1981 Chevrolet K20 Performance Engines

Essential 1981 Chevrolet K20 Performance Engines

Spectre – Water Neck; Chevy 90 Degree (Part No.4933)

Water Neck; Chevy 90 Degree

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$50.99
Spectre’s Chevrolet water neck fits Chevy V8 engines and features a 90 degree neck with a 360 degree swivel design for a custom look and fit. This water neck has been designed around the OEM specifications, has a height of 2-7/8 inches and has a polished aluminum finish for a lasting look that fits great. This water neck includes the allen bolts and sealing O-ring.

Product Features:
  • Fits Chevy V8 engines
  • 90 degree neck with a 360 degree swivel design
  • 2-7/8 inch height
  • Includes sealing O-ring and allen bolts
  • Polished aluminum finish
  • Easy to install
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Edelbrock – Water Pump Cartridge for Small-Block Chevy (Race Style) (Part No.8827)

Water Pump Cartridge for Small-Block Chevy (Race Style)

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$435.99
Edelbrock #8827 Water Pump small block Chevy cartridge style race ideal to prevent overheating in street rods and street machines, as well as in tow rigs and motorhomes. Using state-of-the-art racing technology, Edelbrock has designed these “super cooling

Product Features:
  • Standard Impeller Rotation
  • 0.750 in. Pilot Shaft
  • 0.750 in. Ball/Ball Bearing
  • 5.8125 in. Block To Hub Height
  • Satin Finish
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B & M – Holeshot 2000 (Part No.20416)

Holeshot 2000

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$369.99
HoleShot 2000 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) Application: HoleShot 2000 for GM 1965 to 1991 TH400, 425, 375 and 1968 to 1981 TH350, 375B (not 350C) A higher than stock stall speed as delivered by the Holeshot c

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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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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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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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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FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit (Part No.2918)

Engine Crankshaft Seal Kit

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$42.99
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.
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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1884 R)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

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$64.99
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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Spectre – Valve Cover Gasket Steel reinforced (Part No.585)

Valve Cover Gasket Steel reinforced

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$34.99
This Spectre valve cover gasket is an OEM replacement part that fits small block Chevrolet 265-400 engines. The gasket is made from extra thick rubber with a steel reinforced core that maintains its shape under pressure which helps to provide a superior seal.

Product Features:
  • Fits 265-400 small block Chevy engines
  • OEM replacement
  • Extra thick rubber with steel reinforced core
  • Provides a superior seal
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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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Competition Cams – High Energy/Marine 212/212 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Chevrolet Small Block (Part No.12-206-2)

High Energy/Marine 212/212 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Chevrolet Small Block

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$284.99
HYDRAULIC – High Energy: Vans, pickups, 4WD and towing, in 350c.i., good idle, strong mid-range torque. OR High Energy Marine: Single or dual engine with inboard/outboard drive for ski and economy.

Product Features:
  • HYDRAULIC – High Energy: Vans, pickups, 4WD and towing, in 350c.i., good idle, strong mid-range torque. OR High Energy Marine: Single or dual engine with inboard/outboard drive for ski and economy.
  • 260/260 Advertised Duration, 212/212 Duration @ .050″, .440″/.440″ Lift, 110 Lobe Separation
  • Work well with mainly stock components such as rockers, manifolds, heads, compression, torque converters and gears.
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Edelbrock – Intake Manifold replacement top gasket (Part No.6989)

Intake Manifold replacement top gasket

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$19.99
Replacement gasket for Edelbrock tunnel ram intake. Use with intake PN(7115). Base PN(7190). Top PN(7191). One gasket only.

Product Features:
  • Replacement Gasket for Edelbrock Tunnel Ram Intake
  • Use w/Intake PN[7115]/Base PN[7190]/Top PN[7191]
  • One Gasket Only
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Edelbrock – TIMING CHAIN (Part No.7844)

TIMING CHAIN

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$29.99
Product Features:
  • Timing Chain Only
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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

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$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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Edelbrock – Intake Manifold Gasket for 1991 & Later Rectangular port 454 B/B Chevy (Part No.7202)

Intake Manifold Gasket for 1991 & Later Rectangular port 454 B/B Chevy

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$26.99


Product Features:
  • Clean Positive Seal
  • Embossed Silicone Bead Surrounding The Port
  • Matched To Manifolds And Cylinder Heads
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Mr. Gasket – Intake Gasket (Part No.143)

Intake Gasket

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$42.49
Mr. Gasket Performance Intake Gaskets are manufactured from cellulose/nitrile composition gasket material. This is a low density material that conforms well to irregular surfaces and has very good crush resistance at high flange pressures. They provide excellent sealing and durability as the material is designed for sealing gasoline, oils, water and coolant in applications up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While die-cut for an excellent fit, they can be trimmed if necessary for modified port applications. For original equipment replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured from cellulose/nitrile composition gasket material
  • Provides excellent sealing and durability
  • Die-cut for an excellent fit
  • Can be trimmed if necessary for modified port applications
  • For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use
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Mr. Gasket – Intake Manifold Bolts (Part No.6091)

Intake Manifold Bolts

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$32.09
These special Grade 8 intake manifold bolts feature a 12-point smaller-than-standard head and flange, and include special extra thick flat washers for optimum clamping pressures. They’re ideal for use where space is minimal, typical on larger runner race manifolds. These bolts and washers are bright zinc plated for protection and good looks.

Product Features:
  • Features 12-point Smaller-than-standard Bolt Head
  • Thick Flat Washers Distribute Optimum Clamp Load
  • Ideal Use Where Space Is Minimal On Race Manifolds
  • Bolts And Washers Zinc Plated For Protection
  • Zinc Plated For Protection
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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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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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Edelbrock – Front Timing Cover Gasket Set #6997 For Small-Block Chevy, With Front Seal (Part No.6997)

Front Timing Cover Gasket Set #6997 For Small-Block Chevy, With Front Seal

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$17.99
Product Features:
  • For Small-Block Chevy
  • One Piece Configuration
  • Includes Front Cover Gasket & Front Seal
  • Includes Necessary Gaskets & Crankshaft Oil Seal
  • For Replacement Or Installation
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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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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit (Part No.7845)

Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit

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$27.49
Secure the harmonic balancer or dampener on your Chevy. Works on original equipment, high performance street, drag or circle track applications. Features a heat treated black oxide coated Grade 8 alloy steel bolt for strength with a tall hex head to prevent wrench from slipping. An extra thick parallel ground washer provides accurate, uniform torque, and a lock washer is also included.

Product Features:
  • Heat treated black oxide coated Grade 8 alloy steel
  • Tall hex head bolt to prevent wrench from slipping
  • Extra thick parallel ground washer provides accurate, uniform torque
  • Washers Provides More Accurate And Uniform Torque
  • Grade 8 Alloy Steel
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Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 250/256 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit Chevrolet Small Block (Part No.CL12-254-3)

Xtreme Energy 250/256 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit Chevrolet Small Block

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$321.99
SMALL BLOCK CHEVY HYDRAULIC CAM AND LIFTER KIT – Xtreme Energy: Pro Street/bracket, needs good intake, headers, gear and 3300+ stall.

Product Features:
  • Cam and lifter kit for Small Block Chevy engines
  • CL-Kit includes cam, lifters, assembly lube, instructions and decals
  • HYDRAULIC – Xtreme Energy: Pro Street/bracket, needs good intake, headers, gear and 3300+ stall.
  • 294/306 Advertised Duration, 250/256 Duration @ .050″, .519″/.523″ Lift, 110 Lobe Separation
  • Valve spring upgrade required
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Competition Cams – CAM & LIFTER KIT, SBC 260H HIGH ENERGY HYD 1 KT (Part No.CL12-206-2)

CAM & LIFTER KIT, SBC 260H HIGH ENERGY HYD 1 KT

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$323.99
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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FEL-PRO Performance – Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts (Part No.1010)

Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts

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$39.49
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • PROPRIETARY COATING – Nonstick anti-friction coating seals small surface imperfections
  • NO RETORQUE DESIGN – Steel core helps eliminate the need for retorquing head bolts
  • SUPERIOR SEAL – Precise embossed Printoseal sealing beads at all vital areas to eliminate leak paths
  • STRONG AND DURABLE – Features graphite or reinforced fiber facing material and steel armor for strength and durability
  • DESIGNED FOR IMPERFECT SEALING SURFACES – Engineered and manufactured specifically for the repair environment to help seal imperfect sealing surfaces
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Mr. Gasket – Mls Head Gasket (Part No.3132G)

Mls Head Gasket

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$102.99
Our unique Multi-Layered steel head gasket embossment formation process optimizes the embossment radius, reduces stress points, enhances gasket conformability, and provides uniform clamp load distribution. This all results in superior surface contact between block and cylinder head. All head gasket layers/spacers go through an additional process to significantly reduce forming induced stress. Advantages are reduced brittleness in material, increased flexibility and deformation retention. This stabilizes the gasket, resulting in reduced cylinder bore distortion and improved combustion seal fro the extreme cylinder pressures found in high compression, supercharged and turbocharged applications. A proprietary polymer coating ensures the micro-seal of engine coolant and oil fluids.brbrA typical MLS head gasket requires a smoother (30Ra) surface finish than composite head gaskets. Mr. Gasket’s proprietary polymer coating will seal a surface finish twice as rough (60Ra) as a typical MLS head gasket. For high performance street, drag race and oval track use.

Product Features:
  • Gasket bore – 4.165 inch: Compressed thickness – .040 inch
  • Manufactured from 3-layer premium grade stainless steel and state of the art laser cutting
  • Optimized sealing embossments seals extreme cylinder pressure
  • Provides excellent stability and reduces cylinder bore distortion.
  • Proprietary polymer coating ensures the micro seal of engine coolant and oil fluids.
  • Ideal for supercharged, turbocharged, nitrous oxide and extreme compression ratio engines
  • For high-performance street, drag race and oval track use
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Edelbrock – Sure Seat Valve Springs for S/B Chevy O.E Cast iron Cylinder Heads (Part No.5703)

Sure Seat Valve Springs for S/B Chevy O.E Cast iron Cylinder Heads

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$65.99
Springs made of highest quality spring wire. Springs precision wound to close tolerances. 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
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Competition Cams – VALVE SPRINGS, 1.509" DUAL 1 ST (Part No.924-16)

VALVE SPRINGS, 1.509" DUAL 1 ST

from

$788.99
Dual Valve Springs from COMP Cams are manufactured from Super Clean wire and subject to extensive quality control testing to deliver a valve spring assembly with superior strength, durability and valve train stability, no matter what the application. The dual spring design creates a stronger valve spring that can easily handle the increased lift found in extreme stress applications. COMP Cams Dual Valve Springs exceed the expectations of today’s engine builders and racers.

Product Features:
  • Seat pressure: 112 lbs. @ 1.900″, Open Pressure: 355 lbs. @ 1.200″
  • O.D.: 1.509″, I.D.: 0.697″
  • Dual valve springs with damper
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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 86 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 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 668 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 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

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
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 K20 Performance Engines

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

Out of 86 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”
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”