1981 Jeep Cherokee Performance Engines
Keep Your 1981 Jeep Cherokee 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 Jeep Cherokee looking sharp and performing at its best. At Advance Auto Parts we carry a wide selection of dependable options, including , , and . 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.
Top-Rated Performance Engines from Trusted Brands
Looking for a reliable Performance Engine? We’ve got you covered with options from brands you know and trust like Competition Cams. For example, Competition Cams Performance Engines start at just $33.99 with an average 4.1 star rating. With over 2 reviews and a solid 5 star average, you can shop with confidence knowing other Jeep Cherokee owners approve.
Competitive Prices and Extensive Inventory
The average price for a 1981 Jeep Cherokee Performance Engine at Advance Auto Parts is around $254.05, with a range that starts at $7.99 and goes up to $858.99. With 26 options in stock from 3 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like High Performance Thermostat, Performer EGR AMC Intake Manifold, and Xtreme 4X4 218/226 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC/Jeep 199-258/4.0L 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 Oil Filters. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re here to help you keep your 1981 Jeep Cherokee in peak condition, inside and out.
Essential 1981 Jeep Cherokee Performance Engines
Edelbrock – Performer Top Small-Block Chevy 4V Intake Manifold (Part No.3789)
from
$216.99
Product Features:
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- Matching Top For Edelbrock Base Intake PN[3785]
- Designed for Standard Flange 4-barrel Carburetor
- Contains Necessary Linkage And Bracketry
- Match With Edelbrock Valve Covers Pn[4488]
Edelbrock – Performer EGR AMC Intake Manifold (Part No.3731)
from
$509.99Product Features:
- For Idle to 5500 RPM Street-Driven Performance
- Dual-Plane Low-Rise Intake w/180 deg. Firing Order
- Patented Runner Design Ensures Broad Torque Curve
- Excellent Throttle Response and Mid-Range Power
- 50-State Street Legal if Correct Carburetor Used
Competition Cams – VALVE SEALS, TEFLON 3/8" 1 ST (Part No.505-16)
from
$33.99
COMP Cams offers a complete line of valve stem seals, from the umbrella seals to the positive-stop Teflon seal. These seals are a must to keep unwanted oil from entering the combustion chamber through the clearance in the valve guides. The umbrella seal is normally used when a larger-than-stock diameter spring is used, in the case of a double spring, the positive-stop Teflon seal is used. The umbrella seals require no machining, but with the Teflon seal it is necessary to disassemble the heads and machine the top of the guide with a special .530 diameter cutter. Whenever you are planning an engine overhaul or a cam change, don’t forget the valve seals.
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Work with .530″ guides and 3/8″ valve stem diameter
- Valve stem oil seals keep unwanted oil from entering the combustion chamber
- Several different types of valve seals are offered
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
Edelbrock – Sure Seat Valve Springs for Chrysler 383-400-413-440 V8 1969-79 (Part No.5792)
from
$149.99
Product Features:
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- Non-Rotator Type
- 1.550 in. Outer Diameter
- .190 Wire Size
- Single Coil Spring Type
- Set of 16
Edelbrock – Water Pump AMC Long Style 1973-Later (Part No.8832)
from
$365.99
Edelbrock #8832 Water Pump AMC long style 1973-later 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 cooling” Water Pumps
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Standard Impeller Rotation
- 0.625 in. Pilot Shaft
- 0.750 in. Ball/Ball Bearing
- 4.1875 in. Block To Hub Height
- Satin Finish
Popular 1981 Jeep Cherokee Performance Engines Categories
Most Popular Performance Engine Water Pump for 1981 Jeep Cherokees
Enhance your 1981 Jeep Cherokee with this popular Performance Engine Water Pump we have in stock, for $365.99.
Edelbrock – Water Pump AMC Long Style 1973-Later (Part No.8832)
from
$365.99
Edelbrock #8832 Water Pump AMC long style 1973-later 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 cooling” Water Pumps
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Standard Impeller Rotation
- 0.625 in. Pilot Shaft
- 0.750 in. Ball/Ball Bearing
- 4.1875 in. Block To Hub Height
- Satin Finish
Best-Selling 1981 Jeep Cherokee Performance Intake Manifolds
Upgrade your Cherokee with one of our 2 best-selling Performance Intake Manifolds.
Edelbrock – Performer EGR AMC Intake Manifold (Part No.3731)
from
$509.99Product Features:
- For Idle to 5500 RPM Street-Driven Performance
- Dual-Plane Low-Rise Intake w/180 deg. Firing Order
- Patented Runner Design Ensures Broad Torque Curve
- Excellent Throttle Response and Mid-Range Power
- 50-State Street Legal if Correct Carburetor Used
Edelbrock – RPM Air-Gap AMC 304/360/401 Intake Manifold (Part No.7531)
from
$530.99
Edelbrock part #7531 RPM Air-Gap AMC intake manifold is designed for 1970-91 304-401 c.i.d. V8 applications. The RPM Air-Gap intake manifold incorporate the same race-winning technology as our Victor Series competition intakes. The air-gap design features
Product Features:
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Product Features:
- Based on Performer RPM-Series with Unique Air Gap
- Air Gap Cooler and Denser Mixture for More Power
- Designed for 1500 to 6500 RPM Street-Driven Power
- Dual-Plane High-Rise Intake w/180 deg Firing Order
- Produces Incredible Top-End Horsepower
- Retains Good Throttle Response and Acceleration
- Includes Std Oil Fill ; PCV ; A/C Accy Bosses
- Not for Exhaust-Heat Chokes – No Exhaust Crossover
Top-Quality Performance Engine Valve Stem Seal Sets for 1981 Jeep Cherokees
Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Engine Valve Stem Seal Set for Jeep Cherokees and enjoy top-notch performance from $33.99.
Competition Cams – VALVE SEALS, TEFLON 3/8" 1 ST (Part No.505-16)
from
$33.99
COMP Cams offers a complete line of valve stem seals, from the umbrella seals to the positive-stop Teflon seal. These seals are a must to keep unwanted oil from entering the combustion chamber through the clearance in the valve guides. The umbrella seal is normally used when a larger-than-stock diameter spring is used, in the case of a double spring, the positive-stop Teflon seal is used. The umbrella seals require no machining, but with the Teflon seal it is necessary to disassemble the heads and machine the top of the guide with a special .530 diameter cutter. Whenever you are planning an engine overhaul or a cam change, don’t forget the valve seals.
Product Features:
See More
Product Features:
- Work with .530″ guides and 3/8″ valve stem diameter
- Valve stem oil seals keep unwanted oil from entering the combustion chamber
- Several different types of valve seals are offered
Our Top Pick for a 1981 Jeep Cherokee Performance Engine Coolant Thermostat
Invest in a
durable Performance Engine Coolant Thermostat for your 1981 Jeep, 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:
See More
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 Rocker Arms for 1981 Jeep Cherokees
Make a smart move for your 1981 Jeep Cherokee with our Performance Engine Rocker Arm for $31.99.
Competition Cams – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.1442-1)
from
$31.99
ENGINE ROCKER ARM
Top-Rated Performance Engine Brands For Your 1981 Jeep Cherokee
When it comes to finding the perfect Performance Engine for your 1981 Jeep Cherokee, Advance Auto Parts has you covered with a wide selection of high-quality OEM and aftermarket options from 3 trusted brands. We carry the most popular Performance Engine brands including Competition Cams, and more, all known for their exceptional customer ratings (average brand rating of 4.1 stars) and competitive prices, as low as $33.99. Purchasing a Performance Engine from us here at Advance Auto Parts is a smart move for both you and your 1981 Jeep Cherokee, providing peace of mind with parts that meet or exceed OEM standards.
Popular Competition Cams 1981 Jeep Cherokee Performance Engines
If you’re looking for a top-quality Performance Engine for your 1981 Jeep Cherokee, Advance Auto Parts has exactly what you need with our selection of Competition Cams Performance Engines. We have 1 Competition Cams Performance Engines in stock for this fitment, all known for their durability and precision fit. With prices starting at just $33.99, you’ll find the perfect Performance Engine for your needs and budget. Competition Cams Performance Engines for the 1981 Jeep Cherokee come highly rated, with over 1 customer reviews and an impressive average rating of 4.1 stars. Choosing a Competition Cams Performance Engine from Advance Auto Parts is a smart move to ensure quality and value for your vehicle.
FAQs for 1981 Jeep Cherokee Performance Engines
What are the best-selling Performance Engines for 1981 Jeep Cherokees?
Out of 26 Performance Engines that fit 1981 Jeep Cherokees, the following parts are the top sellers:
- High Performance Thermostat (22903641) – $32.49
- Performer EGR AMC Intake Manifold (17140059) – $509.99
- Xtreme 4X4 218/226 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC/Jeep 199-258/4.0L (50289076) – $426.99
What’s the price range for 1981 Jeep Cherokee Performance Engines?
The prices of Performance Engines for the 1981 Jeep Cherokee range from $7.99 up to $858.99 for the most premium parts.
What is the average price of a Performance Engine for a 1981 Jeep Cherokee?
The average price for Performance Engines for the 1981 Jeep Cherokee is $254.05. 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 Jeep Cherokee model years?
What are the cheapest Performance Engines for my 1981 Jeep Cherokee?
The cheapest 1981 Jeep Cherokee Performance Engines we carry are:
- High Energy 7.794" Long, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod (50289688) – $7.99
- Hardened Lash Cap with 3/8" Valve Stem, .190" Head Height (50289460) – $8.99
- Engine Valve Spring (50286866) – $12.99
- Hi-Tech 7.950" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod (50289739) – $16.99
- Performance Series EDM Solid Lifter for AMC, Chrysler 273-360, 383-440/426 HEMI (50288652) – $19.99
Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Engines for any other 1981 Jeep models?
Yes. We stock Performance Engines for 5 other popular 1981 Jeep models. Some of the most popular are 1981 Wagoneer Performance Engines, 1981 J20 Performance Engines, 1981 CJ7 Performance Engines, and 1981 DJ5 Performance Engines.
What are the top-rated Performance Engines that fit the 1981 Jeep Cherokee?
The one 1981 Jeep Cherokee Performance Engine we have in stock is the High Energy 7.794" Long, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod. It costs $7.99.
What types of Performance Engines do you sell for my 1981 Jeep Cherokee?
As of 3/1/26, these are some of the most in-demand types of Performance Engines for a 1981 Jeep Cherokee:
Can I get help with 1981 Jeep Cherokee Performance Engine orders?
Contact our customer support team by chat or phone, through the help desk page, where you can find instant answers about Jeep Performance Engines and more.
What is your return policy for Jeep Cherokee Performance Engines?
Advance Auto Parts keeps returns simple. For new Jeep Cherokee Performance Engines and accessories, your online orders can be returned, in their original condition, within 45 days. For requirements, see the returns page.