1981 Chevrolet K30 Performance Engines

Essential 1981 Chevrolet K30 Performance Engines

FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1818)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

from

$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.
See More

Edelbrock – Performer Small-Block Chevy Cylinder Head 64cc Hydraulic Flat Tappet (Part No.60909)

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

from

$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
See More

Mr. Gasket – Intake Gasket Set – Standard Duty – Big Block Chevy With Stock Rectangle Ports – 1.75"W X 2.50"H (Part No.108)

Intake Gasket Set - Standard Duty - Big Block Chevy With Stock Rectangle Ports - 1.75"W X 2.50"H

from

$29.99
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. Comes complete with front & rear manifold end seals. 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
  • Complete with manifold end seals & distributor gaskets if applicable
  • For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use
See More

Edelbrock – Water Pump Cartridge for Small-Block Chevy (Race Style) (Part No.8827)

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

from

$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
See More

Competition Cams – THUMPR CAMSHAFT, SBC 1 EA (Part No.12-600-4)

THUMPR CAMSHAFT, SBC 1 EA

from

$587.99
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

B & M – Torque Converter, Holeshot 2000 (Part No.70417)

Torque Converter, Holeshot 2000

from

$544.99
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
See More

Weiand – Team G Intake Manifold (Part No.7532)

Team G Intake Manifold

from

$389.99
Team G Intake Manifold

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
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

FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1605)

Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set

from

$25.49
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.
See More

Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit (Part No.7845)

Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit

from

$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
See More

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

from

$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.
See More

Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)

High Performance Thermostat

from

$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
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

Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Sure-Lock Rocker Arm Nuts (Part No.923G)

Ultra Seal: Sure-Lock Rocker Arm Nuts

from

$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
See More

Competition Cams – VALVE SEALS, TEFLON 3/8" 1 ST (Part No.505-16)

VALVE SEALS, TEFLON 3/8" 1 ST

from

$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
See More

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

from

$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
See More

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

from

$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
See More

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

from

$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
See More

Mr. Gasket – Timing Cover Gasket Set (Part No.94)

Timing Cover Gasket Set

from

$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
See More

Mr. Gasket – Intake Bolt Kit (Part No.5004)

Intake Bolt Kit

from

$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
See More

Mr. Gasket – Intake Manifold Bolts (Part No.6091)

Intake Manifold Bolts

from

$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
See More

Spectre – Water Neck; Chevy Late Model (Part No.4730)

Water Neck; Chevy Late Model

from

$23.79
Spectre’s Chevrolet late model water neck offers the normal angled water neck and a 1/2 inch NPT threaded hole for a by-pass hose. This water neck has a chrome plated finish for a lasting look great and includes the bolts.

Product Features:
  • Fits Chevy engines
  • Includes a 1/2 inch NPT threaded hole for by-pass hose
  • Includes bolts
  • Chrome plated
  • Easy to install
  • O-ring/gasket not included
See More

Weiand – Supercharger Remote Thermostat Housing (Part No.7134P)

Supercharger Remote Thermostat Housing

from

$184.99


Product Features:
  • Remote Thermostat Housing
See More

Mr. Gasket – Mls Head Gasket (Part No.3151G)

Mls Head Gasket

from

$114.99
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 – 4.540 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
See More

FEL-PRO Performance – Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts (Part No.1025)

Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts

from

$72.99
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.
See More

FEL-PRO Performance – Cylinder Head Gasket: Multi-Layered Steel, Without Head Bolts (Part No.1003)

Cylinder Head Gasket: Multi-Layered Steel, Without Head Bolts

from

$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
See More

1981 Chevrolet K30 Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1981 Chevrolet K30. 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 K30 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 K30. 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 K30, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 492 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 K30 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 K30 Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1981 Chevrolet K30 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 K30 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 K30, our most popular B & M Performance Engines include:
Tork Master 2400
from $339.99
(1)
Tork Master 2400
Performance Torque Converters

Top 1981 Chevrolet K30 Performance Engines from Mr. Gasket

Mr. Gasket products are another trusted brand when it comes to Performance Engines for your 1981 Chevrolet K30. 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 K30 Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1981 Chevrolet K30?

Out of 131 Performance Engines for the 1981 Chevrolet K30, 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 K30 Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1981 Chevrolet K30 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”