1981 Chevrolet C20 Performance Engines

Essential 1981 Chevrolet C20 Performance Engines

Mr. Gasket – Water Neck (Part No.9141G)

Water Neck

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$58.99
Chrome water neck with a swivel top allows you to place your coolant hose where you want it to be, not just where the neck allows. Precision die cast for better fitment, these water necks are first polished to a high luster, then chrome plated. Features an O-ring style seal to prevent water leaks. Comes with O-ring gasket and mounting bolts.

Product Features:
  • Chrome Plated Aluminum
  • O-ring To Prevent Leaks
  • Swivels For Hard To Fit Applications
  • Comes With Allen Head Bolts
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1886)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

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$63.99
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 – Ultra Seal: Intake Gasket (Part No.5817)

Ultra Seal: Intake Gasket

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$42.99
Ultra-Seal intake manifold gaskets are manufactured from cellulose/nitrile composition gasket material. Provides excellent sealing and durability. Incorporates Silicone beading around each intake and water outlet port to provide additional sealing strength on both sides of each gasket. No gasket sealer required. For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use. Includes manifold end seals and distributor gasket.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured from cellulose/nitrile composition gasket material
  • Provides excellent sealing and durability
  • Silicone beading on both sides of each gasket
  • Complete with manifold end seals and distributor gasket
  • For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use
  • Creates Tight Leak proof Seal
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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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Weiand – Team G; Water Pump Spacer Kit (Part No.8207)

Team G; Water Pump Spacer Kit

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$112.99
Use with a short water pump to convert to a long water pump.

Product Features:
  • Water Pump Spacer Kit
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B & M – Torque Converter, Nitrous Holeshot 3600 (Part No.20482)

Torque Converter, Nitrous Holeshot 3600

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$665.99
Nitrous Holeshot Converters are Built with the same features as the other B&M Holeshots, with the addition of anti-balloon plates. The anti-balloon plates will allow these converters to stand up to the instant horsepower nitrous delivers.

Product Features:
  • 3400-3800 RPM
  • Small And Big Blocks
  • Serious Performance
  • Furnace Brazed
  • Fully Balanced
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Competition Cams – CAMSHAFT, SBC 252 HIGH ENERGY HYDRAULIC 1 EA (Part No.12-205-2)

CAMSHAFT, SBC 252 HIGH ENERGY HYDRAULIC 1 EA

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$518.99
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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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit (Part No.946G)

Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit

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$27.49
This is a high quality bolt set that is made of grade 8 steel and will meet your requirements for a quality bolt set, this set will work on original equipment, high performance street, drag or circle track applications.

Product Features:
  • These Are Have A Zinc Dichromate Finish
  • Tall Hex Head Bolt To Prevent Slippage
  • Extra Thick Parallel Ground Washer
  • Washers Provides More Accurate And Uniform Torque
  • Grade 8 Alloy Steel
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE VALVE COVER GASKET SET (Part No.1602)

PERFORMANCE VALVE COVER GASKET SET

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$23.49
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Die cut silicone rubber gaskets conform to out-of-flat covers
  • Great for on-again/off-again situations
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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Competition Cams – Magnum 7.800" Long, .080" Wall, 3/8" Diameter Pushrod Set (Part No.7513-16)

Magnum 7.800" Long, .080" Wall, 3/8" Diameter Pushrod Set

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$157.99
Magnum Pushrods from COMP Cams offer an affordable solution for your .080″ wall chromemoly pushrod needs. Designed to withstand the stresses of a high performance engine, Magnum Pushrods are head-treated for extended durability and have precision formed, reinforced ends. Magnum Pushrods are black-oxide finished with their part number and length laser etched onto the surface for easy identification.

Product Features:
  • 3/8″ Diameter, 7.800″ Length
  • Magnum Pushrods for Small Block Chevy
  • One-piece .080″ wall chromemoly steel tubing
  • Heat-treated for extended durability and guide plate compatibility
  • Precision formed and reinforced pushrod end
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Edelbrock – Complete Sure Seat Valve Spring Kit for Chevy 262-400 V8 1957-95 (Part No.5894)

Complete Sure Seat Valve Spring Kit for Chevy 262-400 V8 1957-95

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$147.99
Complete kit includes retainers and locks. Springs made of highest quality spring wire. Springs precision wound to close tolerances. Includes superior quality steel retainers. Includes 7 degree heat-treated valve stem locks. Retainers and locks are black oxide coated. Non-rotator style: Dyno tested and street proven. Great match to Edelbrock camshaft kit.

Product Features:
  • Complete Kit: Includes Retainers And Locks
  • Springs Made of Highest Quality Spring Wire
  • Springs Precision Wound To Close Tolerances
  • Includes Superior Quality Steel Retainers
  • Includes 7 deg. Heat-Treated Valve Stem Locks
  • Retainers and Locks Black Oxide Coated
  • Dyno Tested And Street Proven
  • Great Match to Edelbrock Camshaft Kit
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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 – 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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Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)

High Performance Thermostat

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$27.49
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 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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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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Competition Cams – Magnum 253/253 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Big Block 396-454 (Part No.CL11-214-4)

Magnum 253/253 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Big Block 396-454

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$376.99
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. Ideal for use with higher compression ratio engines that

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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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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Edelbrock – Performer 2-O Intake Manifold for 1965-90 Big-Block Chevy w/Oval Port Heads (Part No.2161)

Performer 2-O Intake Manifold for 1965-90 Big-Block Chevy w/Oval Port Heads

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$368.99
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
  • Will Not Fit Under Corvette Hoods
  • Available in Multiple Finishes
  • Use Choke Rod PN[9179] for Stock Carburetor
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Weiand – X-CELerator; Intake Manifold (Part No.7547-1)

X-CELerator; Intake Manifold

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$259.99


Product Features:
  • 2000-6500 RPM Power Band
  • Single Plane/Open Plenum Design
  • No Provision For Divorced Or Hot Air Choke
  • Square Flange Carburetor Mounting
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Mr. Gasket – Head Gasket (Part No.1052G)

Head Gasket

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$75.99
Mr. Gasket Copper Head Gaskets are manufactured from dead soft solid copper that provides excellent stability and reduces cylinder bore distortion. They can be used with or without stainless steel o-rings. For supercharged, turbocharged, nitrous oxide and extreme compression ratios. For high performance street, drag race and oval track applications.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured from dead soft copper
  • .020″ thick
  • Provides excellent sealing and durability
  • Conforms to and seals minor surface irregularities
  • For high performance street, drag race, oval track and turbocharged (extreme heat) applications
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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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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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Mr. Gasket – Timing Cover Gasket Set (Part No.94)

Timing Cover Gasket Set

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$21.79
Mr. Gasket Performance Gaskets are a low density material that conforms well to irregular flange surfaces and has very good crush resistance at high flange pressures. Intended for sealing gasoline, oils, water and coolant in applications up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.brbrThis Mr. Gasket Performance Timing Cover Gasket Kit includes the timing cover gasket and water pump gasket for your Gen IV or Gen V Chevy 396,402,427,454 Big Block.

Product Features:
  • Includes Timing Cover Gasket and Water Pump Gaskets
  • Won’t shrink or stick and provide an airtight leak proof seal
  • Engineered specifically for big block Chevys and ideal for high performance and race applications
  • Ensures optimum torque retention ideal crush resistance and excellent sheer strength using minimal clamp force yet still releases easily
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Sure-Lock Rocker Arm Nuts (Part No.923G)

Ultra Seal: Sure-Lock Rocker Arm Nuts

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$87.19
Designed to keep the rocker arms positively locked for precise and critical valve train adjustments. Manufactured from quality grade steel, then heat-treated for extra strength and plated with a durable finish. Kits include 16 rocker arm nuts with socket head set screws and one hex key wrench.

Product Features:
  • (16) Rocker Arm Nuts w/ Locks 3/8″-24 Threads
  • Shank O.D. .540″
  • Includes Locks and Hex Wrench
  • High-Quality Grade Steel
  • Heat-Treated For Ex Strength
  • Plated With Durable Gold Tone Finish
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Competition Cams – Ultra-Gold ARC Rocker Set w/ 1.6 Ratio for Chevrolet Small Block w/ 3/8" Stud (Part No.19002-16)

Ultra-Gold ARC Rocker Set w/ 1.6 Ratio for Chevrolet Small Block w/ 3/8" Stud

from

$412.99
These COMP Cams Ultra-Gold Aluminum Roller Rocker Arms with a 3/8″ stud diameter and 1.6 ratio are designed for Chevrolet V8 265-400 applications. The new modern design features of these Ultra-Gold Rockers are proven to withstand extremely aggressive spring pressure and valve lift. Designed specifically for high performance street and race engines, the Ultra-Gold Aluminum Rocker Arms are precision CNC-machined to strict tolerances. Developed to meet the demands of professional engine builders, these rockers include features never before possible in an aluminum rocker arm.

Product Features:
  • CNC-machined, lightweight design removes weight and yields unrivaled quality and ratio accuracy
  • Designed for high performance street and race engines
  • Precision-sorted trunion bearings withstand elevated valve spring pressure and valve lift
  • Additional clearance, up to 1.650″ O.D. valve spring
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Competition Cams – Magnum Double Row Timing Set for ’65-’91 396-454 Chevrolet Big Block (Part No.2110)

Magnum Double Row Timing Set for '65-'91 396-454 Chevrolet Big Block

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$104.99
COMP Cams Magnum Double Roller Timing Sets include induction hardened cast iron camshaft gears, billet steel crank sprockets and heavy-duty, heat-treated double roller timing chains. They feature 3 keyway crank sprockets for 4° incremental adjustability w

Product Features:
  • Features 3 keyway crank sprocket for 4-degree incremental adjustability, 4-degree maximum advance/retard
  • Induction hardened cast iron camshaft gear & billet steel crank sprocket
  • Ideal for mild street performance
  • Heavy-duty, heat-treated double row timing chain; chain available separately
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Competition Cams – Hi-Tech Roller Race Timing Set for Chevrolet 396-454 Big Block (Part No.3110)

Hi-Tech Roller Race Timing Set for Chevrolet 396-454 Big Block

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$141.99
COMP Cams Hi-Tech Roller Race Timing Sets include cast iron camshafts gears, induction hardened billet steel crank sprockets, and pre-stretched, heat-treated double roller chains with heavy-duty large pin design. They feature 3 keyway crank sprockets for

Product Features:
  • Cast iron camshaft gear and induction hardened billet steel crank sprocket
  • Pre-stretched, heat-treated true double roller chain with heavy-duty large pin design; chain available separately
  • Ideal for all street performance and race applications
  • Features 3 keyway crank sprocket for 4-degree incremental adjustability, 4-degree maximum advance/retard
  • Dynamically balanced and quality checked for run-out tolerances
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Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7802)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

from

$37.99


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
  • Not for OEM Hydraulic Roller-Lifter Camshaft Eng.
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1981 Chevrolet C20 Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1981 Chevrolet C20. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 131 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 Chevrolet C20 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 Chevrolet C20. 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 Chevrolet C20, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 1,156 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 Chevrolet C20 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 Chevrolet C20 Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1981 Chevrolet C20 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 C20 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 Chevrolet C20, our most popular B & M Performance Engines include:
Tork Master 2400
from $339.99
(1)
Tork Master 2400
Performance Torque Converters

Top 1981 Chevrolet C20 Performance Engines from Mr. Gasket

Mr. Gasket products are another trusted brand when it comes to Performance Engines for your 1981 Chevrolet C20. 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 Chevrolet C20 Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1981 Chevrolet C20?

Out of 131 Performance Engines for the 1981 Chevrolet C20, 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 Chevrolet C20 Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1981 Chevrolet C20 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”