1981 Ford Bronco Performance Engines

Essential 1981 Ford Bronco Performance Engines

FEL-PRO Performance – Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts (Part No.1011-2)

Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts

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$55.99
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 – Water Neck (Part No.9713)

Water Neck

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$48.09
Precision die cast, these water necks or thermostat housings are first polished to a high luster, then chrome plated. Comes with gasket and Allen head mounting bolts. Fits 1979-1997 Ford 5.0/5.8L V8s.

Product Features:
  • Chrome Plated For Great Looks
  • Includes Gasket & Mounting Bolts
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.5870)

Ultra Seal: Valve Cover Gasket Set

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$36.49
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:
  • 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
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Oil Pan Gasket (Part No.6683)

Ultra Seal: Oil Pan Gasket

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$59.19
High performance, race quality gasket with molded rubber coating over a steel core. Steel core provides rigidity and durability, preventing prevent push out while the molded rubber coating helps seal minor oil pan rail irregularities. The one piece design eliminates the need for separate end seals to make installation easier and even further reduce the possibility of oil leakage. Provides excellent sealing and durability. Excellent replacement for stock original equipment, high performance street, drag race and oval track. Includes gasket and new oil pan bolts.

Product Features:
  • Steel core provides rigidity, durability and prevents gasket push out
  • Molded rubber coating seals minor irregularities in pan surface
  • One piece design is easier to install and even less prone to leak
  • Direct replacement suitable for all uses – street, racing, heavy duty
  • Include both gasket and new oil pan bolts
  • No Cork Particles
  • Easy Removal For Disassembly
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Mr. Gasket – Rear Main Seal Gasket (Part No.30)

Rear Main Seal Gasket

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$42.49
This Mr. Gasket Rear Main Seal is made from silicone to allow the seal to handle extreme engine oil temperature. It is a direct replacement for a factory one-piece rubber main seal. It’s also injection molded for a precise fit.

Product Features:
  • Repairs that leaky rear main seal
  • Direct replacement for stock one-piece seal
  • Silicone rubber to withstand extreme oil temperatures
  • Injection molded for precise fit
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Edelbrock – Victor Jr. 302 Intake Manifold Small-Block Ford (Part No.2921)

Victor Jr. 302 Intake Manifold Small-Block Ford

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$451.99
Race winning design for all types of competition. Single plane maximizes torque and horsepower. Runners feature extra material for custom porting. For performance in 3500 to 7500 RPM range. For modified OE or aftermarket Windsor aluminum heads. Match with Edelbrock heads for maximum performance. Port exits can be opened to 2.10 x 1.18 inch. In the early days of the automotive performance industry, you either ran what was available, or you fabricated something you thought met your needs. Such needs were the building blocks of this industry, and it was through the efforts of many that we have the automotive aftermarket, but it was through the work of one name in particular to which many in the industry owe a great debt, and that name is Edelbrock.

Product Features:
  • Race Winning Design for all Types of Competition
  • Single Plane Maximizes Torque and Horsepower
  • Runners Feature Extra Material for Custom Porting
  • For Performance in 3500 to 7500 RPM Range
  • For Modified OE or Aftermarket Windsor Alum Heads
  • Match with Edelbrock Heads for Max Performance
  • Port Exits Can be Opened to 2.10 x 1.18 in.
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B & M – Torque Converter, Tork Master 3000 (Part No.50442)

Torque Converter, Tork Master 3000

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$587.99
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. Due to torque converter co

Product Features:
  • New Precision Pump Drive Tube
  • Pressure Tested
  • Fully Balanced
  • Needle Thrust Bearing
  • New Thrust Washer
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Edelbrock – Performer Small-Block Ford 5.0L/ 5.8L Cylinder Head 1.90" (Part No.60379)

Performer Small-Block Ford 5.0L/ 5.8L Cylinder Head 1.90"

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$1035.99
Product Features:
  • Capable of 300 plus horsepower when matched with the Edelbrock Performer Power Package
  • 1.90 in. intake valves are for use with stock pistons
  • Exhaust valve is 1.60 in.
  • 60cc combustion with 170cc intake port
  • Flat Tappet Camshaft Type
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit (Part No.7847)

Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit

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$38.49
Mr. Gasket Harmonic Balancer Bolt for Ford V8 except 351C. Fits 221,260,289,302,351W small block Windsor engines, 332,352,360,390,406,410,427,428 FEs, and 429,460 385 series big blocks. 5/8-18 x 2 inch long heat treated black oxide coated Grade 8 alloy steel with a thick parallel ground washer to provide accurate, uniform torque.

Product Features:
  • Heat treated black oxide coated Grade 8 alloy steel
  • Thick parallel ground washer provides more accurate, uniform torque
  • Hex Prevents Socket Slippage
  • Accurate And Uniform Torque
  • Black Plated Finish
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Edelbrock – Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16) (Part No.9724)

Performer Series Retainer (Qty 16)

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$100.99
Product Features:
  • Use W/ Valve Springs Part #5822, 5882, 5896, 5872, 5867, 5812, 5857
  • Set of 16
  • 1.50 in. Outside Diameter
  • Steel Material
  • Black Oxide Finish
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Competition Cams – Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Roller Cam (Part No.32-601-8)

Mutha' Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Roller Cam

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$522.99
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:
  • Early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration create optimum overlap for powerful, hard-hitting exhaust note.
  • Best with aftermarket converters and more rear gear.
  • Three unique cam designs for each application that deliver excellent horsepower gains and broad torque curve; perfect choice for muscle cars and street rods.
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Edelbrock – 289-302 Ford Head Bolt Kit (Part No.8552)

289-302 Ford Head Bolt Kit

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$107.99


Product Features:
  • Highest Quality Head Bolts
  • Cold-Formed/Heat Treated
  • Ensures Molecular Integrity
  • Reduced Diameter Bolt Heads
  • Hardened/Parallel-Ground Washers Included
  • Rated At 170000 psi
  • Manufactured By ARP
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Edelbrock – Water Pump for Small-Block Ford in Polished Finish (Part No.8846)

Water Pump for Small-Block Ford in Polished Finish

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$381.99
Maximum cooling for street and racing engines. Internal passages are balanced for maximum flow. Impeller is larger than others for maximum pressure. Impeller vanes dramatically increase flow rates. Equal distribution to both sides of block. Only flows in

Product Features:
  • Maximum Cooling for Street and Racing Engines
  • Internal Passages Are Balanced for Maximum Flow
  • Impeller is Larger than Others For Max Pressure
  • Impeller Vanes Dramatically Increase Flow Rates
  • Equal Distribution to Both Sides of Block
  • Only Flows in One-Direction for Optimum Efficiency
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Competition Cams – PUSHROD SET, SBF HIGH ENERGY 1 ST (Part No.7831-16)

PUSHROD SET, SBF HIGH ENERGY 1 ST

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$75.99
High Energy Pushrods from COMP Cams are an affordable, high quality solution when building street rods, RVs and daily drivers. High Energy Pushrods have a durable one-piece construction that meets or exceeds all OE pushrod specifications and fit perfectly with High Energy and Magnum Rocker Arms.

Product Features:
  • 5/16″ diameter, 6.881″ length for Small Block Ford 255 and 302, ’65-up with Flat Tappet Cam
  • Best choice when building street rods, RVs or daily drivers
  • Meet or exceed all OE pushrod specifications
  • Mate perfectly with High Energy and Magnum Rockers
  • Durable one-piece construction
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Mr. Gasket – High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow (Part No.4364)

High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow

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$26.99
Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostats are designed to resist large variations of coolant pressure at high RPM (revolutions per minute). This allows them to fully open at correct temperature consistently regardless of engine RPM. The design also provides the high flow that engines operated a higher RPM need. This thermostat also features a copper/brass construction to further resist corrosion. Mr. Gasket High Performance / High Flow Thermostats are suitable for street, drag race, or oval track applications.

Product Features:
  • Opens At 180 Degrees
  • Designed to Resist Large Variations of Coolant Pressure at High RPM
  • Fully Opens at Correct Temperature Consistently Regardless of Engine RPM
  • For High Performance Street, Drag Race, and Oval Track
  • Copper & Brass Construction – Resists Corrosion
  • High Flow
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Mr. Gasket – Super Intake Manifold Bolts (Part No.6082)

Super Intake Manifold Bolts

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$43.99
Super Intake Manifold Bolts

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
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Competition Cams – ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST (Part No.17043-16)

ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST

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$237.99
The COMP Cams High Energy Die-Cast Aluminum Roller Rocker Arms are new rocker arms from the valve train leader that have been designed for street and moderate race use. They feature a die-cast body created from aluminum with a needle bearing fulcrum and roller tip. The die-cast, larger than stock body offers the strength properties and light weight of aluminum while the specially engineered fulcrum and roller tip decrease friction and lower oil temperatures, thus improving response and horsepower.

Product Features:
  • Cost effective aluminum construction provides superior strength to weight ratio
  • Needle bearing fulcrum and roller tip reduce friction and lower oil temperatures for improved response and horsepower
  • Durable design increases valve lift while withstanding the rigors of moderate race use
  • Die-formed aluminum body is larger than stock, and may require modifications to stock valve covers for clearance.
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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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Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7821)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

from

$81.99


Product Features:
  • Solid Bushing Chain Resists Stretching
  • For Use with Stock or Edelbrock Camshafts
  • Stressproof Steel Crank Gears
  • 3 Keyway Setting Points To Ensure Accurate Timing
  • True Bearing Surface Rolls with the Sprockets
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Mr. Gasket – Cam Change Gaskets (Part No.4410)

Cam Change Gaskets

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$63.09
If you want to update just your camshaft and aren’t doing a complete engine overhaul, this kit contains all the gaskets needed to change out your camshaft. That way you don’t have to buy a complete gasket kit just to change the cam, but still can replace all the gaskets you should in the process.

Product Features:
  • Contains all the gaskets needed to change out your camshaft
  • Fuel Injector O-Ring Not Included
  • Meets Performance Standards
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Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 240/246 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit (Part No.CL35-250-4)

Xtreme Energy 240/246 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit

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$373.99
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:
  • 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.
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Edelbrock – Performer-Plus camshaft for Small-Block Ford 351W V-8 applications (Part No.2182)

Performer-Plus camshaft for Small-Block Ford 351W V-8 applications

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$339.99


Product Features:
  • Designed for Optimum Torque and Acceleration
  • Maximum Performance From Idle through Mid-Range
  • Matched to Edelbrock Performer Intakes
  • Includes Hydraulic Lifters and Assembly Lube
  • Major Improvement in Throttle Response and Torque
  • Use For Daily Drivers/Trucks/Vans/RVs/4x4s
  • Take The Guesswork Out Of Camshaft Selection
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FEL-PRO Performance – Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 7 Piece Set (Part No.1240)

Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 7 Piece Set

from

$39.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

Product Features:
  • Fel-Pro performance intake manifold gaskets have been tested with virtually all aftermarket cylinder head and intake manifold combinations.
  • Performance intake manifold gaskets designed without a metal core, to allow engine builders to trim the gasket for exact fit on modified ports.
  • 1970-82; w/2 Bbl. Cylinder heads
  • Printoseal elastomeric sealing beads to provide extra sealing strength around the intake port.
  • Not intended for use in emission controlled vehicles.
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Intake Gasket (Part No.5831)

Ultra Seal: Intake Gasket

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$38.59
Ultra-Seal intake manifold gaskets are manufactured from cellulose/nitrile composition gasket material. Provides excellent sealing and durability. Incorporates Silicone beading around each intake and water outlet port to provide additional sealing strength on both sides of each gasket. No gasket sealer required. For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use. Includes manifold end seals and distributor gasket.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured from cellulose/nitrile composition gasket material
  • Provides excellent sealing and durability
  • Silicone beading on both sides of each gasket
  • Complete with manifold end seals and distributor gasket
  • For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use
  • Creates Tight Leak proof Seal
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Edelbrock – Sure Seat Valve Springs for Ford 289-302 (Part No.5822)

Sure Seat Valve Springs for Ford 289-302

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$54.99
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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Edelbrock – Sure Seat Valve Springs for Ford 351M/400 V8 1971-1982 (Part No.5872)

Sure Seat Valve Springs for Ford 351M/400 V8 1971-1982

from

$59.99
Product Features:
  • Non-Rotator Type
  • 1.400 in. Outer Diameter
  • 1.000 in. Inner Diameter
  • 1.000 in. Coil Blind
  • Set of 16
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Edelbrock – Complete Sure Seat Valve Spring Kit for Ford 289-302 & 351W V8 (Part No.5896)

Complete Sure Seat Valve Spring Kit for Ford 289-302 & 351W V8

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$125.99
Complete kit includes retainers and locks. Springs made of highest quality spring wire. Springs precision wound to close tolerances. Includes superior quality steel retainers. Includes 7 degree heat-treated valve stem locks. Retainers and locks are black oxide coated. Non-rotator style: Dyno tested and street proven. Great match to Edelbrock camshaft kit.

Product Features:
  • Complete Kit: Includes Retainers And Locks
  • Springs Made of Highest Quality Spring Wire
  • Springs Precision Wound To Close Tolerances
  • Includes Superior Quality Steel Retainers
  • Includes 7 deg. Heat-Treated Valve Stem Locks
  • Retainers and Locks Black Oxide Coated
  • Dyno Tested And Street Proven
  • Great Match to Edelbrock Camshaft Kit
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1981 Ford Bronco Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1981 Ford Bronco. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 73 different Performance Engines in our inventory ranging from $19.99 to $1,035.99. That means you can find the exact parts or products you need to keep that 1981 Ford Bronco running smoothly.

Performance Engines are only as good as their brand. We stock 6 different brands to make sure you have plenty of trusted parts to choose from for your 1981 Ford Bronco. Mr. Gasket, FEL-PRO Performance, and Edelbrock 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 Ford Bronco, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 88 reviews in this category, some of the top rated parts include 289-302 Ford Head Bolt Kit with 2.0 stars and Action +Plus; Intake Manifold with 3.5 stars.

So if you’re in the market for aftermarket Performance Engines to keep your 1981 Ford Bronco 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 Ford Bronco Last

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1981 Ford Bronco 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 Bronco the best it can be. Be sure to browse some of our top Performance Engines brands and parts.

Popular FEL-PRO Performance Performance Engines

We carry FEL-PRO Performance parts in our stock across Performance Engine Intake Manifold Gaskets and Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets categories, plus more. For a 1981 Ford Bronco, our most popular FEL-PRO Performance Performance Engines include:
Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 11 Piece Set
from $33.99
(4)
Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Set: 11 Piece Set
Performance Engine Intake Manifold Gaskets
Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set
from $46.99
(1)
Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set
Performance Engine Valve Cover Gasket Sets
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts
from $51.99
(2)
Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts
Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets

FAQs for 1981 Ford Bronco Performance Engines

What are the most purchased Performance Engines for the 1981 Ford Bronco?

Out of 73 Performance Engines for the 1981 Ford Bronco, the most popular in our inventory are:
Intake Manifold Gasket for 1963-1996 Small-Block Fords
from $28.99
(1)
Intake Manifold Gasket for 1963-1996 Small-Block Fords
Performance Engine Intake Manifold Gaskets
Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set
from $67.99
This product is not rated
Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set
Performance Engine Timing Sets and Components
Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit
from $38.49
This product is not rated
Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit
Performance Engine Harmonic Balancers

What are the top-rated 1981 Ford Bronco Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1981 Ford Bronco based on customer reviews/ratings are:
289-302 Ford Head Bolt Kit
from $107.99
(7)
289-302 Ford Head Bolt Kit
“Great quality bolts. They include thread locker. Would definitely recommend to anyone replacing their heads.”
Action +Plus; Intake Manifold
from $349.99
(2)
Action +Plus; Intake Manifold
“Nice clean intake lookes better than edelbrock”
Torker II 302 Intake Manifold Small-Block Ford
from $376.99
(1)
Torker II 302 Intake Manifold Small-Block Ford
“Nice looking product but mine was a used store return so I returned it.”