1981 Ford Thunderbird Performance Transmissions
Keep Your 1981 Ford Thunderbird in Top Shape with Quality Performance Transmissions
Whether you’re repairing or upgrading your Performance Transmission, using high-quality parts is key to keeping your 1981 Ford Thunderbird looking sharp and performing at its best. At Advance Auto Parts we carry a wide selection of dependable options, including Performance Transmission Shift Kits and Performance Engine and Transmission Mounts. 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 Thunderbird Performance Transmission at Advance Auto Parts is around $117.70, with a range that starts at $54.99 and goes up to $208.99. With 3 options in stock from 2 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like Transmission Mount and Transpak start at just $54.99 and offer a great balance of form and function.
Explore Related Parts
While you’re upgrading or replacing your Performance Transmission, don’t forget to check out other key components like Performance Distributors and Performance Fuel Systems. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re here to help you keep your 1981 Ford Thunderbird in peak condition, inside and out.
Find Your Specific 1981 Ford Thunderbird Performance Transmissions
Looking for the perfect Performance Transmission for your 1981 Ford Thunderbird? You’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find links to various types of Performance Transmissions that fit your vehicle. At Advance Auto Parts, we offer only the highest quality OEM and aftermarket Performance Transmissions, ensuring durability and a precise fit for your Ford Thunderbird. Whether you’re driving a 1981 model or another popular model year like
1986,
1987,
1988,
1989,
1990,
1991,
1992,
1996, and
1997, we’ve got you covered. Purchasing Performance Transmissions 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 Transmissions that fit your vehicle.
Essential 1981 Ford Thunderbird Performance Transmissions
B & M – Transpak (Part No.50229)
from
$149.99
Transpak – 1970 to 1982 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury C4 Recalibrate your automatic transmission for optimum performance Select the mode that best suits your application Improves transmission life Transmission removal not required APPLICATION: 1970 to 1982 Ford,
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Recalibrate Auto. Transmission
- Optimum Performance
- Select Your App. Mode
- Improves Transmission Life
- Trans. Removal Not Required
B & M – Shift Improver Kit, 67-91 C6 Transmission (Part No.40262)
from
$77.99
The B&M Shift Improver kit, is the easiest way to get the performance you want out of your transmission. A few simple modifications and your transmission will shift fast, firm and live longer.
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Provides Crisp Shifts
- On Any Stock Automatic Transmission
- Eliminates Soft/Sluggish Shift
- Eliminates Shift Overlap
- Eliminate Clutch and Band Wear
- Improves Transmission Life
- Transmission Removal Not Required
B & M – Transmission Shift Kit (Part No.40227)
from
$208.99
Transpak – Ford, Lincoln, Mercury – 1980 to 1992 AOD (excludes 1992 and later with electronic shift). Recalibrate your automatic transmission for optimum performance. Select the mode that best suits your application. Improves transmission life. Transmission removal not required. The next step up from the Shift Improver Kit is the Transpak. It has all the features in the Shift Improver Kit plus it provides additional driver manual control (GM TH-400, 350, Ford C-6 and Chrysler Torqueflite only). Most stock automatic transmissions won’t downshift into low gear above 15 mph, and automatically upshift at a predetermined speed no matter what gear you’re in. With the Transpak, you can downshift at any speed, and you can hold the transmission in first gear to any speed that you want! This is an asset when you’ve got a modified engine, and you want additional RPMs, or you’re towing a trailer or driving heavy loads downhill. Stage 1 Heavy Duty – For street rods, normal passenger vehicles or other heavy duty use. Firmer shift feel but not harsh. Improves transmission performance and life dramatically without loss of comfort. Normal automatic operation when in Drive. Stage 2 Hi-Performance Street – For full performance street use. Essentially the same as Heavy Duty mode except shift is much quicker. Retain full automatic features and standard shift points with selector in Drive.
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Recalibrate Auto. Transmission
- Optimum Performance
- Select Your App. Mode
- Improves Transmission Life
- Trans. Removal Not Required
- Downshift At Any Speed
- Great For Trailer Towing
- For Heavy Loads Driving Downhill
B & M – Shift Improver Kit (Part No.40266)
from
$199.99
Shift Improver Kit – 1996 to 1999 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury 4R70W Application: 1996 to 1999 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury 4R70W Recalibrate your automatic transmission for optimum performance and extended life! Select the mode that best suits your application Provides crisp shifts on any stock automatic transmission Eliminates shift overlap and excess wear on clutches and bands due to slippage Application: 1996 to 1999 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury 4R70W The B&M Shift Improver Kit the easiest way to get the stout performance you’ve always wanted out of your automatic transmission – and you get two modes of performance to select from: Heavy Duty, or Street/Strip. It’s our least expensive and simplest to install kit. All you need are some hand tools! In the space of an afternoon, you can turn your transmission into a B&M-tuned unit! Ask the thousands of satisfied customers that have installed one in their transmissions! STAGE 1. HEAVY DUTY Firm positive shifts without loss of driver comfort for improved performance in all street vehicles. Recommended for regular passenger vehicles. STAGE 2. STREET/STRIP Provides positive shifts for high performance street use or for competitive events. This level is for the enthusiast who wants the hardest, quickest possible shift.
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Provides Crisp Shifts
- On Any Stock Automatic Transmission
- Eliminates Soft/Sluggish Shift
- Eliminates Shift Overlap
- Eliminate Clutch and Band Wear
- Improves Transmission Life
- Transmission Removal Not Required
Energy Suspension – Transmission Mount (Part No.4.1104G)
from
$54.99
A true performance application component for cars, trucks, hot rods, racing/competition, yet popularly used for street vehicles when more horsepower is added. Soft running enough to absorb vibrations for street use yet rugged for racing use. Helps control torque on high performance vehicles. Maintains proper drive shaft angle to help prevent early wear and unexpected power train damage. Replaces the original, short lived and typically too-soft rubber mounts and outdates those hard-running metal transmission mounts. Resistant to under vehicle fluid oils, coolants and road contaminants. Made of Energy’s Hyper-Flex performance polyurethane and heavy duty hardware – for added durability.
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Unique Safety Interlock Design
- Impervious to Vehicle Oils and Chemicals
- Strong Enough Too Handle High Performance
Popular 1981 Ford Thunderbird Performance Transmissions Categories
Most Popular Performance Transmission Shift Kits for 1981 Ford Thunderbirds
Enhance your 1981 Ford Thunderbird with one of the 2 Performance Transmission Shift Kits we have in stock, starting at just $149.99.
B & M – Transmission Shift Kit (Part No.40227)
from
$208.99
Transpak – Ford, Lincoln, Mercury – 1980 to 1992 AOD (excludes 1992 and later with electronic shift). Recalibrate your automatic transmission for optimum performance. Select the mode that best suits your application. Improves transmission life. Transmission removal not required. The next step up from the Shift Improver Kit is the Transpak. It has all the features in the Shift Improver Kit plus it provides additional driver manual control (GM TH-400, 350, Ford C-6 and Chrysler Torqueflite only). Most stock automatic transmissions won’t downshift into low gear above 15 mph, and automatically upshift at a predetermined speed no matter what gear you’re in. With the Transpak, you can downshift at any speed, and you can hold the transmission in first gear to any speed that you want! This is an asset when you’ve got a modified engine, and you want additional RPMs, or you’re towing a trailer or driving heavy loads downhill. Stage 1 Heavy Duty – For street rods, normal passenger vehicles or other heavy duty use. Firmer shift feel but not harsh. Improves transmission performance and life dramatically without loss of comfort. Normal automatic operation when in Drive. Stage 2 Hi-Performance Street – For full performance street use. Essentially the same as Heavy Duty mode except shift is much quicker. Retain full automatic features and standard shift points with selector in Drive.
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Recalibrate Auto. Transmission
- Optimum Performance
- Select Your App. Mode
- Improves Transmission Life
- Trans. Removal Not Required
- Downshift At Any Speed
- Great For Trailer Towing
- For Heavy Loads Driving Downhill
B & M – Transpak (Part No.50229)
from
$149.99
Transpak – 1970 to 1982 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury C4 Recalibrate your automatic transmission for optimum performance Select the mode that best suits your application Improves transmission life Transmission removal not required APPLICATION: 1970 to 1982 Ford,
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Recalibrate Auto. Transmission
- Optimum Performance
- Select Your App. Mode
- Improves Transmission Life
- Trans. Removal Not Required
Best-Selling 1981 Ford Thunderbird Performance Engine and Transmission Mount
Upgrade your Thunderbird with our best-selling Performance Engine and Transmission Mount.
Energy Suspension – Transmission Mount (Part No.4.1104G)
from
$54.99
A true performance application component for cars, trucks, hot rods, racing/competition, yet popularly used for street vehicles when more horsepower is added. Soft running enough to absorb vibrations for street use yet rugged for racing use. Helps control torque on high performance vehicles. Maintains proper drive shaft angle to help prevent early wear and unexpected power train damage. Replaces the original, short lived and typically too-soft rubber mounts and outdates those hard-running metal transmission mounts. Resistant to under vehicle fluid oils, coolants and road contaminants. Made of Energy’s Hyper-Flex performance polyurethane and heavy duty hardware – for added durability.
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Unique Safety Interlock Design
- Impervious to Vehicle Oils and Chemicals
- Strong Enough Too Handle High Performance
FAQs for 1981 Ford Thunderbird Performance Transmissions
What are the best-selling Performance Transmissions for 1981 Ford Thunderbirds?
Out of 3 Performance Transmissions that fit 1981 Ford Thunderbirds, the following parts are the top sellers:
- Transmission Mount (22908392) – $54.99
- Transpak (17130133) – $149.99
What’s the price range for 1981 Ford Thunderbird Performance Transmissions?
The prices of Performance Transmissions for the 1981 Ford Thunderbird range from $54.99 up to $208.99 for the most premium parts.
What is the average price of a Performance Transmission for a 1981 Ford Thunderbird?
The average price for Performance Transmissions for the 1981 Ford Thunderbird is $117.70. Keep in mind the variety of part types within our Performance Transmission 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 Transmissions for other Ford Thunderbird model years?
What are the cheapest Performance Transmissions for my 1981 Ford Thunderbird?
The cheapest 1981 Ford Thunderbird Performance Transmissions we carry are:
- Transmission Mount (22908392) – $54.99
- Transpak (17130133) – $149.99
- Transmission Shift Kit (17130021) – $208.99
Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Transmissions for any other 1981 Ford models?
Yes. We stock Performance Transmissions for 12 other popular 1981 Ford models. Some of the most popular are 1981 Mustang Performance Transmissions, 1981 E-250 Econoline Performance Transmissions, 1981 E-350 Econoline Performance Transmissions, 1981 E-150 Econoline Performance Transmissions, and 1981 Bronco Performance Transmissions.
What are the top-rated Performance Transmissions that fit the 1981 Ford Thunderbird?
The one 1981 Ford Thunderbird Performance Transmission we have in stock is the Transmission Mount. It costs $54.99.
What types of Performance Transmissions do you sell for my 1981 Ford Thunderbird?
As of 11/2/25, these are some of the most in-demand types of Performance Transmissions for a 1981 Ford Thunderbird:
Can I get help with 1981 Ford Thunderbird Performance Transmission orders?
Contact our customer support team by chat or phone, through the help desk page, where you can find instant answers about Ford Performance Transmissions and more.
What is your return policy for Ford Thunderbird Performance Transmissions?
Advance Auto Parts keeps returns simple. For new Ford Thunderbird Performance Transmissions and accessories, your online orders can be returned, in their original condition, within 45 days. For requirements, see the returns page.