Ford Ka Cylinder Head Replacement Parts

Both years fall within the original Ford Ka generation (1996–2008), so there is a reasonable chance the cylinder head will be compatible if the engine codes match – the 1.3i Endura-E and later 1.3 Duratec engines are not interchangeable with each other, so confirm which engine code is stamped on your block before buying. The engine code is the single most useful detail here, and you can find it on your V5C or via a VIN check. Always confirm the specific part against your registration with the breaker before purchasing, as ancillary and mounting details can vary across production years within the same generation.

Trim level – whether Studio, Collection, or Zetec – makes no difference whatsoever to cylinder head fitment, as this is a mechanical engine component and the trim is purely about interior and exterior specification. What matters is that the engine code matches between the donor and recipient vehicle; if both cars share the same engine code, the head will be the correct one regardless of which badge is on the boot. Do bear in mind that a used head from any trim may arrive without ancillary components fitted to your specific car, so check what is included with the breaker.

These two years sit in different generations: the original Ka ran from 1996 to 2008, while the second-generation Ka (based on the Fiat 500 platform) launched in 2009. This is a significant mechanical boundary, and cylinder heads from the two generations are not interchangeable. Source a cylinder head from the correct generation – for a 2009 Ka, you need a second-generation donor car – and confirm the exact engine code with the breaker against your registration.

For the original Ka (1996–2008), the two main units are the 1.3 Endura-E (found in earlier models) and the 1.3 Duratec (introduced later in the run) – these are different engines and their cylinder heads will not swap across. For the second-generation Ka (2009–2016), the 1.2 Ti-VCT petrol and the 1.3 TDCi diesel were the main options, and fuel type is critical here as a petrol and diesel cylinder head are never interchangeable. Check your V5C or run a VIN check to confirm your exact engine code before approaching a breaker.

No – petrol and diesel cylinder heads are completely different in design and are not interchangeable under any circumstances. The 1.3 TDCi diesel head is built to withstand far higher compression ratios than a petrol unit, and the porting, combustion chamber shape, and mounting points differ accordingly. Always match fuel type first, then confirm the engine code with your breaker.

A cylinder head itself is not an electronically coded component in the way that an ECU or instrument cluster would be, so in most cases swapping a like-for-like head does not trigger immobiliser problems. However, if the head comes with attached sensors or if the breaker is supplying ancillary components alongside it, whether any of those items need coding to your vehicle is something you should confirm directly with the breaker against your registration, as this can vary by year and specification.