1981 Chevrolet K20 Performance Engines

Essential 1981 Chevrolet K20 Performance Engines

B & M – Tork Master 3000 (Part No.20402)

Tork Master 3000

from

$499.99
Torque Converter – Tork Master 3000 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) APPLICATION: Tork Master 3000 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) The Tork Master is B&M’s lowest cost performance torque converter. The Tork Master is an excellent all-around performance street converter. The best ‘value priced’ street converters available, Tork Master converters come with a new precision pump drive tube and all are pressure tested and fully balanced. The Tork Master torque converter is not recommended for big block or supercharged applications. New allow steel pump drive tube. Needle thrust bearing when factory equipped. New thrust washer between turbine and cover when required.

Product Features:
  • New Precision Pump Drive Tube
  • Pressure Tested
  • Fully Balanced
  • Needle Thrust Bearing
  • New Thrust Washer
  • Washer Between Turbine and Cover
See More

Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Head Gasket (Part No.5780G)

Ultra Seal: Head Gasket

from

$64.99
Mr. Gasket Ultra-Seal Head Gaskets are a five layer (graphite core/perforated steel outer layers) composite construction. The graphite core has excellent thermoconductivity (transfers heat) away from hot spots in head preventing gasket burn-out. They provide excellent stability, compressibility and high temperature endurance. A high temperature silicone coating ensures sealing of engine fluids. Compatible with cast iron or aluminum heads, they will not brinell (indent) aluminum cylinder heads. Suitable for high performance street, drag race and oval track use. Sold individually.brbrGasket Bore 3.870 inch, Compressed thickness 0.028 inch

Product Features:
  • Five layer (graphite core/perforated steel outer layers) composite construction
  • Graphite core has excellent thermo-conductivity-transfers heat away from hot spots in head preventing gasket burn-out
  • Provides excellent stability, compressibility and high temperature endurance
  • Coated with high temperature silicone to ensure sealing of engine fluids
  • Will not brinell (indent) aluminum cylinder heads
  • For high performance street, drag race and oval track use
  • Compatible w/High Octane Fuel
  • Compatible With Exotic Fuel
See More

Mr. Gasket – Timing Cover Seal (Part No.17)

Timing Cover Seal

from

$30.19
If you are changing your camshaft or replacing the timing set, make sure to replace this seal at the same time! Made from Nitrile rubber.

Product Features:
  • Nitrile Rubber And High Density Cork
  • Will Not Shrink Or Stick
See More

Mr. Gasket – Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.585G)

Valve Cover Gasket Set

from

$29.49
Molded rubber gaskets are reusable, great for engines that require valve lash maintenance. These gaskets feature Nitrile material for long life, solid steel carrier for strength and rigidity. Incorporates compression limiters to prevent fastener over-tightening.

Product Features:
  • Features Nitrile Rubber Material For Long Life
  • Molded Rubber Gaskets Are Reusable
  • Ideal For Engine Requiring Valve Lash Maintenance
See More

FEL-PRO Performance – Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 3 Piece Set (Part No.1202)

Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 3 Piece Set

from

$34.49
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
See More

Edelbrock – TIMING CHAIN (Part No.7844)

TIMING CHAIN

from

$29.99
Product Features:
  • Timing Chain Only
See More

Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Competition Screw-In Rocker Arm Studs (Part No.1075)

Ultra Seal: Competition Screw-In Rocker Arm Studs

from

$94.99
Mr. Gasket competition screw-in rocker arm studs are manufactured from heat treated black oxide coated Grade 8 steel. Ideal for high performance street and race applications.

Product Features:
  • Black Oxide Coated Grade 8 Steel
  • Kit Contains 16 Studs
  • Easy To Install
  • Heat Treated Steel
  • Prevents Stud Flexing
  • Black Plated Finish
See More

Edelbrock – RPM Small-Block Chevy Cylinder Head SBC 70cc Hydraulic Flat Tappet Cam (Part No.60759)

RPM Small-Block Chevy Cylinder Head SBC 70cc Hydraulic Flat Tappet Cam

from

$1014.99
Product Features:
  • 50-State Street Legal Aluminum Cylinder Head
  • Out-of-the-Box Bolt-On Performance
  • 70cc Combustion Chambers Improve Performance
  • Retain Stock Compression Ratio
See More

FEL-PRO Performance – Oil Pan Gasket Set: High-Temperature Rubber-Coated Fiber, 5 Piece Set (Part No.1803)

Oil Pan Gasket Set: High-Temperature Rubber-Coated Fiber, 5 Piece Set

from

$26.49
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.
See More

Mr. Gasket – Cylinder Head Dowel Pins (Part No.4377)

Cylinder Head Dowel Pins

from

$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
See More

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

High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow

from

$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
See More

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

from

$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
See More

FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit (Part No.2919)

Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit

from

$37.49
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.
See More

FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET (Part No.2912)

PERFORMANCE REAR MAIN SEAL SET

from

$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.
See More

Edelbrock – Complete Sure Seat Valve Spring Kit for Chevy 396-402-427-454 V8 (Part No.5895)

Complete Sure Seat Valve Spring Kit for Chevy 396-402-427-454 V8

from

$253.99
Product Features:
  • Non-Rotator
  • 1.500 in. Outside Diameter
  • 1.082 in. Inside Diameter
  • 1.340 in. Coil Blind
  • Set of 16
See More

Edelbrock – Sure Seat Valve Springs for Big-Block Chevy 396-402-427-454 V8 (Part No.5862)

Sure Seat Valve Springs for Big-Block Chevy 396-402-427-454 V8

from

$80.99
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 black oxide coated. Non-Rotator style: Dyno tested and street proven. Great match to Edelbrock camshaft kit.

Product Features:
  • For Use With Cast Iron Heads
  • Springs Made of Highest Quality Spring Wire
  • Springs Precision Wound To Close Tolerances
  • Use with Original Equipment Heads Only
See More

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

Water Neck

from

$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
See More

Mr. Gasket – Water Neck (Part No.2557)

Water Neck

from

$27.49
Precision die cast, 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:
  • Complete with o-rings and mounting bolts
  • Features an o-ring style seal to prevent water leaks
  • Chrome plated
  • 1/2″ NPT port can be used for various coolant temp related sensors or switches
See More

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

Intake Bolt Kit

from

$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
See More

Mr. Gasket – Intake Manifold Bolt Set – Chevrolet Small Block – Socket Head 3/8"-16 X 1" Bolts & Washers (Part No.956G)

Intake Manifold Bolt Set - Chevrolet Small Block - Socket Head 3/8"-16 X 1" Bolts & Washers

from

$17.49
These grade 5 hex head bolts are brite zinc plated for protection and appearance. Hardened flat washers provide uniform torque & prevent galling on aluminum manifolds. Includes twelve (12) 3/8 inch-16 x 1 inch bolts & washers

Product Features:
  • Zinc plated to resist corrosion and provide a clean professional appearance
  • Made from Grade 5 steel for strength and durability
  • Flat washers provide uniform clamp load and prevent galling on aluminum intake manifolds
  • Allen (socket) Head
  • Zinc Plated For Protection
See More

Weiand – Team G; Water Pump Spacer Kit (Part No.8207)

Team G; Water Pump Spacer Kit

from

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

Product Features:
  • Water Pump Spacer Kit
See More

Mr. Gasket – Bolt Water Pump (Part No.4998)

Bolt Water Pump

from

$32.99
This Mr. Gasket Water Pump Bolt Set includes chrome plated grade 5 hex head fasteners to install the water pump on your small or big block Chevrolet with the long style water pump. Includes four 3/8 inch-16 x 2 inch bolts with four 3/8 inch AN washers. AN washers have no exposed shoulder which offers a professional appearance.

Product Features:
  • Chrome Plated
  • Grade 5
  • AN washers with no exposed shoulder for a professional appearance
See More

Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9721)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

from

$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
See More

Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9730)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

from

$99.99
Product Features:
  • Use W/ Valve Springs Part #5703, 5794
  • Set of 16
  • 1.50 in. Outside Diameter
  • Steel Material
  • Black Oxide Finish
See More

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

from

$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.
See More

Competition Cams – Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.11-600-4)

Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$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
See More

Edelbrock – Victor Ram 23-Degree Intake Manifold Base for Small-Block Chevy (Part No.7070)

Victor Ram 23-Degree Intake Manifold Base for Small-Block Chevy

from

$576.99
Product Features:
  • 6500-10000 RPM Range
  • Dual Plane Quad Type – 4150 Style Flange
  • 7.13 in. Front Height, 7.13 in. Center Height, 7.13 in. Rear Height
  • Satin Finish
  • Base Only
See More

Edelbrock – Performer 454 T.B.I. Intake Manifold Big-Block Chevy (Part No.3764)

Performer 454 T.B.I. Intake Manifold Big-Block Chevy

from

$535.99


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 for 1987-90GM Trucks
  • Accepts Stock Throttle Body EFI and EGR
  • Match w/Camshaft PN[2162] and Head PN[60499]
  • Package improves 0-60 mph times by 1.70 seconds
See More

1981 Chevrolet K20 Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1981 Chevrolet K20. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 88 different Performance Engines in our inventory ranging from $14.99 to $1,268.99. That means you can find the exact parts or products you need to keep that 1981 Chevrolet K20 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 K20. 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 K20, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 440 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 K20 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 K20 Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1981 Chevrolet K20 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 K20 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 K20, 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 K20 Performance Engines from Mr. Gasket

Mr. Gasket products are another trusted brand when it comes to Performance Engines for your 1981 Chevrolet K20. 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 K20 Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1981 Chevrolet K20?

Out of 88 Performance Engines for the 1981 Chevrolet K20, 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
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts
from $52.99
(1)
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts
Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets

What are the top-rated 1981 Chevrolet K20 Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1981 Chevrolet K20 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”