

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$34.99
This Spectre valve cover gasket is an OEM replacement part that fits small block Chevrolet 265-400 engines. The gasket is made from extra thick rubber with a steel reinforced core that maintains its shape under pressure which helps to provide a superior seal.

Product Features:
  • Fits 265-400 small block Chevy engines
  • OEM replacement
  • Extra thick rubber with steel reinforced core
  • Provides a superior seal
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FEL-PRO Performance – Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts (Part No.1004)

Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts

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$52.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Fel-Pro Performance head gaskets accommodate the high cylinder pressures and cylinder head movement associated with performance engines.
  • Inserted within a stainless steel armor surrounding each cylinder, wire ring design provides highly concentrated sealing around the combustion chamber.
  • Raises combustion sealing force to roughly three times that of standard head gaskets.
  • Steel wire rings for the greatest combustion seal strength.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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Mr. Gasket – Intake Bolt Kit (Part No.5004)

Intake Bolt Kit

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$61.99
Finish your custom engine job with these show quality grade 5 chromed bolts, includes AN washers which have no exposed shoulder for a professional appearance. Includes (12) 3/8-16 x 1-1/4 inch bolts and (12) 3/8 inch AN washers.

Product Features:
  • Chrome plated
  • Grade 5
  • AN washers with no exposed shoulder for a professional appearance
  • Ideal For Street Rods/Machines
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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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B & M – Torque Converter, Holeshot 2000 (Part No.70417)

Torque Converter, Holeshot 2000

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$544.99
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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Edelbrock – Performer Intake Manifold for 1987-95 Small Block Chevy, Satin Finish (Part No.2104)

Performer Intake Manifold for 1987-95 Small Block Chevy, Satin Finish

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$329.99


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
  • Accepts Late-Model Choke; Waterneck; and HEI
  • Accepts A/C And Alternator
  • Accepts Exhaust Heated Chokes
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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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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1884 R)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

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$64.99
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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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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Edelbrock – Water Pump for 1988 and later C/K pickups in Polished Finish (Part No.8863)

Water Pump for 1988 and later C/K pickups in Polished Finish

from

$397.99
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 – Water Pump Cartridge for Small-Block Chevy (Race Style) (Part No.8827)

Water Pump Cartridge for Small-Block Chevy (Race Style)

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$435.99
Edelbrock #8827 Water Pump small block Chevy cartridge style race ideal to prevent overheating in street rods and street machines, as well as in tow rigs and motorhomes. Using state-of-the-art racing technology, Edelbrock has designed these “super cooling

Product Features:
  • Standard Impeller Rotation
  • 0.750 in. Pilot Shaft
  • 0.750 in. Ball/Ball Bearing
  • 5.8125 in. Block To Hub Height
  • Satin 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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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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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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Competition Cams – CAMSHAFT, SBC 268 HIGH ENERGY HYDRAULIC 1 EA (Part No.12-210-2)

CAMSHAFT, SBC 268 HIGH ENERGY HYDRAULIC 1 EA

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$537.99
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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Competition Cams – CAMSHAFT, SBC 249 XTREME ENERGY COMPUTER CONTROLLED HYDRAULIC 1 EA (Part No.12-249-4)

CAMSHAFT, SBC 249 XTREME ENERGY COMPUTER CONTROLLED HYDRAULIC 1 EA

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$276.99
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, the Xtreme Energy grind family offers gains in torque and horsepower while still delivering adequate vacuum for power brakes and other vacuum dependent accessories. Xtreme Energy camshafts work great in carbureted applications, but offer the best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, lower gear ratios, headers and free flowing exhaust.

Product Features:
  • HYDRAULIC – Xtreme Energy Computer Controlled: Great in throttle body, crossfire or carbureted engine and 305 TPI.
  • 249/260 Advertised Duration, 206/212 Duration @ .050″, .434″/.444″ Lift, 112 Lobe Separation
  • 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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FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Timing Cover Gasket (Part No.2335)

Engine Timing Cover Gasket

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$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.
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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

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$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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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 121 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 K3500 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 K3500. 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 K3500, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 123 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 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 B & M Performance Engines

We carry B & M parts in our stock across Performance Torque Converters categories, plus more. For a 1981 GMC K3500, our most popular B & M Performance Engines include:
Tork Master 2400
from $339.99
(1)
Tork Master 2400
Performance Torque Converters

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:
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 K3500 Performance Engines

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

Out of 121 Performance Engines for the 1981 GMC K3500, 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 K3500 Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1981 GMC K3500 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”