Honda Cylinder Head Comparison: Civic, Accord & Type-R
By PRL Motorsports - Premium Automotive Performance Products | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Comparisons
Compare Genuine Honda cylinder head assemblies for Civic 1.5T, Accord, and Civic Type-R FK8. Learn the key differences, fitment notes, and which OEM head fits your build.
Quick answer
For most 2016+ Civic and 2018+ Accord 1.5T owners, the Genuine Honda Bare Cylinder Head Assembly offers the best value. The Civic Type-R FK8 head is a distinct, higher-flow design that only fits the FK8 and costs nearly triple.
What makes the FK8 head different
The Civic Type-R FK8 cylinder head (part 10003-RPY-G01) is a unique casting designed for the turbocharged 2.0L that powers the Type-R. It is not interchangeable with the 1.5T engine family. The FK8 head carries a premium price because it is a low-volume, high-performance part with different port geometry and valvetrain requirements.
Bare vs complete: what you get
The Genuine Honda Bare Cylinder Head Assembly (part 12100-59B-000) ships without valves, springs, or camshafts. It is ideal for a rebuild or custom valvetrain upgrade. The Genuine Honda Civic 1.5T General Cylinder Head Assembly (part 10003-5AA-A00) comes as a complete assembly with valves and springs, ready to install. Choose bare if you are building a performance valvetrain; choose complete for a straightforward factory replacement.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Budget & coverage: The bare head (2680874) costs about $1,105 and fits Civic, Accord, and CR-V 1.5T. The complete Civic 1.5T assembly (2680870) costs $1,981 and is ready to install. The FK8 head (2680875) costs $2,891 and fits only the Type-R. If you need a head for a standard 1.5T, the bare head is the most cost-effective starting point.
- Assembly effort: Bare head requires transferring or installing new valves, springs, seals, and camshaft. Complete assembly (2680870) includes those parts and can be bolted on directly. Choose complete for a quick swap; choose bare if you plan a performance valvetrain.
- Performance intent: The FK8 head is engineered for the Type-R's higher flow demands. It is not a performance upgrade for a 1.5T because the bolt pattern and port layout differ. Do not buy the FK8 head for a standard Civic or Accord.
Product facts at a glance
- Genuine Honda Bare Cylinder Head Assembly - Civic / Accord / CR-V: Fits all 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5T, 2018+ Accord 1.5T, and 2017-2022 CR-V 1.5T. One bare head covers multiple popular models, simplifying inventory if you work on several Honda families.
Genuine Honda Bare Cylinder Head Assembly - Civic / Accord / CR-V - Genuine Honda 2017-2021 Civic Type-R FK8 General Cylinder Head Assembly: Fits all 2017-2021 Honda Civic Type-R FK8 only. The FK8 head is not a drop-in upgrade for a standard Civic 1.5T; it is a dedicated part for the Type-R engine.
Which head fits your build?
Best for
- 2016-2021 Civic 1.5T or 2018+ Accord 1.5T owners who want a factory replacement at the lowest cost (bare head 2680874)
- 2017-2021 Civic Type-R FK8 owners needing a genuine OEM head (2680875)
Not for
- Standard Civic or Accord 1.5T builds that need a complete drop-in assembly (choose 2680870 instead)
- Any non-FK8 engine looking for a performance head upgrade (the FK8 head does not fit)
