Second Hand Nissan Pathfinder Cylinder Head

The third-generation Pathfinder (R51) ran from 2005 to 2014, so both years sit within the same generation — but fitment of the cylinder head depends primarily on whether both vehicles share the same engine code, not just the model year. Confirm your engine code from your V5 or a VIN check and supply it to the breaker, as there were different engine options across the R51's life and ancillary changes can occur mid-production. Never assume year alone is enough — the engine code is the single most reliable detail you can provide.

No — the R50 (1996–2004) and R51 (2005–2014) are entirely different generations with different engines, so the cylinder heads are not interchangeable. Each generation uses its own engine family, and even if fuel type appears the same, the block, head design, and ancillary fittings differ significantly. Always match by engine code rather than by model name alone.

Both years fall within the R51 generation (2005–2014), so they could share the same cylinder head provided the engine codes match exactly. Supply your engine code from the V5 to the breaker, as specification changes can occur mid-production and it is worth confirming ancillary and mounting details against your registration rather than assuming all R51 units are identical. The engine code is your most important piece of information here.

Trim level does not affect cylinder head fitment — the SVE, Aventura, and any other trim are mechanically identical in terms of the engine assembly, and the cylinder head follows the engine code, not the badge. What can differ between trims is cosmetic equipment, interior specification, and optional extras, but none of that changes the cylinder head required. Focus on matching engine code, fuel type, and gearbox type rather than trim name.

Yes — fuel type is one of the most critical factors, as petrol and diesel engines have fundamentally different cylinder head designs and the two are never interchangeable. Within the R51 generation for example, the 2.5 dCi diesel and the 4.0 V6 petrol use entirely different heads, so always confirm your fuel type alongside your engine code when contacting a breaker. Providing both the engine code and fuel type upfront will save time and avoid any misquotes.

Gearbox type does not directly affect the cylinder head itself — the head sits on the engine block and is not part of the transmission — so in principle a head from an automatic car can be used on a manual provided the engine codes match. However, you should confirm with the breaker whether any ancillary components attached to the head, such as sensors or brackets, differ between gearbox variants on your specific engine, as this can vary mid-production. The engine code remains the primary matching point.