1981 Mercury Zephyr Performance Engines

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 Camshafts. 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 $350.24, with a range that starts at $13.99 and goes up to $675.99. With 19 options in stock from 4 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like High Performance Thermostat, Performance Cylinder Head Gasket, and ENGINE ROCKER ARM start at just $31.99 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

Edelbrock – Performer-Plus Camshaft Kit for Small-Block Ford 289-302 V8 (Part No.2122)

Performer-Plus Camshaft Kit for Small-Block Ford 289-302 V8

from

$338.99


Product Features:
  • Designed for Optimum Torque and Acceleration
  • Maximum Performance From Idle through Mid-Range
  • Matched to Edelbrock Performer Intakes
  • Includes Hydraulic Lifters and Assembly Lube
  • Major Improvement in Throttle Response and Torque
  • Use For Daily Drivers/Trucks/Vans/RVs/4x4s
  • Take The Guesswork Out Of Camshaft Selection
See More

Competition Cams – Magnum/Marine 230/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.31-226-3)

Magnum/Marine 230/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$267.99
HYDRAULIC – Magnum: Broad power. 2500+ stall, low gears, 9.5:1 compression and headers. Rough idle. OR Marine: Off shore type boat. Strong performance, rough idle.

Product Features:
  • HYDRAULIC – Magnum: Broad power. 2500+ stall, low gears, 9.5:1 compression and headers. Rough idle. OR Marine: Off shore type boat. Strong performance, rough idle.
  • 280/280 Advertised Duration, 230/230 Duration @ .050″, .512″/.512″ Lift, 110 Lobe Separation
  • Valve spring upgrade required
  • 289-302 Firing Order
See More

Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 240/246 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.31-250-4)

Xtreme Energy 240/246 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$297.99
Featuring a quicker valve opening, the Xtreme Energy camshaft profile provides increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve than older, slower grinds. Designed to increase performance without sacrificing driveability and creature comforts,

Product Features:
  • Excellent performance in street carbureted applications.
  • More vacuum allows an increase in duration for improved performance and assists power brakes.
  • Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
  • Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.
See More

Competition Cams – Xtreme Energy 224/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.31-242-3)

Xtreme Energy 224/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$267.99
Featuring a quicker valve opening, the Xtreme Energy camshaft profile provides increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve than older, slower grinds. Designed to increase performance without sacrificing driveability and creature comforts,

Product Features:
  • Excellent performance in street carbureted applications.
  • More vacuum allows an increase in duration for improved performance and assists power brakes.
  • Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
  • Best performance with aftermarket intake manifolds, headers, lower gear ratios etc.
See More

Competition Cams – Magnum/Drag Race 253/253 Hydraulic Flat Cam (Part No.31-331-4)

Magnum/Drag Race 253/253 Hydraulic Flat Cam

from

$325.99
An older member of the COMP Cams grind family, the Magnum series of camshafts offers excellent performance gains over stock without the added wear and tear associated with more aggressive camshafts.

Product Features:
  • Best with aftermarket torque converters and 9.5:1 compression.
  • Great high RPM power.
  • Easy on valve train parts.
  • Can be used with mild ratio rocker arms and traditional performance valve springs.
See More

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.
See More

Competition Cams – Magnum Roller 1.6 Ratio Rocker Arm Set (Part No.1431-16)

Magnum Roller 1.6 Ratio Rocker Arm Set

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
See More

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

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

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
See More

B & M – Torque Converter, Tork Master 3000 (Part No.50442)

Torque Converter, Tork Master 3000

from

$675.99
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
See More

B & M – Torque Converter, Tork Master 2400 (Part No.50441)

Torque Converter, Tork Master 2400

from

$517.99
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
See More

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

Torque Converter, C4 26 Spline 10.5 BC

from

$649.99
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
See More

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

$29.49
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 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

$31.99
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 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

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 – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.1270-8)

ENGINE ROCKER ARM

from

$116.99
ENGINE ROCKER ARM

Competition Cams – ENGINE ROCKER ARM (Part No.1270-1)

ENGINE ROCKER ARM

from

$20.99
ENGINE ROCKER ARM

Top-Quality Performance Engine Camshafts for 1981 Mercury Zephyrs

Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Engine Camshaft for Mercury Zephyrs and enjoy top-notch performance from $533.99.

Competition Cams – Magnum 236/236 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder (Part No.70-131-6)

Magnum 236/236 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder

from

$615.99
Magnum 236/236 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder

Competition Cams – High Energy 201/201 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder (Part No.70-115-6)

High Energy 201/201 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder

from

$615.99
High Energy 201/201 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder

Competition Cams – High Energy 218/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder (Part No.70-123-6)

High Energy 218/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder

from

$614.99
High Energy 218/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder

Competition Cams – High Energy 210/210 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder (Part No.70-119-6)

High Energy 210/210 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder

from

$614.99
High Energy 210/210 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder

Competition Cams – Magnum 226/226 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder (Part No.70-127-6)

Magnum 226/226 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder

from

$533.99
Magnum 226/226 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Ford 2000-2300 4 Cylinder

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

$29.49
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 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

$31.99
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 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.

Competition Cams – MAGTIMING SET SBF (Part No.2120)

MAGTIMING SET SBF

from

$123.99
MAGTIMING SET SBF

Competition Cams – ENGINE TIMING SET (Part No.3223)

ENGINE TIMING SET

from

$49.99
ENGINE TIMING SET

FAQs for 1981 Mercury Zephyr Performance Engines

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

Out of 19 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 $13.99 up to $675.99 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 $350.24. 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 are the top-rated Performance Engines that fit the 1981 Mercury Zephyr?

The one 1981 Mercury Zephyr Performance Engine we have in stock is the High Energy Hydraulic Flat Lifter for Ford 352-428, 144-250 and 2600-2800cc V6.. It costs $13.99.

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

As of 11/2/25, 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.