LS VTEC conversion???

[ELVTiR]

hi guys, iv run into a problem with my conversion.
i need direction to the best head gasket kit, when i originally did the conversion everything was fine, i used oem gasket kit, and the head gasket leaked at the corner of the block and then went on me not long after. i want to know whats the best to get and were? iv been told that they need a special gasket for conversion, my mechanic is not sure. i just dont want to blow another one.

if someone could please lend a hand =]

thanks

[Photonic_Si]

For starters, are both the decks squared? Id start by having them checked and if they aren't true, get them machined before you waste another head gasket. Any head gasket for a B18/B20 should be fine after that. Try find a MLS one instead of the graphite stocker. If you can get one, it would be worth it for reliabilitys sake.

[ELVTiR]

yeh it has been squared, thanx mate ill look in to a MLS gasket
cheers

[string]

Try find a MLS one instead of the graphite stocker

OEM Honda is MLS.

[TODA AU]

Stock is fine, but you'll need to machine recesses for the rivets on the underside of the b16a/b18c head.
Add a little sealant around the oil drains too.
Be sure to use new head bolts or studs if It's blown a g/k as they're probably past it.
You also need to drill the dowel holes on the opposite side of the vtec head to use the OEM b18a/b head g/k.

[string]

but you'll need to machine recesses for the rivets on the underside of the b16a/b18c head.


Isn't this a bit extreme? I thought that everyone just removed two of the four rivets...?

[TODA AU]

Isn't this a bit extreme? I thought that everyone just removed two of the four rivets...?
$5 worth of machining on top of your head service is extreme? Huh?

[string]

$5 worth of machining on top of your head service is extreme? Huh?

I think a $5 solution is extreme when there are $0 solutions available. I can see how machining the head instead of modifying the gasket is an attractive solution for a business, though.

[TODA AU]

I think a $5 solution is extreme when there are $0 solutions available. I can see how machining the head instead of modifying the gasket is an attractive solution for a business, though.
I agree your $0 rivet removal solution can work,
Personally I don't recommend going this way for the sake of $5, & more to the point...
Removing the rivets from a head gasket for the novice presents it's own problems which can end up costing them a lot more than the $5 saved.
Done right, sure no problem. But it only takes one slip-up & you're up for a new head gasket.
Anyway, each to their own.