1982 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines

Keep Your 1982 Ford Thunderbird in Top Shape with Quality Performance Engines

Whether you’re repairing or upgrading your Performance Engine, using high-quality parts is key to keeping your 1982 Ford Thunderbird looking sharp and performing at its best. At Advance Auto Parts we carry a wide selection of dependable options, including Performance Engine Rocker Arms, Performance Engine Timing Sets and Components, and Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats. Whether you’re replacing a damaged part or enhancing your truck’s style and protection, you’ll find exactly what you need to get the job done right.

Competitive Prices and Extensive Inventory

The average price for a 1982 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engine at Advance Auto Parts is around $65.81, with a range that starts at $13.99 and goes up to $407.99. With 8 options in stock from 2 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like High Performance Thermostat, ENGINE ROCKER ARM, and ENGINE ROCKER ARM start at just $31.99 and offer a great balance of form and function.

Explore Related Parts

While you’re upgrading or replacing your Performance Engine, don’t forget to check out other key components like Performance Distributors and Performance Ignition Products. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re here to help you keep your 1982 Ford Thunderbird in peak condition, inside and out.

Essential 1982 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines

Competition Cams – ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST (Part No.17043-16)

ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST

from

$249.99
The COMP Cams High Energy Die-Cast Aluminum Roller Rocker Arms are new rocker arms from the valve train leader that have been designed for street and moderate race use. They feature a die-cast body created from aluminum with a needle bearing fulcrum and roller tip. The die-cast, larger than stock body offers the strength properties and light weight of aluminum while the specially engineered fulcrum and roller tip decrease friction and lower oil temperatures, thus improving response and horsepower.

Product Features:
  • Cost effective aluminum construction provides superior strength to weight ratio
  • Needle bearing fulcrum and roller tip reduce friction and lower oil temperatures for improved response and horsepower
  • Durable design increases valve lift while withstanding the rigors of moderate race use
  • Die-formed aluminum body is larger than stock, and may require modifications to stock valve covers for clearance.
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Competition Cams – Magnum Roller 1.6 Ratio Rocker Arm Set (Part No.1431-16)

Magnum Roller 1.6 Ratio Rocker Arm Set

from

$350.99
These Magnum Roller Rocker Arms for Ford V8 289-351W (Rail Type) 1968-89 applications are the ultimate street rocker. With a 3/8″ stud diameter and 1.6 ratio, they are designed for serious performance enthusiasts. All Magnum Roller Rocker Arms are constructed from 8620 chromemoly steel, which is a superior material that will not flex and assures maximum lift. Their roller tip reduces friction, while stiff design and superior ratio accuracy yield more effective valve lift. With a 15 to 30 horsepower increase over other rocker arms, Magnum Roller Rockers are perfect for performance applications with less than 350 lbs. open spring pressure. Don’t accept inferior products or cheap knock-offs, look for the COMP Cams logo stamped into the underside of every Magnum Rocker.

Product Features:
  • Ultimate street rocker designed for serious performance enthusiasts
  • Constructed from 8620 chromemoly steel, a superior material that will not flex and assures maximum lift
  • Roller tip reduces friction while stiff design and superior ratio accuracy yields more effective valve lift
  • 15 to 30 horsepower increase over stock rocker arms
  • Use in any applications with less than 350 lbs. open spring pressure
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Competition Cams – Rocker Arms,FS/FW 1.6 7/16 Ultra Pro Mag (Part No.1632-16)

Rocker Arms,FS/FW 1.6 7/16 Ultra Pro Mag

from

$476.99
Rocker Arms,FS/FW 1.6 7/16 Ultra Pro Mag

Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat – 160 Degree Brass & Copper (Part No.4363)

High Performance Thermostat - 160 Degree Brass & Copper

from

$29.49
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 160 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 Thermostat (Part No.4365)

High Performance Thermostat

from

$31.99
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 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

from

$29.99
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-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7830)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

from

$85.99


Product Features:
  • Solid Bushing Chain Resists Stretching
  • For Use with Stock or Edelbrock Camshafts
  • Stressproof Steel Crank Gears
  • 3 Keyway Setting Points To Ensure Accurate Timing
  • True Bearing Surface Rolls with the Sprockets
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Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7814)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

from

$46.99


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
  • 50 State Street Legal
  • For Engine w/ 2-piece Fuel Pump Eccentric or EFI
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Most Popular Performance Engine Rocker Arms for 1982 Ford Thunderbirds

Enhance your 1982 Ford Thunderbird with one of the 2 Performance Engine Rocker Arms we have in stock, starting at just $50.99.

Competition Cams – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.1619-12)

ENGINE ROCKER ARM

from

$407.99
ENGINE ROCKER ARM

Competition Cams – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.1619-1)

ENGINE ROCKER ARM

from

$50.99
ENGINE ROCKER ARM

Best-Selling 1982 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engine Timing Sets and Components

Upgrade your Thunderbird with one of our 2 best-selling Performance Engine Timing Sets and Components.

Competition Cams – MAGTIMING SET SBF (Part No.2120)

MAGTIMING SET SBF

from

$123.99
MAGTIMING SET SBF

Competition Cams – ENGINE TIMING SET (Part No.3223)

ENGINE TIMING SET

from

$49.99
ENGINE TIMING SET

Top-Quality Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats for 1982 Ford Thunderbirds

Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Engine Coolant Thermostat for Ford Thunderbirds and enjoy top-notch performance from $29.49.

Mr. Gasket – High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow (Part No.4364)

High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow

from

$29.99
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

Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat – 160 Degree Brass & Copper (Part No.4363)

High Performance Thermostat - 160 Degree Brass & Copper

from

$29.49
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 160 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

Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)

High Performance Thermostat

from

$31.99
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 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
See More

Our Top Pick for a 1982 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engine Valve Lifter

Invest in a durable Performance Engine Valve Lifter for your 1982 Ford, knowing you’re getting trusted brands and expert craftsmanship.

Competition Cams – High Energy Hydraulic Flat Lifter for Ford 352-428, 144-250 and 2600-2800cc V6. (Part No.834-1)

High Energy Hydraulic Flat Lifter for Ford 352-428, 144-250 and 2600-2800cc V6.

from

$13.99
High Energy Hydraulic Flat Lifter for Ford 352-428, 144-250 and 2600-2800cc V6.

FAQs for 1982 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines

What are the best-selling Performance Engines for 1982 Ford Thunderbirds?

Out of 8 Performance Engines that fit 1982 Ford Thunderbirds, the following parts are the top sellers:

What’s the price range for 1982 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines?

The prices of Performance Engines for the 1982 Ford Thunderbird range from $13.99 up to $407.99 for the most premium parts.

What is the average price of a Performance Engine for a 1982 Ford Thunderbird?

The average price for Performance Engines for the 1982 Ford Thunderbird is $65.81. Keep in mind the variety of part types within our Performance Engine category, where you are likely to find a wide range of prices across a variety of parts and components.

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Engines for other Ford Thunderbird model years?

Yes, we carry Performance Engines for 38 model years of Ford Thunderbirds between 1958 and 1997. The following model years are the most popular for Performance Engine purchases: 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, and 1989.

What are the cheapest Performance Engines for my 1982 Ford Thunderbird?

The cheapest 1982 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines we carry are:

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Engines for any other 1982 Ford models?

What are the top-rated Performance Engines that fit the 1982 Ford Thunderbird?

The one 1982 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engine we have in stock is the High Energy Hydraulic Flat Lifter for Ford 352-428, 144-250 and 2600-2800cc V6.. It costs $13.99.

What types of Performance Engines do you sell for my 1982 Ford Thunderbird?

As of 11/2/25, these are some of the most in-demand types of Performance Engines for a 1982 Ford Thunderbird:

Can I get help with 1982 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engine orders?

Contact our customer support team by chat or phone, through the help desk page, where you can find instant answers about Ford Performance Engines and more.

What is your return policy for Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines?

Advance Auto Parts keeps returns simple. For new Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines and accessories, your online orders can be returned, in their original condition, within 45 days. For requirements, see the returns page.