1981 Ford Thunderbird Ignition Kits

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Keep Your 1981 Ford Thunderbird in Top Shape with a Quality Ignition Kit

When it comes to maintaining or upgrading your 1981 Ford Thunderbird, choosing high-quality parts is crucial for ensuring your vehicle stays in top shape, whether you’re tackling a repair or enhancing performance. At Advance Auto Parts, we know how important it is to find the right Ignition Kit for your Thunderbird. We currently carry a top Ignition Kit in stock that is built to last. Whether you’re replacing a damaged Ignition Kit or looking to upgrade, our selection for the 1981 Ford Thunderbird ensures you’ll find exactly what you need to keep your vehicle looking and performing its best.

Explore Related Parts

And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out related part categories like Ignition Coils and Boots and Spark Plugs to complete your upgrade or repair project. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re proud to offer the parts and expertise to keep your 1981 Ford Thunderbird running smoothly and looking great.

Essential 1981 Ford Thunderbird Ignition Kits

Carquest Premium – Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1703 (Part No.CBA1703)

Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1703

from

$389.99
The Ignition Conversion Kit allows point type ignition systems to be converted to an electronic ignition type system. These universal kits are designed to fit directly into the current distributor with little modification required.
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PerTronix – PerTronix 91281DV Ignitor II Adaptive Dwell Control Ford 8 cyl Dual Point with Vacuum Advance (Part No.91281DV)

PerTronix 91281DV Ignitor II Adaptive Dwell Control Ford 8 cyl Dual Point with Vacuum Advance

from

$198.99
The Ignitor II provides increased starting voltage with adaptive dwell control. Ignitor Module Kits are extremely easy to install and fit into your original distributor to maintain your stock look. No additional ignition box is required keeping a clean look under the hood. Ignitors are available for most distributors that came with mechanical breaker points and will cover AUTOMOTIVE, MARINE, INDUSTRIAL and AGRICULTURE applications.
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PerTronix – PerTronix 1281DV Ignitor Ford 8 cyl Dual Point with Vacuum Advance (Part No.1281DV)

PerTronix 1281DV Ignitor Ford 8 cyl Dual Point with Vacuum Advance

from

$139.99
The original Ignitor module is ideal for restorations. Ignitor Module Kits are extremely easy to install and fit into your original distributor to maintain your stock look. No additional ignition box is required keeping a clean look under the hood. Ignitors are available for most distributors that came with mechanical breaker points and will cover AUTOMOTIVE, MARINE, INDUSTRIAL and AGRICULTURE applications.
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Carquest Premium – Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1801 (Part No.CBA1801)

Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1801

from

$432.99
The Ignition Conversion Kit allows point type ignition systems to be converted to an electronic ignition type system. These universal kits are designed to fit directly into the current distributor with little modification required.
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PerTronix – PerTronix Ignitor for Ford 8 Cylinder Engines – Increased Power & Fuel Economy, 1281 (Part No.1281)

PerTronix Ignitor for Ford 8 Cylinder Engines - Increased Power & Fuel Economy, 1281

from

$129.99
For over thirty years, the Ignitor has proven itself in applications ranging from race cars to tractors. The Ignitor replaces breaker points and troublesome factory electronic ignitions with a dependable, self contained and maintenance free electronic ignition.
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Carquest Premium – Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1062 (Part No.CBA1062)

Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1062

from

$204.99
The Ignition Conversion Kit allows point type ignition systems to be converted to an electronic ignition type system. These universal kits are designed to fit directly into the current distributor with little modification required.
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PerTronix – PerTronix 1282N6 Ignitor Ford 1954-56 8 cyl 6 Volt Negative Ground (Part No.1282N6)

PerTronix 1282N6 Ignitor Ford 1954-56 8 cyl 6 Volt Negative Ground

from

$173.99
The original Ignitor module is ideal for restorations. Ignitor Module Kits are extremely easy to install and fit into your original distributor to maintain your stock look. No additional ignition box is required keeping a clean look under the hood. Ignitors are available for most distributors that came with mechanical breaker points and will cover AUTOMOTIVE, MARINE, INDUSTRIAL and AGRICULTURE applications.
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Carquest Premium – Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1707 (Part No.CBA1707)

Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1707

from

$432.99
The Ignition Conversion Kit allows point type ignition systems to be converted to an electronic ignition type system. These universal kits are designed to fit directly into the current distributor with little modification required.
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MSD Ignition – MSD Ignition Dis Kit, Small Block Ford 351W, Black, 601533 (Part No.601533)

MSD Ignition Dis Kit, Small Block Ford 351W, Black, 601533

from

$2150.00
The MSD Direct Ignition System (DIS) controller greatly simplifies the conversion of conventional distributor-type engines to a Coil-Per-Plug configuration. Benefits include the elimination of distributor cap and rotor wear, reduced spark energy losses caused by long spark plug wires, and the ability to optimize your ignition tuning parameters. The integral 2.5 Bar MAP Sensor, and optional temperature sensor input, mean you get the most power and reliability out of your Naturally Aspirated or Forced Induction engine combination. Nitrous-fed engines benefit from the included Step Retard feature. Drag racers will appreciate the 2-Step Rev Limiter and Launch Retard features. Real-time DIS configuration and tune-up changes are a snap with easy-to-use MSDView software.
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MSD Ignition – MSD Ignition Dis Kit, Small Block Ford 289-302, Black, 601523 (Part No.601523)

MSD Ignition Dis Kit, Small Block Ford 289-302, Black, 601523

from

$2100.00
Thanks to the real-time monitor feature of MSDView, and 8 MB of internal data storage in the DIS controller, data monitoring and logging have never been easier. The clearly labeled wiring harness, along with a full line of supporting components and accessories, take the difficulty and guesswork out of converting traditional distributor-type engines to a modern and efficient Coil-Per-Plug ignition system.
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PerTronix – PerTronix 1282 Ignitor Ford 1954-56 8 cyl (Part No.1282)

PerTronix 1282 Ignitor Ford 1954-56 8 cyl

from

$156.99
The original Ignitor module is ideal for restorations. Ignitor Module Kits are extremely easy to install and fit into your original distributor to maintain your stock look. No additional ignition box is required keeping a clean look under the hood. Ignitors are available for most distributors that came with mechanical breaker points and will cover AUTOMOTIVE, MARINE, INDUSTRIAL and AGRICULTURE applications.
See More

Carquest Premium – Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1795 (Part No.CBA1795)

Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1795

from

$388.99
The Ignition Conversion Kit allows point type ignition systems to be converted to an electronic ignition type system. These universal kits are designed to fit directly into the current distributor with little modification required.
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Carquest Premium – Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1704 (Part No.CBA1704)

Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1704

from

$369.99
The Ignition Conversion Kit allows point type ignition systems to be converted to an electronic ignition type system. These universal kits are designed to fit directly into the current distributor with little modification required.
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Mallory – Mallory Kit: Unil Conv: Delco: V8, 501 (Part No.501)

Mallory Kit: Unil Conv: Delco: V8, 501

from

$158.99
Domestic V8 with factory OEM distributors 50 STATES LEGAL OE D70-6 and D70-9
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PerTronix – PerTronix 91282 Ignitor II Adaptive Dwell Control Ford 8 cyl (Part No.91282)

PerTronix 91282 Ignitor II Adaptive Dwell Control Ford 8 cyl

from

$219.99
The Ignitor II provides increased starting voltage with adaptive dwell control. Ignitor Module Kits are extremely easy to install and fit into your original distributor to maintain your stock look. No additional ignition box is required keeping a clean look under the hood. Ignitors are available for most distributors that came with mechanical breaker points and will cover AUTOMOTIVE, MARINE, INDUSTRIAL and AGRICULTURE applications.
See More

Carquest Premium – Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1802 (Part No.CBA1802)

Carquest Ignition Conversion Kit, CBA1802

from

$432.99
The Ignition Conversion Kit allows point type ignition systems to be converted to an electronic ignition type system. These universal kits are designed to fit directly into the current distributor with little modification required.
See More

Most Popular Ignition Conversion Kit for 1981 Ford Thunderbirds

Enhance your 1981 Ford Thunderbird with this popular Ignition Conversion Kit we have in stock, for $2,100.00.

MSD Ignition – MSD Ignition Dis Kit, Small Block Ford 289-302, Black, 601523 (Part No.601523)

MSD Ignition Dis Kit, Small Block Ford 289-302, Black, 601523

from

$2100.00
Thanks to the real-time monitor feature of MSDView, and 8 MB of internal data storage in the DIS controller, data monitoring and logging have never been easier. The clearly labeled wiring harness, along with a full line of supporting components and accessories, take the difficulty and guesswork out of converting traditional distributor-type engines to a modern and efficient Coil-Per-Plug ignition system.
See More

FAQs for 1981 Ford Thunderbird Ignition Kits

What’s the price range for 1981 Ford Thunderbird Ignition Kits?

We currently have just one Ignition Kits for the 1981 Ford Thunderbird in stock: MSD Ignition Dis Kit, Small Block Ford 289-302, Black, 601523 and it costs $2,100.00.

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Ignition Kits for other Ford Thunderbird model years?

Yes, we carry Ignition Kits for 35 model years of Ford Thunderbirds between 1955 and 1993. The following model years are the most popular for Ignition Kit purchases: 1983, 1982, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, and 1974.

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Ignition Kits for any other 1981 Ford models?

Yes. We stock Ignition Kits for 12 other popular 1981 Ford models. Some of the most popular are 1981 Mustang Ignition Kits, 1981 E-250 Econoline Ignition Kits, 1981 E-350 Econoline Ignition Kits, 1981 E-150 Econoline Ignition Kits, and 1981 Bronco Ignition Kits.

What types of Ignition Kits do you sell for my 1981 Ford Thunderbird?

We currently have just 1 Ignition Kit in stock for a 1981 Ford Thunderbird, and as of 8/2/26, it is an Ignition Conversion Kit.

Can I get help with 1981 Ford Thunderbird Ignition Kit orders?

Contact our customer support team by chat or phone, through the help desk page, where you can find instant answers about Ford Ignition Kits and more.

What is your return policy for Ford Thunderbird Ignition Kits?

Advance Auto Parts keeps returns simple. For new Ford Thunderbird Ignition Kits and accessories, your online orders can be returned, in their original condition, within 45 days. For requirements, see the returns page.