1981 Mercury Zephyr Performance Engines

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Keep Your 1981 Mercury Zephyr 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 Mercury Zephyr looking sharp and performing at its best. At Advance Auto Parts we carry a wide selection of dependable options, including Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gaskets, Performance Engine Rocker Arms, and Performance Engine Harmonic Balancers. 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 Mercury Zephyr Performance Engine at Advance Auto Parts is around $292.29, with a range that starts at $20.99 and goes up to $665.99. With 18 options in stock from 5 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like High Performance Thermostat, Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set, and Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit 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 Mercury Zephyr in peak condition, inside and out.

Essential 1981 Mercury Zephyr Performance Engines

Competition Cams – High Energy 6.881" Long, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod – Set of 16 (Part No.7831-16)

High Energy 6.881" Long, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod - Set of 16

from

$66.99
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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Competition Cams – Big Mutha’ Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.31-603-5)

Big Mutha' Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$366.99
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:
  • 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.
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Competition Cams – High Energy/Marine 218/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.31-218-2)

High Energy/Marine 218/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$403.99
HYDRAULIC – High Energy: Good for daily driven performance vehicles. Mid-range power. Slightly lower gears. Mild rough idle. OR Marine: Single or dual engines. Best for inboard/outboard. Noticeable idle.

Product Features:
  • HYDRAULIC – High Energy: Good for daily driven performance vehicles. Mid-range power. Slightly lower gears. Mild rough idle. OR Marine: Single or dual engines. Best for inboard/outboard. Noticeable idle.
  • 268/268 Advertised Duration, 218/218 Duration @ .050″, .456″/.456″ Lift, 110 Lobe Separation
  • 289-302 Firing Order
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Competition Cams – High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.31-215-2)

High Energy 206/206 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$388.99
Ideal for use with mainly stock components like rocker arms, intake manifolds, cylinder heads, compression ratio, torque converters and rear gear ratios, the High Energy camshaft grind family is a great choice for street performance applications.

Product Features:
  • Good blend of efficiency and performance.
  • Perfect choice for performance street rebuilds.
  • Work well with mainly stock components such as rockers, manifolds, heads, compression, torque converters and gears.
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FEL-PRO Performance – Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts (Part No.1011-1)

Cylinder Head Gasket: Steel Core Composite, Without Head Bolts

from

$52.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions

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
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FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1035)

Performance Cylinder Head Gasket

from

$82.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions.

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.
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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

from

$29.99
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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Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)

High Performance Thermostat

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:
  • 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
See More

Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat – 160 Degree Brass & Copper (Part No.4363)

High Performance Thermostat - 160 Degree Brass & Copper

from

$29.99
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 160 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
See More

Competition Cams – High Energy Timing Set for ’60-’83 Ford 144-200 V6 (Part No.3223)

High Energy Timing Set for '60-'83 Ford 144-200 V6

from

$49.99
High Energy Timing Set for ’60-’83 Ford 144-200 V6

Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7820)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

from

$74.99


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
  • For Engine with One-Piece Fuel Pump Eccentric
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Competition Cams – Keyway Adjustable Billet Timing Set For ’65-’88 Ford 289-351W (Part No.7138)

Keyway Adjustable Billet Timing Set For '65-'88 Ford 289-351W

from

$629.99
Keyway Adjustable Billet Timing Set For ’65-’88 Ford 289-351W

Competition Cams – Magnum Double Row Timing Set for ’65-’88 Ford 255, 289, 302 and Boss 302 (Part No.2120)

Magnum Double Row Timing Set for '65-'88 Ford 255, 289, 302 and Boss 302

from

$123.99
Magnum Double Row Timing Set for ’65-’88 Ford 255, 289, 302 and Boss 302

Competition Cams – ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST (Part No.17043-16)

ROCKER ARMS, DIE CAST ALUM SMALL BLOCK FORD 1.6 1 ST

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:
  • 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.
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Competition Cams – Ultra Pro Magnum Xd Rockers With 1.7 Ratio For Ford 289, 302, 351W With 7/16" Stud (Part No.1834-16)

Ultra Pro Magnum Xd Rockers With 1.7 Ratio For Ford 289, 302, 351W With 7/16" Stud

from

$649.99
Machined from 8650 steel with a billet pushrod seat insert, these Ultra Pro Magnum XD rockers can handle up to 1,000 lbs. of spring pressure. These 1834 rockers feature a 1.7 ratio for use with 7/16″ stud Ford 289, 302 and 351 Windsor.

Product Features:
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Competition Cams – Magnum Roller Rocker Arms for Ford; 3/8" Stud, 1.6 Ratio (Part No.1431-16)

Magnum Roller Rocker Arms for Ford; 3/8" Stud, 1.6 Ratio

from

$350.99
These Magnum Roller Rocker Arms for Ford V8 289-351W (Rail Type) 1968-89 applications are the ultimate street rocker. With a 3/8″ stud diameter and 1.6 ratio, they are designed for serious performance enthusiasts. All Magnum Roller Rocker Arms are constructed from 8620 chromemoly steel, which is a superior material that will not flex and assures maximum lift. Their roller tip reduces friction, while stiff design and superior ratio accuracy yield more effective valve lift. With a 15 to 30 horsepower increase over other rocker arms, Magnum Roller Rockers are perfect for performance applications with less than 350 lbs. open spring pressure. Don’t accept inferior products or cheap knock-offs, look for the COMP Cams logo stamped into the underside of every Magnum Rocker.

Product Features:
  • Ultimate street rocker designed for serious performance enthusiasts
  • Constructed from 8620 chromemoly steel, a superior material that will not flex and assures maximum lift
  • Roller tip reduces friction while stiff design and superior ratio accuracy yields more effective valve lift
  • 15 to 30 horsepower increase over stock rocker arms
  • Use in any applications with less than 350 lbs. open spring pressure
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Competition Cams – Rocker Arms,FS/FW 1.6 7/16 Ultra Pro Mag (Part No.1632-16)

Rocker Arms,FS/FW 1.6 7/16 Ultra Pro Mag

from

$476.99
Rocker Arms,FS/FW 1.6 7/16 Ultra Pro Mag

B & M – Torque Converter, C4 26 Spline 10.5 BC (Part No.50416)

Torque Converter, C4 26 Spline 10.5 BC

from

$665.99
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:
  • Furnace Brazed Impeller
  • Steel Alloy Pump Drive Tube
  • Heavy Duty Needle Bearing
  • Between Stator and Turbine
  • Furnace Brazed Turbine
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B & M – Torque Converter, Tork Master 2400 (Part No.50441)

Torque Converter, Tork Master 2400

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:
  • New Precision Pump Drive Tube
  • Pressure Tested
  • Fully Balanced
  • Needle Thrust Bearing
  • New Thrust Washer
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Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit (Part No.7847)

Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit

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:
  • 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
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Most Popular Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gasket for 1981 Mercury Zephyrs

Enhance your 1981 Mercury Zephyr with this popular Performance Engine Cylinder Head Gasket we have in stock, for $82.99.

FEL-PRO Performance – Performance Cylinder Head Gasket (Part No.1035)

Performance Cylinder Head Gasket

from

$82.99
Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets deliver reliable sealing under grueling racing conditions.

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.
See More

Best-Selling 1981 Mercury Zephyr Performance Engine Rocker Arms

Upgrade your Zephyr with one of our 2 best-selling Performance Engine Rocker Arms.

Competition Cams – High Energy Rocker Set for Ford 2300cc 4 Cylinder (Part No.1270-8)

High Energy Rocker Set for Ford 2300cc 4 Cylinder

from

$116.99
Perfect for stock or High Energy camshaft equipped engines, our High Energy rockers eliminate slop and feature a long slot for higher lift cams. These 1270 rockers fit Ford 2300cc 4 cylinder overhead cam engines.

Product Features:
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Competition Cams – High Energy Rocker for Ford 2300cc 4 Cylinder (Part No.1270-1)

High Energy Rocker for Ford 2300cc 4 Cylinder

from

$20.99
Perfect for stock or High Energy camshaft equipped engines, our High Energy rockers eliminate slop and feature a long slot for higher lift cams. This 1270 rocker fits Ford 2300cc 4 cylinder overhead cam engines.

Product Features:
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Top-Quality Performance Engine Harmonic Balancers for 1981 Mercury Zephyrs

Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Engine Harmonic Balancer for Mercury Zephyrs and enjoy top-notch performance from $45.49.

Mr. Gasket – Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit (Part No.7847)

Ultra Seal: Harmonic Balancer Bolt/Washer Kit

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:
  • 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
See More

Top Picks for 1981 Mercury Zephyr Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats

Invest in one of our 3 durable Performance Engine Coolant Thermostats for your 1981 Mercury, knowing you’re getting trusted brands and expert craftsmanship.

Mr. Gasket – High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow (Part No.4364)

High Performance 180 Degree Thermostat for Increased Flow

from

$29.99
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
See More

Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat – 160 Degree Brass & Copper (Part No.4363)

High Performance Thermostat - 160 Degree Brass & Copper

from

$29.99
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 160 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
See More

Mr. Gasket – High Performance Thermostat (Part No.4365)

High Performance Thermostat

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:
  • 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
See More

Performance Engine Timing Sets and Components for 1981 Mercury Zephyrs

Make a smart move for your 1981 Mercury Zephyr with products all priced from $49.99 to $123.99.

Edelbrock – Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set (Part No.7820)

Performer-Link Adjustable True-Roller Timing Chain Set

from

$74.99


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
  • For Engine with One-Piece Fuel Pump Eccentric
See More

Competition Cams – Magnum Double Row Timing Set for ’65-’88 Ford 255, 289, 302 and Boss 302 (Part No.2120)

Magnum Double Row Timing Set for '65-'88 Ford 255, 289, 302 and Boss 302

from

$123.99
Magnum Double Row Timing Set for ’65-’88 Ford 255, 289, 302 and Boss 302

Competition Cams – High Energy Timing Set for ’60-’83 Ford 144-200 V6 (Part No.3223)

High Energy Timing Set for '60-'83 Ford 144-200 V6

from

$49.99
High Energy Timing Set for ’60-’83 Ford 144-200 V6

FAQs for 1981 Mercury Zephyr Performance Engines

What are the best-selling Performance Engines for 1981 Mercury Zephyrs?

Out of 18 Performance Engines that fit 1981 Mercury Zephyrs, the following parts are the top sellers:

What’s the price range for 1981 Mercury Zephyr Performance Engines?

The prices of Performance Engines for the 1981 Mercury Zephyr range from $20.99 up to $665.99 for the most premium parts.

What is the average price of a Performance Engine for a 1981 Mercury Zephyr?

The average price for Performance Engines for the 1981 Mercury Zephyr is $292.29. 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 Mercury Zephyr model years?

Yes, we carry Performance Engines for 4 model years of Mercury Zephyrs between 1978 and 1983. The following model years are the most popular for Performance Engine purchases: 1983, 1982, 1980, 1979, and 1978.

What are the cheapest Performance Engines for my 1981 Mercury Zephyr?

The cheapest 1981 Mercury Zephyr Performance Engines we carry are:

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Engines for any other 1981 Mercury models?

Yes. We stock Performance Engines for 3 other popular 1981 Mercury models. Some of the most popular are 1981 Cougar Performance Engines, 1981 Grand Marquis Performance Engines, 1981 Capri Performance Engines, and 1981 Marquis Performance Engines.

What types of Performance Engines do you sell for my 1981 Mercury Zephyr?

As of 6/2/26, these are some of the most in-demand types of Performance Engines for a 1981 Mercury Zephyr:

Can I get help with 1981 Mercury Zephyr Performance Engine orders?

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

What is your return policy for Mercury Zephyr Performance Engines?

Advance Auto Parts keeps returns simple. For new Mercury Zephyr Performance Engines and accessories, your online orders can be returned, in their original condition, within 45 days. For requirements, see the returns page.