1981 Chrysler Imperial Performance Engines
Keep Your 1981 Chrysler Imperial in Top Shape with Quality Performance Engines
Whether you’re repairing or upgrading your Performance Engine, using high-quality parts is key to keeping your 1981 Chrysler Imperial looking sharp and performing at its best. At Advance Auto Parts we carry a wide selection of dependable options, including Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets, Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats, and Performance Engine Camshafts. Whether you’re replacing a damaged part or enhancing your truck’s style and protection, you’ll find exactly what you need to get the job done right.
Competitive Prices and Extensive Inventory
The average price for a 1981 Chrysler Imperial Performance Engine at Advance Auto Parts is around $377.88, with a range that starts at $18.99 and goes up to $1,398.99. With 27 options in stock from 4 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like High Performance Thermostat, Ultra Seal: Valve Cover Gasket Set, and PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET start at just $21.99 and offer a great balance of form and function.
Explore Related Parts
While you’re upgrading or replacing your Performance Engine, don’t forget to check out other key components like Performance Distributors and Performance Oil Filters. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re here to help you keep your 1981 Chrysler Imperial in peak condition, inside and out.
Find Your Specific 1981 Chrysler Imperial Performance Engines
Looking for the perfect Performance Engine for your 1981 Chrysler Imperial? You’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find links to various types of Performance Engines that fit your vehicle. At Advance Auto Parts, we offer only the highest quality OEM and aftermarket Performance Engines, ensuring durability and a precise fit for your Chrysler Imperial. Whether you’re driving a 1981 model or another popular model year like
1969,
1970,
1971,
1972,
1973,
1974,
1975,
1982, and
1983, we’ve got you covered. Purchasing Performance Engines from Advance Auto Parts is a smart choice, giving you access to trusted brands and parts built to perform. Below, you’ll find links to various types of Performance Engines that fit your vehicle.
Essential 1981 Chrysler Imperial Performance Engines
FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1608)
from
$37.49
Product Features:
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- DESIGNED FOR IMPERFECT SEALING SURFACES – Engineered and manufactured specifically for the repair environment to help seal imperfect sealing surfaces
- ENGINEERED TO PERFORM – Proprietary cork-rubber formulation
- SUPERIOR SEAL – Highly conformable to accommodate for the imperfect sealing surfaces
- EVERY PART FOR THE REPAIR – Fel-Pro gasket sets include every part needed for the repair unless otherwise noted
- REAL-WORLD TESTED – Parts are tested on-vehicle and validated to ensure optimal performance on the road
Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.5876)
from
$44.99
Ultra-Seal is Mr. Gasket premium valve cover gasket material. It’s manufactured from a high density cork and rubber blend with a black latex coat applied to the outside to help seal minor flange irregularites and eliminate oil leakage. It creates a positive seal by controlled swelling of the gasket material when exposed to hot oil. For original equipment replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use. Sold as a pair, these gaskets are .187 inch thick.
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Manufactured from high-density cork /rubber blend gasket material
- A black latex rubber coating is applied to outside of gasket to help seal minor flange irregularities and eliminate the possibility of oil leakage
- Creates a positive seal by controlled swelling of the gasket material when exposed to hot engine oil
- For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track
- .187″ thick
- Handles Ex Flange Pressure
- Forms Leak Proof Seal
- Black Latex Coating
FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1611)
from
$20.29
Fel-Pro® Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions.
Product Features:
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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.
Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.5877)
from
$37.99
Ultra-Seal is Mr. Gasket premium valve cover gasket material. It’s manufactured from a high density cork and rubber blend with a black latex coat applied to the outside to help seal minor flange irregularites and eliminate oil leakage. It creates a positive seal by controlled swelling of the gasket material when exposed to hot oil. For original equipment replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use. Sold as a pair, these gaskets are .187 inch thick.
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Manufactured from high-density cork /rubber blend gasket material
- A black latex rubber coating is applied to outside of gasket to help seal minor flange irregularities and eliminate the possibility of oil leakage
- Creates a positive seal by controlled swelling of the gasket material when exposed to hot engine oil
- For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track
- .187″ thick
- Handles Ex Flange Pressure
- Forms Leak Proof Seal
- Black Latex Coating
Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 224/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam K-Kit (Part No.K21-223-4)
from
$678.99
Featuring a quicker valve opening, the Xtreme Energy camshaft profile provides increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve than older, slower grinds. Designed to increase performance without sacrificing driveability and creature comforts.
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Excellent performance in street carbureted applications.
- More vacuum allows an increase in duration for improved performance and assists power brakes.
- Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
- Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.
Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 224/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit (Part No.CL20-223-3)
from
$344.99
SMALL BLOCK CHRYSLER HYDRAULIC CAM AND LIFTER KIT – Xtreme Energy: Great for street machines, largest cam for stock converter, 273-318 works best with 2000 stall.
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Cam and lifter kit for Small Block Chrysler engines
- CL-Kit includes cam, lifters, assembly lube, instructions and decals
- HYDRAULIC – Xtreme Energy: Great for street machines, largest cam for stock converter, 273-318 works best with 2000 stall.
- 268/280 Advertised Duration, 224/230 Duration @ .050″, .477″/.480″ Lift, 110 Lobe Separation
- Valve spring upgrade required
Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 230/236 Hydraulic Flat Cam K-Kit (Part No.K21-224-4)
from
$654.99
Featuring a quicker valve opening, the Xtreme Energy camshaft profile provides increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve than older, slower grinds. Designed to increase performance without sacrificing driveability and creature comforts.
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Excellent performance in street carbureted applications.
- More vacuum allows an increase in duration for improved performance and assists power brakes.
- Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
- Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.
Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 212/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit (Part No.CL20-221-3)
from
$344.99
Featuring a quicker valve opening, the Xtreme Energy camshaft profile provides increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve than older, slower grinds. Designed to increase performance without sacrificing driveability and creature comforts.
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Excellent performance in street carbureted applications.
- More vacuum allows an increase in duration for improved performance and assists power brakes.
- Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
- Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.
Mr. Gasket – High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow (Part No.4364)
from
$29.99
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:
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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
Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)
from
$31.99
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:
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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
Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat – 160 Degree Brass & Copper (Part No.4363)
from
$29.49
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:
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Product Features:
- Opens at 160 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
Edelbrock – Engine Gasket Set (Head / Intake / Exhaust / Valve Cover) for Chrysler (Part No.7366)
from
$135.99
Product Features:
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- Head: 4.505″ Bore/0.038″ Thick/9.69cc Vol.
- Intake: 1.23″x2.27″ Port/.030″ Thick
- Exhaust: 1.84″x1.33″ Port
- 3/16″ Valve Cover
- Multi Piece Configuration
FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1008)
from
$44.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions.
Product Features:
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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.
Mr. Gasket – Head Gasket (Part No.1135G)
from
$44.99
Mr. Gasket Steel Shim Cylinder Head Gaskets are for high performance street machines, drag racing and oval track racing. With today’s extreme compression ratios you need stronger more durable gaskets. Mr. Gasket steel shim gaskets are made from .020 inch steel shim stock which is thinner than most composite gaskets increasing engine compression. Stress formed embossments will seal the extreme cylinder pressure.
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Manufactured from .020″ steel shim stock.
- Thinner than composition head gaskets – increases engine compression.
- Stress formed embossments seal extreme cylinder pressures.
- For high performance street, drag race and oval track use.
Edelbrock – Cylinder Head Gasket Set for Chrysler (Part No.7325)
B & M – Torque Converter, Holeshot 2400 (Part No.10415)
from
$549.99
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 Holeshots.
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Furnace Brazed Impeller
- Steel Alloy Pump Drive Tube
- Heavy Duty Needle Bearing
- Between Stator and Turbine
- Furnace Brazed Turbine
B & M – Torque Converter, Tork Master 2400 (Part No.10417)
from
$449.99
A higher than stock stall speed as delivered by a B&M Converter will provide several advantages. The high stall converter allows the engine to launch the car at a higher RPM where more torque is available and increased strength.
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- New Precision Pump Drive Tube
- Pressure Tested
- Fully Balanced
- Needle Thrust Bearing
- New Thrust Washer
- Washer Between Turbine and Cover
B & M – Torque Converter, Holeshot 3000 (Part No.10425)
from
$999.99
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 Holeshots.
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Furnace Brazed Impeller
- Steel Alloy Pump Drive Tube
- Heavy Duty Needle Bearing
- Between Stator and Turbine
- Furnace Brazed Turbine
Competition Cams – Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.21-600-5)
from
$384.99
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.
Product Features:
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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.
Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 212/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.20-221-3)
from
$284.99
Featuring a quicker valve opening, the Xtreme Energy camshaft profile provides increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve than older, slower grinds. Designed to increase performance without sacrificing driveability and creature comforts,
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Excellent performance in street carbureted applications.
- More vacuum allows an increase in duration for improved performance and assists power brakes.
- Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
- Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.
Competition Cams – High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.20-208-2)
from
$436.99
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.
Product Features:
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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.
Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 218/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.20-222-3)
from
$327.99
Featuring a quicker valve opening, the Xtreme Energy camshaft profile provides increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve than older, slower grinds. Designed to increase performance without sacrificing driveability and creature comforts,
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Excellent performance in street carbureted applications.
- More vacuum allows an increase in duration for improved performance and assists power brakes.
- Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
- Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.
Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 230/236 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.20-224-4)
from
$297.99
Featuring a quicker valve opening, the Xtreme Energy camshaft profile provides increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve than older, slower grinds. Designed to increase performance without sacrificing driveability and creature comforts,
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Excellent performance in street carbureted applications.
- More vacuum allows an increase in duration for improved performance and assists power brakes.
- Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
- Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.
FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1808)
from
$18.49
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions
Product Features:
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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.
FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1806)
from
$21.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions
Product Features:
See More
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.
FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Oil Pan Gasket Set (Part No.1807)
from
$31.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions.
Product Features:
See More
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.
Popular 1981 Chrysler Imperial Performance Engines Categories
Most Popular Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets for 1981 Chrysler Imperials
Enhance your 1981 Chrysler Imperial with one of the 4 Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets we have in stock, starting at just $18.99.
Mr. Gasket – Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.379)
from
$41.99
Mr. Gasket Performance Valve Cover Gaskets are high-density cork/rubber blend gaskets that use evenly sized cork particles distributed evenly throughout the rubber binder. The result is a compressible valve cover gasket without leak paths. These gaskets create a positive seal by controlled swelling of the gasket material when exposed to hot engine oil. Provides excellent flange sealing and durability. For original equipment replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use.
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Manufactured from high-density cork/rubber blend gasket material
- Provides excellent sealing and durability
- For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use
FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1607)
from
$18.99
Fel-Pro® Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions.
Product Features:
See More
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.
Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.5876)
from
$44.99
Ultra-Seal is Mr. Gasket premium valve cover gasket material. It’s manufactured from a high density cork and rubber blend with a black latex coat applied to the outside to help seal minor flange irregularites and eliminate oil leakage. It creates a positive seal by controlled swelling of the gasket material when exposed to hot oil. For original equipment replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use. Sold as a pair, these gaskets are .187 inch thick.
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Manufactured from high-density cork /rubber blend gasket material
- A black latex rubber coating is applied to outside of gasket to help seal minor flange irregularities and eliminate the possibility of oil leakage
- Creates a positive seal by controlled swelling of the gasket material when exposed to hot engine oil
- For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track
- .187″ thick
- Handles Ex Flange Pressure
- Forms Leak Proof Seal
- Black Latex Coating
FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1608)
from
$37.49
Product Features:
See More
- DESIGNED FOR IMPERFECT SEALING SURFACES – Engineered and manufactured specifically for the repair environment to help seal imperfect sealing surfaces
- ENGINEERED TO PERFORM – Proprietary cork-rubber formulation
- SUPERIOR SEAL – Highly conformable to accommodate for the imperfect sealing surfaces
- EVERY PART FOR THE REPAIR – Fel-Pro gasket sets include every part needed for the repair unless otherwise noted
- REAL-WORLD TESTED – Parts are tested on-vehicle and validated to ensure optimal performance on the road
Best-Selling 1981 Chrysler Imperial Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats
Upgrade your Imperial with one of our 3 best-selling Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats, earning an average 4 stars rating across 32 reviews.
Mr. Gasket – High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow (Part No.4364)
from
$29.99
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:
See More
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
Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat – 160 Degree Brass & Copper (Part No.4363)
from
$29.49
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:
See More
Product Features:
- Opens at 160 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
Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)
from
$31.99
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:
See More
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
Top-Quality Performance Engine Camshafts for 1981 Chrysler Imperials
Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Engine Camshaft for Chrysler Imperials and enjoy top-notch performance from $257.99.
Competition Cams – Magnum 230/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.20-232-4)
from
$297.99
An older member of the COMP Cams grind family, the Magnum series of camshafts offers excellent performance gains over stock without the added wear and tear associated with more aggressive camshafts.
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Best with aftermarket torque converters and 9.5:1 compression.
- Great high RPM power.
- Easy on valve train parts.
- Can be used with mild ratio rocker arms and traditional performance valve springs.
Competition Cams – High Energy 218/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.20-212-2)
from
$257.99
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.
Product Features:
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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.
Competition Cams – Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Roller Cam (Part No.20-601-9)
from
$531.99
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.
Product Features:
See More
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.
Competition Cams – High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.20-208-2)
from
$436.99
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.
Product Features:
See More
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.
Competition Cams – High Energy 212/212 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.20-210-2)
from
$394.99
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.
Product Features:
See More
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.
Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 218/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.20-222-3)
from
$327.99
Featuring a quicker valve opening, the Xtreme Energy camshaft profile provides increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve than older, slower grinds. Designed to increase performance without sacrificing driveability and creature comforts,
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Excellent performance in street carbureted applications.
- More vacuum allows an increase in duration for improved performance and assists power brakes.
- Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
- Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.
Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 230/236 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.20-224-4)
from
$297.99
Featuring a quicker valve opening, the Xtreme Energy camshaft profile provides increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve than older, slower grinds. Designed to increase performance without sacrificing driveability and creature comforts,
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Excellent performance in street carbureted applications.
- More vacuum allows an increase in duration for improved performance and assists power brakes.
- Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
- Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.
Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 212/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.20-221-3)
from
$284.99
Featuring a quicker valve opening, the Xtreme Energy camshaft profile provides increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve than older, slower grinds. Designed to increase performance without sacrificing driveability and creature comforts,
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Excellent performance in street carbureted applications.
- More vacuum allows an increase in duration for improved performance and assists power brakes.
- Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
- Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.
Top Picks for 1981 Chrysler Imperial Performance Engine Oil Pan Gaskets
Invest in one of our 2 durable Performance Engine Oil Pan Gaskets for your 1981 Chrysler, knowing you’re getting trusted brands and expert craftsmanship.
FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1806)
from
$21.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions
Product Features:
See More
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.
FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Oil Pan Gasket Set (Part No.1807)
from
$31.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions.
Product Features:
See More
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.
Our Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets for 1981 Chrysler Imperials
Make a smart move for your 1981 Chrysler Imperial with our Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gasket for $44.99.
FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1008)
from
$44.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions.
Product Features:
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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.
FAQs for 1981 Chrysler Imperial Performance Engines
What are the best-selling Performance Engines for 1981 Chrysler Imperials?
Out of 27 Performance Engines that fit 1981 Chrysler Imperials, the following parts are the top sellers:
- High Performance Thermostat (22903641) – $31.99
- Ultra Seal: Valve Cover Gasket Set (10648745) – $44.99
- PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (19781372) – $21.99
What’s the price range for 1981 Chrysler Imperial Performance Engines?
The prices of Performance Engines for the 1981 Chrysler Imperial range from $18.99 up to $1,398.99 for the most premium parts.
What is the average price of a Performance Engine for a 1981 Chrysler Imperial?
The average price for Performance Engines for the 1981 Chrysler Imperial is $377.88. Keep in mind the variety of part types within our Performance Engine category, where you are likely to find a wide range of prices across a variety of parts and components.
Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Engines for other Chrysler Imperial model years?
What are the cheapest Performance Engines for my 1981 Chrysler Imperial?
The cheapest 1981 Chrysler Imperial Performance Engines we carry are:
- Performance Valve Cover Gasket Set (19781319) – $18.99
- PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (19781372) – $21.99
- High Performance Thermostat – 160 Degree Brass & Copper (17360031) – $29.49
- High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow (17360033) – $29.99
- High Performance Thermostat (22903641) – $31.99
Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Engines for any other 1981 Chrysler models?
Yes. We stock Performance Engines for 4 other popular 1981 Chrysler models. Some of the most popular are 1981 Town & Country Performance Engines, 1981 New Yorker Performance Engines, 1981 Lebaron Performance Engines, 1981 Newport Performance Engines, and 1981 Cordoba Performance Engines.
What are the top-rated Performance Engines that fit the 1981 Chrysler Imperial?
Based on 37 reviews by customers, our 1981 Chrysler Imperial Performance Engines have an average customer rating of 4 stars. These are the highest-rated categories of Performance Engines for the 1981 Chrysler Imperial and their top-rated products:
- Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets
- Valve Cover Gasket Set (17360256) – $41.99
- Performance Valve Cover Gasket Set (19781319) – $18.99
- Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats
- High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow (17360033) – $29.99
- High Performance Thermostat – 160 Degree Brass & Copper (17360031) – $29.49
What types of Performance Engines do you sell for my 1981 Chrysler Imperial?
As of 11/2/25, these are some of the most in-demand types of Performance Engines for a 1981 Chrysler Imperial:
Can I get help with 1981 Chrysler Imperial Performance Engine orders?
Contact our customer support team by chat or phone, through the help desk page, where you can find instant answers about Chrysler Performance Engines and more.
What is your return policy for Chrysler Imperial Performance Engines?
Advance Auto Parts keeps returns simple. For new Chrysler Imperial Performance Engines and accessories, your online orders can be returned, in their original condition, within 45 days. For requirements, see the returns page.