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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Mr. Gasket – Intake Bolt Kit (Part No.5003)

Intake Bolt Kit

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$75.99
Finish your custom engine job with these show quality grade 5 chromed 12-point bolts, includes AN washers which have no exposed shoulder for a professional appearance. Includes (12) 3/8-16 x 1 inch bolts with (12) 3/8 inch AN washers.

Product Features:
  • Chrome plated
  • Grade 8
  • 12-point head
  • AN washers with no exposed shoulder for a professional appearance
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Mr. Gasket – Advance And Retard Cam Bushings (Part No.85)

Advance And Retard Cam Bushings

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$42.49
With Mr. Gasket cam degree bushings you fine tune the camshaft timing of your engine to as little as 1 degree. Even aftermarket timing sets with multiple keyways can’t give the range of adjustment these bushings allow. Retard your camshaft to lower the powerband for more low end torque and midrange horsepower, or advance for more top end power. This kit does even number adjustment 0-8 degrees.

Product Features:
  • Advance the cam for increased torque and horsepower
  • Tune your powerband for more end torque or increase top end horsepower
  • Includes (4) offset bushings and (1) 0 degree bushing
  • Cam sprocket dowel pin hole must be drilled to .406¿ (13/32¿) dia.
  • Cam sprocket dowel pin hole must be drilled to .406┐ (13/32┐) dia.
  • Increase Top-End Horsepower
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET (Part No.2912)

PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET

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$36.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Fluoroelastomer compound combines optimum resistance to heat, oils and abrasion for longivity.
  • Optimizes performance under high crankcase vacuum conditions, elevated temperatures and high RPM levels.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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Edelbrock – Water Pump Big-Block Chevy Standard/Long in Polished Finish (Part No.8861)

Water Pump Big-Block Chevy Standard/Long in Polished Finish

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$475.99
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 – Pushrod Set for S/B Chevy (Part No.9629)

Pushrod Set for S/B Chevy

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$187.99


Product Features:
  • Case-Hardened Tubing
  • Surface Hardening
  • Welded Ends
  • 0.3125 in. Diameter
  • Use with or without Hardened Steel Guideplates
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1818)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

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$27.49
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Felcoid/Plus gaskets have a fiber sheet core and a latex rubber coating to eliminate potential leakage paths. The core material resists crushing and splitting, while providing excellent blowout resistance.
  • With steel core to provide ultimate excellent blowout resistance.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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FEL-PRO Performance – Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 9 Piece Set (Part No.1212)

Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 9 Piece Set

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$27.49
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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Competition Cams – MAGNUM ROLLER ROCKERS, SMALL BLOCK CHEVY 1.52 1 ST (Part No.1412-16)

MAGNUM ROLLER ROCKERS, SMALL BLOCK CHEVY 1.52 1 ST

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$213.99
These Magnum Roller Rocker Arms for Chevy V8 265-400 and V6 200-262 applications are the ultimate street rocker. With a 3/8″ stud diameter and 1.52 ratio, they are designed for serious performance enthusiasts. All Magnum Roller Rocker Arms are constructed

Product Features:
  • Roller tip reduces friction while stiff design and superior ratio accuracy yield more effective valve lift
  • For applications with less than 350 lbs. of open spring pressure
  • Constructed from 8620 chromemoly steel, a superior material that will not flex and ensures maximum lift
  • Ultimate street roller rocker arm designed for serious performance enthusiasts
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Edelbrock – Front Timing Cover Gasket Set #6998 For Big-Block Chevy, With Front Seal (Part No.6998)

Front Timing Cover Gasket Set #6998 For Big-Block Chevy, With Front Seal

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$31.99
Edelbrock part #6998 Front Timing Cover Gasket set for Big-Block Chevy. Includes front cover gasket and front seal.

Product Features:
  • Includes replacement timing cover and water pump gaskets and the crank oil seal for big block Chevrolet engines
  • Features a tough, scuff-resistant silicone rubber coating
  • Helps in sealing without the engine warming up
  • Reduces fluid migration through the gasket
  • Resists fatigue
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FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1640)

Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set

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$22.49
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Blue Stripe performance cork-rubber gaskets use cork particles evenly distributed throughout a rubber binder resulting in a compressible gasket without leak paths.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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Edelbrock – Performer Small-Block Chevy Cylinder Head 64cc Flat Tappet Polished (Part No.609019)

Performer Small-Block Chevy Cylinder Head 64cc Flat Tappet Polished

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$927.99
The Edelbrock #609019 Performer cylinder head is designed for 302, 327, 350 and 400 cid small-block Chevy engines up to 1986. This cylinder head includes your choice of 64cc (In order to retain stock compression ratio on 1970 and earlier small-blocks) or
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B & M – Torque Converter, Holeshot 3000 (Part No.70421)

Torque Converter, Holeshot 3000

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$789.99
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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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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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Cylinder Head Bolts (Part No.941G)

Ultra Seal: Cylinder Head Bolts

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$73.99
These grade 8 alloy steel, longer length bolts are designed to compensate for thread length lost when using head bolt washers. This allows increased torque and clamping. Set of 16 does one cylinder head.

Product Features:
  • Cylinder Head Bolts
  • Longer-Than-Stock
  • High Quality Grade 8 Alloy
  • Increase Torque Settings
  • Higher Clamp Loads On Gasket
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Competition Cams – Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Big Block 396-454 (Part No.CL11-602-4)

Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Big Block 396-454

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$1322.99
BIG BLOCK CHEVY HYDRAULIC CAM AND LIFTER KIT – Big Mutha’ Thumpr: Street/strip, needs 9.5:1 compression, 2800+ stall, intake, gears and headers, very rough idle.

Product Features:
  • Cam and lifter kit for Big Block Chevy engines
  • CL-Kit includes cam, lifters, assembly lube, instructions and decals
  • HYDRAULIC – Big Mutha’ Thumpr: Street/strip, needs 9.5:1 compression, 2800+ stall, intake, gears and headers, very rough idle.
  • 295/312 Advertised Duration, 243/257 Duration @ .050″, .522″/.507″ Lift, 107 Lobe Separation
  • Valve spring upgrade required
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Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9721)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

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$95.99
Valve spring retainers for use OE cast iron heads. Superior quality heat-treated steel. Machined for strength with black oxide finish. Finish ensures rust and corrosion protection.

Product Features:
  • Valve Spring Retainers for Use OE Cast Iron Heads
  • Superior Quality Heat-Treated Steel
  • Machined for Strength with Black Oxide Finish
  • Finish Ensures Rust and Corrosion Protection
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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 – Victor 454-R Intake Manifold Big-Block Chevy (Part No.2909)

Victor 454-R Intake Manifold Big-Block Chevy

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$387.99
For 3000 to 7500 RPM high-performance engines. For oval port heads. Superior performance for drag racing and marine. Accepts 4500 series carburetors. Can use standard flange carburetor with Edelbrock adapter PN(8716). Flow max power use 1 inch spacer PN(8717). Match with Victor and Victor Jr. heads. Includes nitrous bosses on runners.

Product Features:
  • For 3000 to 7500 RPM High-Performance Engines
  • For Oval Port Heads
  • Superior Performance for Drag Racing and Marine
  • Accepts 4500 Series Carburetors
  • Can Use Std-Flange Carb w/Edelbrock Adptr PN[8716]
  • For Max Power Use 1-in. Spacer PN[8717]
  • Match with Victor and Victor Jr Race Heads
  • Includes Nitrous Bosses on Runners
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Edelbrock – RPM Air-Gap Big Block Chevy 2-O Intake Manifold (Part No.7561)

RPM Air-Gap Big Block Chevy 2-O Intake Manifold

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$438.99
Based on performer RPM-series with unique air gap. Air gap cooler and denser mixture for more power. Designed for 1500 to 6500 RPM street-driven power. Dual-plane high-rise intake with 180 degree firing order. Produces incredible top-end horsepower. Retains good throttle response and acceleration. Larger plenum and runners maximize other upgrades. Edelbrock total power package maximizes gains. Available in cast, polished or endurashine finish.

Product Features:
  • Based on Performer RPM-Series with Unique Air Gap
  • Air Gap Cooler and Denser Mixture for More Power
  • Designed for 1500 to 6500 RPM Street-Driven Power
  • Dual-Plane High-Rise Intake w/180 deg Firing Order
  • Produces Incredible Top-End Horsepower
  • Retains Good Throttle Response and Acceleration
  • Larger Plenum and Runners Maximizes Other Upgrades
  • Edelbrock Total Power Package Maximizes Gains
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Edelbrock – Engine Gasket Set (Head / Intake / Exhaust / Valve Cover) for Chevrolet (Part No.7361)

Engine Gasket Set (Head / Intake / Exhaust / Valve Cover) for Chevrolet

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$128.99
Product Features:
  • Provides excellent sealing and conformability
  • Releases+N747 clean without sticking, if the engine needs to be disassembled
  • Perfect companion for Edelbrock cylinder heads and intake manifolds
  • Does not include end seals
  • Use of a silicone sealant in place of end seal is recommended
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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 – Cylinder Head Dowel Pins (Part No.4375)

Cylinder Head Dowel Pins

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$14.99
Dowel pins are precision machined and case hardened for accurate head alignment. Two per set. 5/16 inch x 5/8 inch

Product Features:
  • Precision Machined
  • Case Hardened
  • Give Accurate Alignment
  • 2 Per Set
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Mr. Gasket – Cylinder Head Dowel Pins (Part No.4377)

Cylinder Head Dowel Pins

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$17.79
Big Block Chevrolet tubular head dowel, .638/.639 inch o.d. (outer diameter) by 1/2 inch. Packaged two per set. These hard to find dowel pins are precision machined then case hardened for accurate alignment in engine assembly.

Product Features:
  • Precision Machined
  • Case Hardened
  • Give Accurate Alignment
  • 2 Per Set
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Competition Cams – Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.11-600-4)

Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam

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$542.99
HYDRAULIC – Thumpr: High performance street, stock converter ok, best with 2000+ converter and gears. Choppy/thumping idle.

Product Features:
  • HYDRAULIC – Thumpr: High performance street, stock converter ok, best with 2000+ converter and gears. Choppy/thumping idle.
  • 279/296 Advertised Duration, 227/241 Duration @ .050″, .498″/.483″ Lift, 107 Lobe Separation
  • Valve spring upgrade required
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Competition Cams – CAMSHAFT, SBC 295 BIG MUTHA THUMPR HYDRAULIC 1 EA (Part No.12-602-4)

CAMSHAFT, SBC 295 BIG MUTHA THUMPR HYDRAULIC 1 EA

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$529.99
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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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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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

from

$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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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 139 different Performance Engines in our inventory ranging from $14.99 to $1,322.99. 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 804 reviews in this category, some of the top rated parts include Action Plus Water Pumps with 3.7 stars and Action Plus Water Pumps with 1.5 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
Tork Master 3000
from $499.99
(1)
Tork Master 3000
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

FAQs for 1981 Chevrolet C20 Performance Engines

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

Out of 139 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”
Action Plus Water Pumps
from $215.99
(2)
Action Plus Water Pumps
“The twisted neck comes to far up on the hub. For a 2 groove pulley it causes the pulley to hit the water pump. You will also need new bolts for the”
MAGNUM ROLLER ROCKERS, SMALL BLOCK CHEVY 1.52 1 ST
from $213.99
(1)
MAGNUM ROLLER ROCKERS, SMALL BLOCK CHEVY 1.52 1 ST
“just spill on break in oil on rocker wheels,adjust nut down till u can’t go any more and then back off 1/2 turn and your done no noise on start up eve”