1997 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines
Keep Your 1997 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird looking sharp and performing at its best. At Advance Auto Parts we carry a wide selection of dependable options, including Performance Engine Camshafts, Performance Engine Push Rods, and Performance Engine Valve Springs. 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 Ford Thunderbird owners approve.
Competitive Prices and Extensive Inventory
The average price for a 1997 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engine at Advance Auto Parts is around $436.58, with a range that starts at $10.99 and goes up to $1,041.00. With 22 options in stock from one trusted brand, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like OE-Style Hydraulic Roller Lifter for Ford 5.0 and Retro-Fit Roller Engines, ENGINE ROCKER ARM, and 1 Spring start at just $24.99 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 Oil Filters and Programmers. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re here to help you keep your 1997 Ford Thunderbird in peak condition, inside and out.
Find Your Specific 1997 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines
Looking for the perfect Performance Engine for your 1997 Ford Thunderbird? You’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find links to various types of Performance Engines that fit your vehicle. At Advance Auto Parts, we offer only the highest quality OEM and aftermarket Performance Engines, ensuring durability and a precise fit for your Ford Thunderbird. Whether you’re driving a 1997 model or another popular model year like
1988,
1989,
1990,
1991,
1992,
1993,
1994,
1995, and
1996, we’ve got you covered. Purchasing Performance Engines from Advance Auto Parts is a smart choice, giving you access to trusted brands and parts built to perform. Below, you’ll find links to various types of Performance Engines that fit your vehicle.
Essential 1997 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines
Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for Ford 351W (Part No.9659)
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:
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Product Features:
- 7.7 in. Length
- 0.312 in. Diameter
- 4130 Chromoly Steel Material
- Black Oxide Finish
- Made In The USA
Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for Ford 351M/400 (Part No.9633)
from
$198.99
Product Features:
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- 9.5 in. Length
- 0.312 in. Diameter
- 4130 Chromoly Steel Material
- Black Oxide Finish
- Made In The USA
Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for Small Block Ford 289-302 (Part No.9632)
from
$221.99
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- Case-Hardened Tubing
- Surface Hardening
- Welded Ends
- 0.3125 in. Diameter
- Use with or without Hardened Steel Guideplates
Competition Cams – ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST (Part No.17043-16)
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.
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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.
Competition Cams – Magnum Roller 1.6 Ratio Rocker Arm Set (Part No.1431-16)
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.
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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
Competition Cams – Rocker Arms,FS/FW 1.6 7/16 Ultra Pro Mag (Part No.1632-16)
from
$476.99
Rocker Arms,FS/FW 1.6 7/16 Ultra Pro Mag
Competition Cams – High Energy 212/212 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.35-216-3)
from
$268.99
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.
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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.
Competition Cams – Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.35-600-4)
from
$350.99
HYDRAULIC – Thumpr Retro-Fit: High performance street, stock converter ok, best with 2000+converter and gears. Choppy/thumping idle.
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Product Features:
- HYDRAULIC – Thumpr Retro-Fit: High performance street, stock converter ok, best with 2000+converter and gears. Choppy/thumping idle.
- 279/297 Advertised Duration, 227/241 Duration @ .050″, .490″/.475″ Lift, 107 Lobe Separation
- Valve spring upgrade required
Competition Cams – Mutha’ Thumpr 234/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.32-601-5)
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.
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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.
Competition Cams – Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.31-602-5)
from
$367.99
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.
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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.
Competition Cams – High Energy 218/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.32-221-3)
from
$324.99
HYDRAULIC – High Energy: Everyday performance driving with stock converter.
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Product Features:
- HYDRAULIC – High Energy: Everyday performance driving with stock converter, noticeable idle
- 268/268 Advertised Duration, 218/218 Duration @ .050″, .494″/.494″ Lift, 110 Lobe Separation
- Valve spring upgrade required
Competition Cams – Big Mutha’ Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Roller Cam (Part No.34-602-9)
from
$531.99
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.
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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.
Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 218/224 Hydraulic Roller Cam (Part No.34-422-9)
from
$531.99
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,
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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.
Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9733)
from
$141.99
Product Features:
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- Use W/ Valve Springs Part #5722, 5796
- Set of 16
- 1.50 in. Outside Diameter
- Steel Material
- Black Oxide Finish
Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9724)
from
$106.99
Product Features:
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- 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
Competition Cams – VALVE SPRING KIT, FOR LS 1.310" BEEHIVE 1 KT (Part No.26918CS-KIT)
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:
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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
Competition Cams – VALVE SPRINGS, 1.437" SINGLE 1 ST (Part No.942-16)
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:
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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
Popular 1997 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines Categories
Most Popular Performance Engine Camshafts for 1997 Ford Thunderbirds
Enhance your 1997 Ford Thunderbird with one of the 6 Performance Engine Camshafts we have in stock, starting at just $1,004.00.
Competition Cams – XE 236/240 MOD2V (Part No.102300)
from
$1041.00
XE 236/240 MOD2V
Competition Cams – XE 226/230 MOD2VPI (Part No.102500)
from
$1041.00
XE 226/230 MOD2VPI
Competition Cams – XE 224/232MOD2V (Part No.102100)
from
$1041.00
XE 224/232MOD2V
Competition Cams – XE 242/246MOD2VPI (Part No.102700)
from
$1041.00
XE 242/246MOD2VPI
Competition Cams – XE 230/236 MOD2V (Part No.102200)
from
$1041.00
XE 230/236 MOD2V
Competition Cams – TPX 212/222MOD2V (Part No.102525)
from
$1004.00
TPX 212/222MOD2V
Best-Selling 1997 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engine Push Rods
Upgrade your Thunderbird with one of our 2 best-selling Performance Engine Push Rods.
Competition Cams – Magnum 7.150" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod Set (Part No.7635-16)
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)
from
$15.99
Magnum 7.150" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod
Top-Quality Performance Engine Valve Springs for 1997 Ford Thunderbirds
Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Engine Valve Spring for Ford Thunderbirds and enjoy top-notch performance from $24.99.
Competition Cams – VALVE SPRING KIT, FOR LS 1.310" BEEHIVE 1 KT (Part No.26918CS-KIT)
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:
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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
Competition Cams – 32 Springs (Part No.26125-32)
from
$933.99
32 Springs
Competition Cams – 12 Springs (Part No.26918-12)
from
$199.99
12 Springs
Competition Cams – 1 Spring (Part No.26125-1)
from
$28.99
1 Spring
Competition Cams – 1 Spring (Part No.26113-1)
from
$24.99
1 Spring
Competition Cams – 1 Spring (Part No.26918-1)
from
$24.99
1 Spring
Top Picks for 1997 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engine Valve Spring Retainer
Invest in one of our 5 durable Performance Engine Valve Spring Retainer for your 1997 Ford, 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
from
$10.99
Steel Retainer for Ford 3.8/4.2L with STock Valve Spring Diameter
Performance Engine Rocker Arms for 1997 Ford Thunderbirds
Make a smart move for your 1997 Ford Thunderbird with products all priced from $50.99 to $407.99.
Competition Cams – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.1619-12)
from
$407.99
ENGINE ROCKER ARM
Competition Cams – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.1619-1)
from
$50.99
ENGINE ROCKER ARM
Top-Rated Performance Engine Brands For Your 1997 Ford Thunderbird
When it comes to finding the perfect Performance Engine for your 1997 Ford Thunderbird, 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird, providing peace of mind with parts that meet or exceed OEM standards.
Popular Competition Cams 1997 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines
If you’re looking for a top-quality Performance Engine for your 1997 Ford Thunderbird, 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird 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.
from
$528.99
(15)
VALVE SPRING KIT, FOR LS 1.310" BEEHIVE 1 KT
“Part worked great. Very convenient.”
FAQs for 1997 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines
What are the best-selling Performance Engines for 1997 Ford Thunderbirds?
Out of 22 Performance Engines that fit 1997 Ford Thunderbirds, the following parts are the top sellers:
- OE-Style Hydraulic Roller Lifter for Ford 5.0 and Retro-Fit Roller Engines (50286507) – $33.99
- ENGINE ROCKER ARM (50272527) – $407.99
- 1 Spring (50288653) – $24.99
What’s the price range for 1997 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines?
The prices of Performance Engines for the 1997 Ford Thunderbird 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird?
The average price for Performance Engines for the 1997 Ford Thunderbird is $436.58. 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?
What are the cheapest Performance Engines for my 1997 Ford Thunderbird?
The cheapest 1997 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engines we carry are:
- Steel Retainer for Ford 3.8/4.2L with STock Valve Spring Diameter (50289140) – $10.99
- Magnum 7.150" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod (50289260) – $15.99
- 1 Spring (50288653) – $24.99
- 1 Spring (50287858) – $24.99
- 1 Spring (50287844) – $28.99
Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Engines for any other 1997 Ford models?
Yes. We stock Performance Engines for 16 other popular 1997 Ford models. Some of the most popular are 1997 E-250 Econoline Performance Engines, 1997 E-350 Econoline Performance Engines, 1997 E-150 Econoline Performance Engines, 1997 Explorer Performance Engines, and 1997 Expedition Performance Engines.
What are the top-rated Performance Engines that fit the 1997 Ford Thunderbird?
The one 1997 Ford Thunderbird 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 1997 Ford Thunderbird?
As of 11/2/25, these are some of the most in-demand types of Performance Engines for a 1997 Ford Thunderbird:
Can I get help with 1997 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.