1981 Ford Mustang Performance Engines
Keep Your 1981 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang looking sharp and performing at its best. At Advance Auto Parts we carry a wide selection of dependable options, including Performance Engine Timing Sets and Components, Performance Engine Rocker Arms, and Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets. 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 Ford Mustang Performance Engine at Advance Auto Parts is around $315.56, with a range that starts at $22.99 and goes up to $615.99. With 11 options in stock from 4 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like High Performance Thermostat, Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit, and Performance Cylinder Head Gasket start at just $32.49 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 Ignition Products. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re here to help you keep your 1981 Ford Mustang in peak condition, inside and out.
Find Your Specific 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Engines
Looking for the perfect Performance Engine for your 1981 Ford Mustang? 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 Ford Mustang. Whether you’re driving a 1981 model or another popular model year like
1989,
1990,
1991,
1992,
1993,
1994,
1995,
2000, and
2011, 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 Ford Mustang Performance Engines
Competition Cams – ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST (Part No.17043-16)
from
$249.99
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:
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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.
Competition Cams – Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Roller Cam (Part No.35-600-8)
from
$549.99
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.
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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 – Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.35-600-4)
from
$350.99
HYDRAULIC – Thumpr Retro-Fit: High performance street, stock converter ok, best with 2000+converter and gears. Choppy/thumping idle.
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Product Features:
- HYDRAULIC – Thumpr Retro-Fit: High performance street, stock converter ok, best with 2000+converter and gears. Choppy/thumping idle.
- 279/297 Advertised Duration, 227/241 Duration @ .050″, .490″/.475″ Lift, 107 Lobe Separation
- Valve spring upgrade required
Competition Cams – Big Mutha’ Thumpr 242/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.32-602-5)
from
$395.99
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.
Edelbrock – Pushrod Set for Small Block Ford 289-302 (Part No.9632)
from
$221.99
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- Case-Hardened Tubing
- Surface Hardening
- Welded Ends
- 0.3125 in. Diameter
- Use with or without Hardened Steel Guideplates
Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7811)
from
$79.99Product 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
- For Engine w/ 2-piece Fuel Pump Eccentric or EFI
Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7808)
from
$85.99Product 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
Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7821)
from
$86.99Product 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
B & M – CONVERTER AOD HP (Part No.40437)
from
$366.99
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 – Holeshot 2400 (Part No.40412)
from
$849.99
Holeshot 2400 for Ford 1966-1991 C6 with 332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 427, 428, 429 cid with 1.848 in. crank pilot (3) Application: Ford 1966 to 1991 C6 with 332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 427, 428, 429 cid with 1.848 crank pilot (3) Furnace brazed impeller New pre
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.50441)
from
$529.99
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:
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Product Features:
- New Precision Pump Drive Tube
- Pressure Tested
- Fully Balanced
- Needle Thrust Bearing
- New Thrust Washer
B & M – Torque Converter, Holeshot 2400 (Part No.40422)
from
$637.99
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:
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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
Edelbrock – Cylinder Head Gasket Set for Ford (Part No.7341)
from
$130.99
Edelbrock part No. 7341 head gasket is intended for Ford 302 E-Boss and 351w E-Boss (Clevor) conversions using Edelbrock No. 61699 heads. This gasket comes as a set and has a 4.100″ bore size, .041″ compressed thickness and 9.2 cc volume.
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FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1018)
from
$53.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions.
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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 Printo seal 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
FEL-PRO Performance – Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts (Part No.1013)
from
$59.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions
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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
Edelbrock – Engine Gasket Set (Head / Intake / Exhaust / Valve Cover) for Ford (Part No.7377)
from
$211.99
The Edelbrock #7377 head gaskets provide the best sealing solution and are matched to Edelbrock cylinder heads for optimal performance. Edelbrock relies on industry leading head gasket manufactures to ensure our head gasket sets will provide the best fit
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Head: 4.100″ Bore/0.047″ Thick/10.20cc Vol.
- Intake: 1.52″x2.16″ Port/.060″ Thick
- Exhaust: 1.98″x1.56″ Port
- 3/16″ Valve Cover
- Multi Piece Configuration
FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1020)
from
$39.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions.
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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 – Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit (Part No.7847)
from
$45.49
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:
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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
Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)
from
$32.49
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 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
Popular 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Engines Categories
Most Popular Performance Engine Timing Sets and Component for 1981 Ford Mustangs
Enhance your 1981 Ford Mustang with this popular Performance Engine Timing Sets and Component we have in stock, for $123.99.
Competition Cams – MAGTIMING SET SBF (Part No.2120)
from
$123.99
MAGTIMING SET SBF
Best-Selling 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Engine Rocker Arm
Upgrade your Mustang with our best-selling Performance Engine Rocker Arm.
Competition Cams – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.1270-8)
from
$116.99
ENGINE ROCKER ARM
Top-Quality Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets for 1981 Ford Mustangs
Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gasket for Ford Mustangs and enjoy top-notch performance from $82.99.
FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1035)
from
$82.99
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.
Our Top Pick for a 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Engine Coolant Thermostat
Invest in a
durable Performance Engine Coolant Thermostat for your 1981 Ford, knowing you’re getting trusted brands and expert craftsmanship.
Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)
from
$32.49
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 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
Our Performance Engine Harmonic Balancers for 1981 Ford Mustangs
Make a smart move for your 1981 Ford Mustang with our Performance Engine Harmonic Balancer for $45.49.
Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit (Part No.7847)
from
$45.49
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:
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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
FAQs for 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Engines
What are the best-selling Performance Engines for 1981 Ford Mustangs?
Out of 11 Performance Engines that fit 1981 Ford Mustangs, the following parts are the top sellers:
- High Performance Thermostat (22903641) – $32.49
- Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit (6120474) – $45.49
- Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (20680209) – $82.99
What’s the price range for 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Engines?
The prices of Performance Engines for the 1981 Ford Mustang range from $22.99 up to $615.99 for the most premium parts.
What is the average price of a Performance Engine for a 1981 Ford Mustang?
The average price for Performance Engines for the 1981 Ford Mustang is $315.56. 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 Ford Mustang model years?
What are the cheapest Performance Engines for my 1981 Ford Mustang?
The cheapest 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Engines we carry are:
- Hi-Tech 8.300" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod (50289722) – $22.99
- High Performance Thermostat (22903641) – $32.49
- Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit (6120474) – $45.49
- Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (20680209) – $82.99
- ENGINE ROCKER ARM (50272623) – $116.99
Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Engines for any other 1981 Ford models?
Yes. We stock Performance Engines for 28 other popular 1981 Ford models. Some of the most popular are 1981 E-250 Econoline Performance Engines, 1981 E-350 Econoline Performance Engines, 1981 E-150 Econoline Performance Engines, 1981 Thunderbird Performance Engines, and 1981 Bronco Performance Engines.
What types of Performance Engines do you sell for my 1981 Ford Mustang?
As of 3/1/26, these are some of the most in-demand types of Performance Engines for a 1981 Ford Mustang:
Can I get help with 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Engine orders?
Contact our customer support team by chat or phone, through the help desk page, where you can find instant answers about Ford Performance Engines and more.
What is your return policy for Ford Mustang Performance Engines?
Advance Auto Parts keeps returns simple. For new Ford Mustang Performance Engines and accessories, your online orders can be returned, in their original condition, within 45 days. For requirements, see the returns page.