Hyundai i20 Cylinder Heads
Cylinder Heads for the Hyundai i20 — new, used and aftermarket stock, quoted once we know which i20 you are running
What Are Hyundai i20 Cylinder Heads?
The cylinder head sits on top of the engine block, housing the valves, camshafts and combustion chambers. On 1.6 CRDi, 1.6 T-GDi and 2.0 CRDi Hyundais the aluminium head is especially vulnerable to warping or cracking after overheats — an SA tow-strap incident or failed fan clutch is often the trigger.
Signs You Need New Cylinder Heads
Getting the right cylinder heads for your i20 first time
Does one cylinder heads listing cover every i20?
No. The i20 reached South Africa as PB, then GB, then the current BC3, and that alone changes what fits.The PB and GB are different cars underneath despite the shared badge, so a part listed simply as "i20" is not automatically the right one — the generation code decides it.
Which engine is in my i20?
SA-market cars were sold with Kappa 1.2, Gamma 1.4 and Kappa 1.0 T-GDi (N Line). The code stamped on the block settles it — the badge on the boot does not.
What do you need from me to quote cylinder heads?
The engine code off the block or VIN plate, and whether the car is petrol or CRDi diesel. Hyundai used several engine families in parallel rather than in sequence, so two cars of the same model year can carry completely different internals. The engine code stamped on the block is what a parts desk works from, not the badge on the boot.
In South Africa the i20 is mostly a high-mileage commuter hatch that spends its life in stop-start city traffic, which is why wear items move faster on an i20 than on almost anything else Hyundai sells here. That is the wear pattern we stock and source against.
Hyundai i20 Cylinder Heads FAQs
Will cylinder heads from another i20 fit mine?
Not automatically. The i20 sold in South Africa as PB, then GB, then the current BC3, and the PB and GB are different cars underneath despite the shared badge, so a part listed simply as "i20" is not automatically the right one — the generation code decides it. Send us the generation code off your VIN plate and we will confirm it either way before anything is dispatched.
What should I send you when asking about i20 cylinder heads?
The VIN is the single most useful thing — a photo of the plate is fine. Failing that, the generation code and the engine code off the block. The i20 ran as PB, then GB, then the current BC3, so the generation is what narrows the search.
How much does a Hyundai cylinder head cost in South Africa?
Real SA pricing is wide — heads run R2,950 to R11,500 depending on engine and condition (new vs recon) and a Hyundai head gasket is around R945 through our supplier network. Send us your VIN and engine code for an exact quote.
What are the symptoms of a cracked cylinder head?
White smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss without visible leak, overheating, milky oil and bubbles in the expansion tank are the classic five. On 1.6 CRDi Hyundais, head cracks often follow an overheat. A combustion-gas test on the coolant confirms it.
How much does it cost to replace a Hyundai head gasket?
The gasket itself is affordable — a multi-fit Hyundai head gasket is around R945 through our supplier network. Labour is substantial, typically 8-12 hours including skimming the head and replacing bolts. Send your VIN for a full quote on parts and labour.
Can a cracked Hyundai cylinder head be repaired?
Sometimes — a small crack in a non-critical area can be stitched or welded by SA engineering specialists in our supplier network. Cracks between valve seats or into the water jacket usually mean replacement. We send heads out for pressure-test before quoting a repair.
Why is there white smoke from my Hyundai exhaust?
Almost always coolant entering the combustion chamber — head gasket, cracked head or cracked block. A sweet, sticky smell confirms it's coolant rather than water vapour. On cold SA mornings a short puff of white vapour is normal; persistent plume is not.
i20 Engine Parts: related components
Get your i20 cylinder heads matched properly
A part number from the old unit, or simply your VIN, is enough for us to identify the right cylinder heads for your i20.