1981 Ford LTD Performance Engines

Essential 1981 Ford LTD Performance Engines

Competition Cams – Magnum/Marine 253/253 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.34-337-4)

Magnum/Marine 253/253 Hydraulic Flat Cam

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$284.99
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:
  • 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.
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Spectre – Water Neck; Ford 390-428 (Part No.4736)

Water Neck; Ford 390-428

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$47.99
Spectre’s Ford water neck fits Ford 390, 427 and 428 engines. This water neck has been designed around the OEM specifications and has a chrome plated finish for a lasting look that fits great. This water neck includes bolts.

Product Features:
  • Fits Ford 390, 427 and 428 engines
  • Includes bolts and gasket
  • Chrome plated
  • Easy to install
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Edelbrock – Water Pump Ford 5.0 V8 Reverse Rotation in Black Finish (Part No.88403)

Water Pump Ford 5.0 V8 Reverse Rotation in Black Finish

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$337.99
Edelbrock #88403 Water Pump Ford 5.0l 1986-93 reverse rotation black 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 cool

Product Features:
  • Reverse Impeller Rotation
  • 0.625 in. Pilot Shaft
  • 0.750 in. Ball/Ball Bearing
  • 5.750 in. Block To Hub Height
  • Black Finish
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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 – Torker II 302 Intake Manifold Small-Block Ford (Part No.5021)

Torker II 302 Intake Manifold Small-Block Ford

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$376.99
2500-6500 RPM high-performance street engines. Single-plane low-rise intake good for high RPM. Ideal for applications with limited hood clearance. For top-end HP and adequate throttle response. Available in cast or polished.

Product Features:
  • 2500 to 6500 RPM High Performance Street Engines
  • Single-Plane Low-Rise Intake Good for High RPM
  • Ideal for Applications with Limited Hood Clearance
  • For Top-End HP and Adequate Throttle Response
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Mr. Gasket – Precision Timing Tape (Part No.1594)

Precision Timing Tape

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$21.79
Precision timing tape can be used on a factory balancer to create HP through accurate timing, and makes setting valve lash simple.

Product Features:
  • 6 3¿8″ diameter
  • 6 3┐8″ diameter
  • 289-302-351 cu. in.
  • Increased Performance
  • Set Valve Lash At Proper Time
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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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Edelbrock – Cylinder Head Gasket Set for Ford (Part No.7314)

Cylinder Head Gasket Set for Ford

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$126.99
Product Features:
  • 4.5 in. Cylinder Bore Diameter
  • 0.048 in. Thickness
  • 12.5cc Volume
  • Gray Color
  • Two Piece Configuration
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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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Mr. Gasket – Intake Gasket (Part No.223)

Intake Gasket

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$35.99
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.brbrFits 1977-1997 Ford Small Block 351 Windsor 2 or 4-barrel.

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
  • For OE replacement, high performance street, drag race and oval track use
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Sure-Lock Rocker Arm Nuts (Part No.923G)

Ultra Seal: Sure-Lock Rocker Arm Nuts

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$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 – 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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Mr. Gasket – Rear Main Seal Gasket (Part No.1963)

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 also provides for an upgrade for that leaky rope style seal and is a direct replacement for a rubber main seal. It’s also injection molded for a precise fit.

Product Features:
  • Repairs That Leaky Rear Main Sail
  • Silicone Rubber to Withstand Extreme Engine Oil Temperatures
  • Upgrade for Rope Seal Equipped Cars or Direct Replacement for Rubber Main Seal
  • Injection Molded for Precise Fit
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Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7821)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

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$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 – Super Intake Manifold Bolts (Part No.6082)

Super Intake Manifold Bolts

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$43.99
Super Intake Manifold Bolts

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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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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Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for Small Block Ford 289-302 (Part No.9632)

Pushrod Set for Small Block Ford 289-302

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$210.99
Product Features:
  • Case-Hardened Tubing
  • Surface Hardening
  • Welded Ends
  • 0.3125 in. Diameter
  • Use with or without Hardened Steel Guideplates
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Mr. Gasket – Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.276)

Valve Cover Gasket Set

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$30.19
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:
  • 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
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FEL-PRO Performance – Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set (Part No.1619)

Engine Valve Cover Gasket Set

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$30.49
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

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.
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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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B & M – Torque Converter, Tork Master 2400 (Part No.40438)

Torque Converter, Tork Master 2400

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$605.99
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:
  • New Precision Pump Drive Tube
  • Pressure Tested
  • Fully Balanced
  • Needle Thrust Bearing
  • New Thrust Washer
  • Washer Between Turbine and Cover
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B & M – Torque Converter, Tork Master 2400 (Part No.50441)

Torque Converter, Tork Master 2400

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$450.99
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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FEL-PRO Performance – PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET (Part No.1812)

PERFORMANCE OIL PAN GASKET SET

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$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.
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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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Edelbrock – Complete Sure Seat Valve Spring Kit for Ford 289-302 & 351W V8 (Part No.5796)

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

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$186.99
Product Features:
  • Non-Rotator
  • 1.438 in. Outside Diameter
  • 1.024 in. Inside Diameter
  • 1.260 in. Coil Blind
  • Set of 16
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Edelbrock – Sure Seat Valve Springs for Ford 429/460 V8 1969-1987 (Part No.5867)

Sure Seat Valve Springs for Ford 429/460 V8 1969-1987

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$47.99
Complete kit includes retainers and locks. Springs made of highest quality spring wire. Springs precision wound to close tolerances. Includes superior quality steel retainers. Includes 7 degree heat-treated valve stem locks. Retainers and locks black oxide coated. Non-Rotator style: Dyno tested and street proven. Great match to Edelbrock camshaft kit.

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

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$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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1981 Ford LTD Performance Engines

Maybe you’re in the middle of a full rebuild of that 1981 Ford LTD. Maybe you just need a couple of Performance Engines. Either way, Advance Auto Parts has 58 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 LTD running smoothly.

Performance Engines are only as good as their brand. We stock 5 different brands to make sure you have plenty of trusted parts to choose from for your 1981 Ford LTD. 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 LTD, but don’t take our word for it – read our customer ratings and reviews and buy with confidence. Out of the 388 reviews in this category, some of the top rated parts include 289-302 Ford Head Bolt Kit with 2.0 stars and Torker II 302 Intake Manifold Small-Block Ford with 2.0 stars.

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

Simple repair, complete replacement, or a full rebuild. No matter the job, your 1981 Ford LTD 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 LTD 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 LTD, 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 LTD Performance Engines

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

Out of 58 Performance Engines for the 1981 Ford LTD, 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 LTD Performance Engines?

Top-rated Performance Engines for your 1981 Ford LTD 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.”
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.”
ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST
from $237.99
(1)
ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST
“These things break very easy. Not a big fan of the soft brass when trying to install them with the screwdriver head they use. Change it hex and it woy”