Question 1

My Kia Theta II 2.4 is knocking — is it the engine or just the head?

Accepted Answer

The infamous Theta II 2.4 GDI (G4KJ) recall is a bottom-end / rod-bearing failure rather than a head failure — once a Theta II is knocking from the bottom, a head swap will not save it. However, the Theta II MPI (G4KE) variant and many older Theta and Theta II engines do suffer head-related failures: warped decks from overheating, cracked exhaust ports, and stretched head bolts. We pressure test every head before sale and supply with new head bolts, gasket and stretch torque specs.

Question 2

How much does a used Kia cylinder head cost in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Used Kia cylinder heads range from R3,500 for a Gamma 1.6 (G4FC) head from a write-off donor up to R14,500 for a low-mileage D4HB 2.2 CRDi head from a Sorento. Theta II 2.4 heads (G4KE) typically run R6,500–R9,500 used or R12,000–R15,000 reconditioned with new valves. Lambda 3.3 V6 heads are R5,500–R8,500 per side. D4CB 2.5 CRDi heads from K2700/K2500 donors are R5,500–R9,500.

Question 3

What does a reconditioned head include vs a bare used casting?

Accepted Answer

A bare used cylinder head is the casting only — pressure tested but with the original valves, seats, springs and camshafts. A reconditioned head adds new valves (or refaced originals), refaced seats, new valve stem seals, new springs and a magnaflux check for cracks. Reconditioned heads come with a longer warranty but cost 50–80% more than a bare casting. For a 250,000 km Sportage the reconditioned route is usually cheaper than risking a bare head with worn valve guides.

Question 4

Do I really need to replace the head, or could it be a complete short-block?

Accepted Answer

If the bottom end is fine (no knock, healthy oil pressure) and only the top end has failed — common after a snapped cambelt on the older Gamma and Beta engines, or after a coolant loss event on a Theta II — then a head replacement is the right call. If the bottom end is also damaged (bearing knock, low compression on multiple cylinders, oil-pressure drop) you are better off costing a complete short-block alternative or full engine replacement. We will quote both options so you can compare.

Question 5

Do you also stock gearboxes, in case the cambelt damage took both?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a snapped cambelt that bent valves will sometimes also damage the gearbox bell-housing or the flywheel ring gear. We can quote a matching transmission alongside a head from our gearbox stock. If your engine is past saving and you want to swap the whole assembly, see our complete-engine listings instead.

Question 6

Can you deliver a Kia cylinder head to Cape Town or Johannesburg?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cylinder heads are crated individually with foam padding (they are surprisingly fragile in transit) and dispatched by insured courier from our Durban yard. Cape Town and Johannesburg arrive in 3–5 working days, Bloemfontein and Polokwane in 2–3 days, and same-day collection is available across Durban and the greater eThekwini area. We export to Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique on request.

Head / Engine Family	Fits Models	Price Range
Theta II 2.4 Head (G4KE MPI)	Sorento UM, Carnival, Optima	R6,500 – R15,000
Theta II 2.4 Head (G4KJ GDI)	Optima TF, Sorento — recall-affected	R7,500 – R16,500
Theta II 2.0 Head (G4KD)	Sportage SL, Optima TF, Cerato TD, Cerato Koup	R5,500 – R12,000
Gamma 1.6 Head (G4FC / G4FG)	Rio, Cerato, Soul, Seltos, Venga	R3,500 – R8,500
Gamma 1.4 Head (G4FA)	Rio UB, Venga, Cerato	R3,500 – R7,500
Lambda 3.3 V6 Head (G6DH per side)	Sorento UM, Carnival 3.3	R5,500 – R8,500
Lambda 3.8 V6 Head (G6DB per side)	Sedona 3.8, Grand Sedona	R6,500 – R9,500
CRDi 2.2 D4HB Head	Sorento XM/UM, Carnival, Grand Sedona	R8,500 – R14,500
CRDi 2.0 D4HA Head	Sportage SL, Sportage QL diesel	R7,500 – R12,500
CRDi 2.5 D4CB Head	K2700, K2500 one-tonner, Sedona	R5,500 – R9,500
CRDi 1.6 D4FB Head	Soul, Sportage SL 1.6 CRDi, Carens	R4,500 – R8,500
Alpha 1.6 Head (G4ED)	Rio JB, Cerato LD	R3,500 – R6,500
Beta 2.0 Head (G4GC)	Cerato LD, Sportage KM	R4,500 – R7,500

Kia Cylinder Heads For Sale

Theta II 2.4 GDI head castings — VIN-checked replacements in stock

Bare & Reconditioned

Pressure-Tested

Crated Delivery

Kia Cylinder Heads In Stock

Kia Cylinder Head Price Guide

Kia Cylinder Head Families

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Kia Cylinder Heads in Durban & Across South Africa

When a head won't cut it

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