The durability of a cylinder head is influenced by the thermal and mechanical history during the manufacturing process, as well as engine operation. In order to improve the durability of cylinder head, both load from engine operation and the preload conditions from the manufacturing process must be considered. The aluminum cylinder head used for a HSDI diesel engine is investigated to reduce the possibility of high cycle fatigue crack in this study. FE analysis is performed to elucidate the mechanism of high cycle fatigue crack in the HSDI diesel cylinder head. Two separate approaches to increase the durability of the cylinder head are discussed: reducing load from engine operation and re-arranging preload conditions from the manufacturing process at the critical location of the cylinder head. Local design changes of the cylinder head and modification of pretension load in the cylinder head bolt were investigated using FE analysis to relieve load at the critical location during engine operation. Residual stress formed at the critical location during the manufacturing process is measured and heat treatment parameters are changed to re-arrange the distribution of residual stress. Results of FE analysis and experiments showed that thorough consideration of the manufacturing process is necessary to enhance the durability of the cylinder head.