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Used OEM Cylinder Heads for Sale, Matched by Engine Code
Fix a cracked or warped head without paying for a new one. We match a used OEM cylinder head to your VIN, engine code and casting number, show you photos of the actual head, and ship by freight across the United States.
Find Your Used Cylinder Head
Free matched quote from a parts specialist
Have your VIN ready. Your specialist uses it to confirm the engine code and the correct head casting. It is on the dashboard, the door jamb and your registration.
Free quote. No obligation.
1-888-383-2439Outside business hours? Send your request anytime and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
- BBB AccreditedRated A by the BBB
- 5-star Google reviewsFrom real customers
- Engine code matchedCasting number checked
- Free LTL freightTracked to your shop
- Secure paymentsVisa, Mastercard, Amex, PayPal
Used Cylinder Heads From FirstChoice at a Glance
FirstChoice Used Auto Parts sells used OEM aluminum and cast iron cylinder heads, bare or complete with valves, springs and camshafts to buyers across the United States. Every cylinder head is matched to the customer’s VIN, engine code and casting number, photographed for approval before shipping, and covered by a 30-day parts warranty.
- What we sell
- Used OEM aluminum and cast iron cylinder heads, bare or complete with valves, springs and camshafts
- Fitment
- Matched by VIN, engine code and casting number
- Warranty
- 30 days, parts only
- Shipping
- Free LTL freight to a commercial or business address, targeted within 5 business days of photo approval
- Savings
- Up to 70% less than a new dealer part, plus 10% off when you order by phone
- Support
- 1-888-383-2439, Mon to Fri, 9 AM to 6 PM EST. Enquire anytime
Signs of a Cracked or Warped Cylinder Head
Overheating is the usual cause. If you see these symptoms, stop driving before the block is damaged too.
Coolant loss with no visible leak
Coolant disappearing into a cylinder or the oil is a classic sign of a cracked head or failed head gasket.
White exhaust smoke with a sweet smell
Coolant burning in the combustion chamber leaves steady white smoke, especially on a cold start.
Milky oil under the filler cap
Brown, creamy sludge on the dipstick or cap means coolant and oil are mixing.
Overheating and bubbles in the coolant
Combustion gas forced into the cooling system makes the engine run hot and the coolant bubble.
Misfire and low compression
A crack between valve seats or a warped deck lets compression escape, giving a rough idle and misfire codes.
Seeing These Signs? Get a Matched Cylinder Head Quote
Free quote, no obligation. A parts specialist checks fitment against your VIN before you pay.
Why Buy Your Used Cylinder Head From Us
Heads from the same engine family can differ in ports, valve sizes and sensor bosses. Our process is built to get the exact casting the first time.
Matched by engine code and casting number
We confirm the engine code from your VIN and check the casting number on the head before quoting, so the ports, valvetrain and bolt pattern match your block.
See your cylinder head before it ships
After you order, the supplier photographs the actual cylinder head once it is pulled. Nothing ships until you approve those photos.
Straight advice before you bolt it on
We recommend having any used head checked for flatness and pressure tested by a machine shop, and fitting a new head gasket and bolts. A small check now protects the whole repair.
30-day parts warranty
Every used cylinder head includes a 30-day parts warranty. If it arrives damaged or incorrect, we replace it or refund you.
- Up to70%less than new dealer prices
- 30-dayparts warranty on every order
- 5 daysdelivery target after photo approval
- 70+vehicle makes in our finder
Used Cylinder Heads for Popular Makes
Choose your make to start a matched quote. We source cylinder heads for most domestic and import cars, SUVs and trucks.
Don’t see your make? The finder lists more than 70 makes. Browse all vehicle makes or call 1-888-383-2439.
How Buying a Used Cylinder Head Works
Four steps from your vehicle details to delivery, with nothing shipped until you approve it.
Tell us your vehicle
Enter your year, make and model, and have your VIN and, if you can read it, the casting number on your old head ready.
Get your matched quote
A parts specialist confirms fit by VIN, engine code and casting number, then sends your price, warranty term and shipping details.
Approve real photos
Once you order, you review photos of your actual cylinder head before it leaves the supplier.
Cylinder Head ships to you
We aim to deliver within 5 business days of photo approval, with tracking sent by email.
Quality, Warranty and Shipping You Can Check
Clear terms before you buy, so there are no surprises after.
Condition and fit
- We confirm the cylinder head is in stock and in good condition with the supplier before your order ships
- VIN, engine code and casting number matched to your vehicle
- Photos of your actual cylinder head for you to approve
Warranty and returns
- 30-day parts warranty on every used cylinder head
- Damaged or incorrect part: replaced, or refunded in full if no replacement is available
- Parts only. Labor, including machine shop work, is not covered
Nationwide freight
- Free LTL freight shipping on cylinder heads
- Delivered to a commercial or business address, such as your repair shop
- Carrier and tracking details emailed within 2 days of shipment
- Inspect the shipment on arrival and note any damage on the bill of lading
Used Cylinder Head Buying Guide
Know which part you need before you buy.
| Option | What it is | Choose it when | What to match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare head | The casting only, without valves or cams | A machine shop is rebuilding it with your parts | Casting number and engine code |
| Complete head | Head with valves, springs and, on overhead cam engines, the camshafts | You want the fastest bolt-on repair | Casting number, engine code and cam type |
| Aluminum or cast iron | Aluminum is lighter and sheds heat faster. Cast iron is heavier and resists warping | Replace with the same material your engine was built with | Material, casting number and model year range |
Find the casting number
It is cast into the head, often under the valve cover or on the exhaust side. Cylinder head buyer’s guide
Aluminum or cast iron?
They are not interchangeable on the same block without the matching parts. Aluminum vs cast iron heads
Confirm the diagnosis
A failed head gasket causes the same symptoms as a cracked head. Signs of a cracked head
Used Cylinder Head FAQs
Where can I buy a used cylinder head online?
You can request a used cylinder head quote from FirstChoice Used Auto Parts online or by calling 1-888-383-2439, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM EST. Send a request anytime and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are based in Louisville, Kentucky, match every cylinder head to your VIN, engine code and casting number, and ship across the United States.
How much does a used cylinder head cost?
Used cylinder head prices vary with the vehicle, engine, bare or complete head, material and availability. A used OEM cylinder head usually costs up to 70% less than a new one from a dealer, and you get 10% off when you order by phone. The fastest way to an exact price is a free quote using your VIN.
What are the signs of a cracked cylinder head?
Common signs are coolant loss with no visible leak, white sweet-smelling exhaust, milky oil, overheating, bubbles in the coolant and misfires. A failed head gasket looks the same, so a pressure test or teardown is needed to be sure. See signs of a cracked cylinder head.
How do I find the correct cylinder head for my engine?
Start with your VIN to confirm the engine code, then match the casting number on your original head. On V engines, confirm left or right bank too. Our cylinder head buyer’s guide shows where the numbers are.
Should a used cylinder head be checked before installation?
Yes. We recommend a machine shop check the deck for flatness and pressure test the head before it goes on. Resurfacing, if needed, costs little and gives the new head gasket a clean seal.
Is it better to replace the cylinder head or the whole engine?
If the block, pistons and bearings are healthy, a used head is the cheaper repair. If the engine overheated badly or has high mileage and low oil pressure, a complete used engine may be the better value.
What else should I replace with the cylinder head?
Fit a new head gasket and new head bolts, since most are torque to yield and stretch in use. Many shops also replace the thermostat, intake and exhaust gaskets, and the timing belt or chain parts while the engine is open.
Do your used cylinder heads come with a warranty?
Yes. Every used cylinder head comes with a 30-day parts-only warranty. Labor costs are not covered. Full terms are in our warranty policy.
Do you ship used cylinder heads across the United States?
Yes. Cylinder heads ship by LTL freight with no shipping charge. Because of their size and weight, they are delivered to a commercial or business address, such as your repair shop. See the shipping policy for details.
What Our Customers Say
“Prompt delivery of the correct part. Been six months or more and still going strong. Will for sure use this business again in the future.”
“Knowledgeable staff. Mike handled everything and made this easy. Car’s fixed, customer is happy in half of the time I had already spent elsewhere. Thanks guys”
“First choice really came through for me. They’re rep, John Jacobs. Was very helpful. I received the part within 1 week of ordering. I will definitely make them my “First Choice” again.”
A Real Parts Team You Can Reach
About FirstChoice Used Auto Parts
FirstChoice Used Auto Parts is a used OEM parts seller based in Louisville, Kentucky, serving drivers and repair shops across the United States. Every quote is handled by a parts specialist who checks fitment against your VIN before you pay.
- Louisville, Kentucky. Shipping across the United States
- BBB Accredited Business, rated A
- 5-star Google reviews from real customers
- 1-888-383-2439, Mon to Fri, 9 AM to 6 PM EST
How This Page Was Written
Written and reviewed by the FirstChoice parts team, using the same checks we run every business day when we match cylinder heads to a VIN.
Repair and fitment notes are general guidance. Ask a qualified mechanic to confirm the diagnosis and the exact part before you order.
Last reviewed:
Related Engine Parts
Ready to Find Your Replacement Cylinder Head?
Share your year, make and model, have your VIN and, if you can read it, the casting number on your old head ready for the best match, and get a free quote with your warranty term and shipping details.
- Free quote, no obligation
- Photos before it ships
- 30-day parts warranty
Mon to Fri, 9 AM to 6 PM EST. Outside business hours? Send your request anytime and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
