The Hyundai G4EK-TC is a 1,975 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2001 and 2006. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with 16 valves, cast‑iron block, and aluminium cylinder head. In standard form it delivered 125 kW (170 PS) at 5,500 rpm and 245 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm, providing spirited performance for sporty compact applications.
Fitted exclusively to the Hyundai Coupe (RD) SIII Turbo and limited Elantra GT variants, the G4EK-TC was engineered as a performance derivative of the naturally aspirated G4EK. Emissions compliance was achieved through multi‑point fuel injection (MPFI), a three‑way catalytic converter, and an air‑assisted intercooler system, allowing most units to meet Euro 3 standards.
One documented concern is premature turbocharger bearing failure due to oil coking under sustained high-load conditions, highlighted in Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑01‑G4EK‑TC‑05. This issue stems from marginal oil drain design in early turbo housings, leading to carbon buildup and bearing seizure. From 2004, Hyundai introduced a revised turbo oil return line and improved coolant routing in certain export markets.
Hyundai
All production years (2001–2006) meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567).
The Hyundai G4EK-TC is a 1,975 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for sporty coupes and hot hatches (2001–2006). It combines SOHC 16‑valve architecture with a Garrett T25 turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range torque and responsive acceleration. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it balances performance with emissions control through MPFI and intercooled induction.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,975 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 93.0 mm | |
| Power output | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 245 Nm @ 2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi‑point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T25 with air‑to‑air intercooler | |
| Timing system | Belt (SOHC; requires 60,000 km replacement) | |
| Oil type | API SH/SJ or ACEA A3 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The low 8.5:1 compression ratio enables safe boost levels but requires premium 98 RON petrol to prevent detonation under load. The Garrett T25 turbo delivers strong mid-range pull but is vulnerable to oil coking if engine is shut off immediately after hard driving—Hyundai TSB‑01‑G4EK‑TC‑05 recommends a 30‑second idle cooldown. Oil changes every 7,500 km with ACEA A3 10W‑40 are critical to maintain turbo bearing life. The SOHC 16‑valve layout limits high-RPM breathing but enhances low-end torque and reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3 or API SH/SJ (10W-40) per Hyundai Owner’s Manual (2002 Coupe Turbo). Not compatible with low-viscosity or low-SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567). No Euro 4 variants produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across global variants (Hyundai PT‑2019).
Hyundai Technical Information System (TIS): Docs G4EK‑TC‑E133, TSB‑01‑G4EK‑TC‑05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4567)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Hyundai G4EK-TC was used exclusively in Hyundai's Coupe platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts, upgraded cooling system, and reinforced gearbox in the Coupe (RD) SIII Turbo—and from 2004 the turbo oil return system was revised to mitigate bearing failures. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Hyundai TIS G4EK‑TC‑E133). The 7th VIN digit is 'T' for turbo variants. Early turbos (pre-2004) have a single oil return line; post-2004 units feature a dual-line oil/coolant return. Critical differentiation from G4GC: G4EK-TC is SOHC with turbo; G4GC is DOHC naturally aspirated. Turbocharger and ECU are unique to this application and not interchangeable with other Hyundai engines (TSB‑01‑G4EK‑TC‑05).
The G4EK-TC's primary reliability risk is turbocharger bearing failure due to oil coking under high thermal loads, with elevated incidence in track-day or mountain-road use. Hyundai TSB‑01‑G4EK‑TC‑05 notes a significant rise in turbo seizure after 80,000 km in pre‑2004 engines, while UK DVSA data shows higher-than-average mechanical advisories for turbo-related oil leaks in 2001–2003 Coupe models. Extended oil change intervals and immediate shutdown after hard driving accelerate turbo degradation, making cooldown discipline and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Hyundai technical bulletins (2001–2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HYUNDAI G4EK-TC.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with HYUNDAI or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
HYUNDAI Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialHYUNDAI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
