1996 Mercury Cougar Performance Engines

Keep Your 1996 Mercury Cougar 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 1996 Mercury Cougar 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 Camshafts, and Performance Engine Push Rods. 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.

Top-Rated Performance Engines from Trusted Brands

Looking for a reliable Performance Engine? We’ve got you covered with options from brands you know and trust like Competition Cams. For example, Competition Cams Performance Engines start at just $528.99 with an average 4.1 star rating. With over 15 reviews and a solid 4 star average, you can shop with confidence knowing other Mercury Cougar owners approve.

Explore Related Parts

While you’re upgrading or replacing your Performance Engine, don’t forget to check out other key components like Performance Oil Filters and Programmers. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re here to help you keep your 1996 Mercury Cougar in peak condition, inside and out.

Essential 1996 Mercury Cougar Performance Engines

Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for Ford 351M/400 (Part No.9633)

Pushrod Set for Ford 351M/400

from

$198.99
Product Features:
  • 9.5 in. Length
  • 0.312 in. Diameter
  • 4130 Chromoly Steel Material
  • Black Oxide Finish
  • Made In The USA
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Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for Ford 351W (Part No.9659)

Pushrod Set for Ford 351W

from

$200.99
Edelbrock part #9659 Pushrods are designed for small-block Ford 351W 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 f

Product Features:
  • 7.7 in. Length
  • 0.312 in. Diameter
  • 4130 Chromoly Steel Material
  • Black Oxide Finish
  • Made In The USA
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Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for Small Block Ford 289-302 (Part No.9632)

Pushrod Set for Small Block Ford 289-302

from

$221.99
Product Features:
  • Case-Hardened Tubing
  • Surface Hardening
  • Welded Ends
  • 0.3125 in. Diameter
  • Use with or without Hardened Steel Guideplates
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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, 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 – 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

Competition Cams – Thumpr 226/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.32-600-5)

Thumpr 226/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$341.99
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.

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 – Magnum 224/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.34-229-4)

Magnum 224/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$298.99
An older member of the COMP Cams grind family, the Magnum series of camshafts offers excellent performance gains over stock without the added wear and tear associated with more aggressive camshafts.

Product Features:
  • Best with aftermarket torque converters and 9.5:1 compression.
  • Great high RPM power.
  • Easy on valve train parts.
  • Can be used with mild ratio rocker arms and traditional performance valve springs.
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Competition Cams – High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.33-221-3)

High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$363.99
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.

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 – Xtreme Energy 224/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.35-242-3)

Xtreme Energy 224/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$268.99
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.
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Competition Cams – Big Mutha’ Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.35-602-4)

Big Mutha' Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$366.99
HYDRAULIC – Big Mutha’ Thumpr Retro-Fit: Street/strip, needs 9.5:1 compression, 2800+ stall, intake, gears and headers, very rough idle.

Product Features:
  • HYDRAULIC – Big Mutha’ Thumpr Retro-Fit: Street/strip, needs 9.5:1 compression, 2800+ stall, intake, gears and headers, very rough idle.
  • 295/313 Advertised Duration, 243/257 Duration @ .050″, .512″/.489″ Lift, 107 Lobe Separation
  • Valve spring upgrade required
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Competition Cams – VALVE SPRING KIT, FOR LS 1.310" BEEHIVE 1 KT (Part No.26918CS-KIT)

VALVE SPRING KIT, FOR LS 1.310" BEEHIVE 1 KT

from

$528.99
This Beehive Valve Spring Kit for LS engines is designed for hydraulic roller cams and includes carefully matched Beehive Springs, steel retainers, locks, seals and spring seats. With a .625″ maximum lift, these Beehive Valve Springs deliver increased valve train stability and a much lighter valve train. This is achieved with less spring pressure for better valve control and reduced weight of both the spring and retainer. The unique Beehive shape handles valve train stress more efficiently to eliminate damaging harmonics and increases high RPM horsepower and durability. The oval/multi-arc wire shape places the maximum area of the wire at the point of highest stress to handle valve train stress more efficiently and allow better heat dissipation for longer life.Kit Includes:26918-16 Beehive Valve Springs774-16 Steel Retainers623-16 7° Steel Valve Locks511-16 Valve Seals4705-16 Spring Seats

Product Features:
  • Kit includes part #26918-16 Beehive valve springs and matching steel retainers, 7° valve locks, valve seals and spring seats
  • Kits designed for hydraulic roller cams
  • .625″ maximum lift springs
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Competition Cams – VALVE SPRINGS, 1.437" SINGLE 1 ST (Part No.942-16)

VALVE SPRINGS, 1.437" SINGLE 1 ST

from

$257.99
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: 115 lbs. @ 1.700″, Open Pressure: 284 lbs. @ 1.200″
  • O.D.: 1.437″, I.D.: 1.039″
  • Single valve springs with damper
  • Approximately .510″ max lift at recommended installed height
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Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9733)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

from

$141.99
Product Features:
  • Use W/ Valve Springs Part #5722, 5796
  • Set of 16
  • 1.50 in. Outside Diameter
  • Steel Material
  • Black Oxide Finish
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Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9724)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

from

$106.99
Product Features:
  • Use W/ Valve Springs Part #5822, 5882, 5896, 5872, 5867, 5812, 5857
  • Set of 16
  • 1.50 in. Outside Diameter
  • Steel Material
  • Black Oxide Finish
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Most Popular Performance Engine Rocker Arms for 1996 Mercury Cougars

Enhance your 1996 Mercury Cougar 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 1996 Mercury Cougar Performance Engine Camshafts

Upgrade your Cougar with one of our 6 best-selling Performance Engine Camshafts.

Competition Cams – XE 236/240 MOD2V (Part No.102300)

XE 236/240 MOD2V

from

$1041.00
XE 236/240 MOD2V

Competition Cams – XE 226/230 MOD2VPI (Part No.102500)

XE 226/230 MOD2VPI

from

$1041.00
XE 226/230 MOD2VPI

Competition Cams – XE 224/232MOD2V (Part No.102100)

XE 224/232MOD2V

from

$1041.00
XE 224/232MOD2V

Competition Cams – XE 242/246MOD2VPI (Part No.102700)

XE 242/246MOD2VPI

from

$1041.00
XE 242/246MOD2VPI

Competition Cams – XE 230/236 MOD2V (Part No.102200)

XE 230/236 MOD2V

from

$1041.00
XE 230/236 MOD2V

Competition Cams – TPX 212/222MOD2V (Part No.102525)

TPX 212/222MOD2V

from

$1004.00
TPX 212/222MOD2V

Top-Quality Performance Engine Push Rods for 1996 Mercury Cougars

Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Engine Push Rod for Mercury Cougars and enjoy top-notch performance from $15.99.

Competition Cams – Magnum 7.150" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod Set (Part No.7635-16)

Magnum 7.150" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod Set

from

$225.99
Magnum 7.150" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod Set

Competition Cams – Magnum 7.150" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod (Part No.7635-1)

Magnum 7.150" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod

from

$15.99
Magnum 7.150" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod

Top Picks for 1996 Mercury Cougar Performance Engine Valve Spring Retainer

Invest in one of our 5 durable Performance Engine Valve Spring Retainer for your 1996 Mercury, knowing you’re getting trusted brands and expert craftsmanship.

Competition Cams – 7 Degree Titanium Retainer Set of 24 for Ford 4.6L 3 Valve with 26113 Springs (Part No.702-24)

7 Degree Titanium Retainer Set of 24 for Ford 4.6L 3 Valve with 26113 Springs

from

$731.99
7 Degree Titanium Retainer Set of 24 for Ford 4.6L 3 Valve with 26113 Springs

Competition Cams – Steel Retainer for Set of 16 (Part No.786-16)

Steel Retainer for Set of 16

from

$80.99
Steel Retainer for Set of 16

Competition Cams – Steel Retainer for Set of 12 Ford 3.8/4.2L with STock Valve Spring Diameter (Part No.786-12)

Steel Retainer for Set of 12 Ford 3.8/4.2L with STock Valve Spring Diameter

from

$61.99
Steel Retainer for Set of 12 Ford 3.8/4.2L with STock Valve Spring Diameter

Competition Cams – 7 Degree Titanium Retainer for Ford 4.6L 3 Valve/5.0 Coyote with Beehive Spring (Part No.702-1)

7 Degree Titanium Retainer for Ford 4.6L 3 Valve/5.0 Coyote with Beehive Spring

from

$32.99
7 Degree Titanium Retainer for Ford 4.6L 3 Valve/5.0 Coyote with Beehive Spring

Competition Cams – Steel Retainer for Ford 3.8/4.2L with STock Valve Spring Diameter (Part No.786-1)

Steel Retainer for Ford 3.8/4.2L with STock Valve Spring Diameter

from

$10.99
Steel Retainer for Ford 3.8/4.2L with STock Valve Spring Diameter

Top-Rated Performance Engine Valve Springs for 1996 Mercury Cougars

Make a smart move for your 1996 Mercury Cougar with products all priced from $24.99 to $528.99.

Competition Cams – VALVE SPRING KIT, FOR LS 1.310" BEEHIVE 1 KT (Part No.26918CS-KIT)

VALVE SPRING KIT, FOR LS 1.310" BEEHIVE 1 KT

from

$528.99
This Beehive Valve Spring Kit for LS engines is designed for hydraulic roller cams and includes carefully matched Beehive Springs, steel retainers, locks, seals and spring seats. With a .625″ maximum lift, these Beehive Valve Springs deliver increased valve train stability and a much lighter valve train. This is achieved with less spring pressure for better valve control and reduced weight of both the spring and retainer. The unique Beehive shape handles valve train stress more efficiently to eliminate damaging harmonics and increases high RPM horsepower and durability. The oval/multi-arc wire shape places the maximum area of the wire at the point of highest stress to handle valve train stress more efficiently and allow better heat dissipation for longer life.Kit Includes:26918-16 Beehive Valve Springs774-16 Steel Retainers623-16 7° Steel Valve Locks511-16 Valve Seals4705-16 Spring Seats

Product Features:
  • Kit includes part #26918-16 Beehive valve springs and matching steel retainers, 7° valve locks, valve seals and spring seats
  • Kits designed for hydraulic roller cams
  • .625″ maximum lift springs
See More

Competition Cams – 12 Springs (Part No.26918-12)

12 Springs

from

$199.99
12 Springs

Competition Cams – 1 Spring (Part No.26113-1)

1 Spring

from

$24.99
1 Spring

Competition Cams – 1 Spring (Part No.26918-1)

1 Spring

from

$24.99
1 Spring

Top-Rated Performance Engine Brands For Your 1996 Mercury Cougar

When it comes to finding the perfect Performance Engine for your 1996 Mercury Cougar, Advance Auto Parts has you covered with a wide selection of high-quality OEM and aftermarket options from 1 trusted brands. We carry the most popular Performance Engine brands including Competition Cams, and more, all known for their exceptional customer ratings (average brand rating of 4.1 stars) and competitive prices, as low as $528.99. Purchasing a Performance Engine from us here at Advance Auto Parts is a smart move for both you and your 1996 Mercury Cougar, providing peace of mind with parts that meet or exceed OEM standards.

Popular Competition Cams 1996 Mercury Cougar Performance Engines

If you’re looking for a top-quality Performance Engine for your 1996 Mercury Cougar, Advance Auto Parts has exactly what you need with our selection of Competition Cams Performance Engines. We have 1 Competition Cams Performance Engines in stock for this fitment, all known for their durability and precision fit. With prices starting at just $528.99, you’ll find the perfect Performance Engine for your needs and budget. Competition Cams Performance Engines for the 1996 Mercury Cougar come highly rated, with over 15 customer reviews and an impressive average rating of 4.1 stars. Choosing a Competition Cams Performance Engine from Advance Auto Parts is a smart move to ensure quality and value for your vehicle.
VALVE SPRING KIT, FOR LS 1.310" BEEHIVE 1 KT
from $528.99
(15)
VALVE SPRING KIT, FOR LS 1.310" BEEHIVE 1 KT
“Part worked great. Very convenient.”

FAQs for 1996 Mercury Cougar Performance Engines

What are the best-selling Performance Engines for 1996 Mercury Cougars?

Out of 20 Performance Engines that fit 1996 Mercury Cougars, the following parts are the top sellers:

What’s the price range for 1996 Mercury Cougar Performance Engines?

The prices of Performance Engines for the 1996 Mercury Cougar range from $10.99 up to $1,041.00 for the most premium parts.

What is the average price of a Performance Engine for a 1996 Mercury Cougar?

The average price for Performance Engines for the 1996 Mercury Cougar is $432.09. 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 Mercury Cougar model years?

Yes, we carry Performance Engines for 29 model years of Mercury Cougars between 1967 and 1997. The following model years are the most popular for Performance Engine purchases: 1997, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, and 1988.

What are the cheapest Performance Engines for my 1996 Mercury Cougar?

The cheapest 1996 Mercury Cougar Performance Engines we carry are:

What are the top-rated Performance Engines that fit the 1996 Mercury Cougar?

The one 1996 Mercury Cougar Performance Engine we have in stock is the Steel Retainer for Ford 3.8/4.2L with STock Valve Spring Diameter. It costs $10.99.

What types of Performance Engines do you sell for my 1996 Mercury Cougar?

As of 11/2/25, these are some of the most in-demand types of Performance Engines for a 1996 Mercury Cougar:

Can I get help with 1996 Mercury Cougar Performance Engine orders?

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

What is your return policy for Mercury Cougar Performance Engines?

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