Modified by jonny-cakes at 11:39 AM 12/22/2005

 

the z6 gasket is metal, while the d15b ones is the gummy carboard crap...

while the gummy stuff seals better (IMO) they are a pain to take off...

in the end its just a matter of how much compression u really want...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Killa-X &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is the d16a6 one crappy cardboard as well?</TD></TR></TABLE>

the original is, not sure if they have since replaced it.

use the d16y8 gasket, it is about the same thing as the d16z6 gasket but about half the price (at least it was a few years ago when i got mine).

 

the a6 head gasket is a shitty cardboard one. go with a metal one like the z6 or y8. but be sure to account for it in the comp calculator. i think they will bump up your c/r a bit

 

http://www.hondaautomotivepart...82%29

$23.23 from majestic...never heard of the parts dinosaur before

look up all your parts seperately at majestic and see if the price is close to you gasket set.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Killa-X &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Also, is 10.7-11.0:1 compression going to be too much on pump gas?</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, you will be fine. specially if you said you will be running 94-95 octane.

 

gasket set has all that plus intake manifold and exhaust manifold gaskets. i wouldn't bother with the cam cover seal at all, only get the valve cover one if it's leaking, and only get the valve seals if you think it needs it.

the problem i've found, is that most non-honda parts houses still stock the old style gaskets for the y8 and z6, because it's cheaper and works.

the old style gasket is easier to install, but it does not last as long.

the metal ones have to be perfectly clean to make it seal, but they last a lot longer.

on my a6, it's blown the headgasket every 100k with a stock gasket.

 

go to hondiscountparts.com i ordered a y8 one from there it was metal.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Killa-X &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well with a d16a6 gasket I'm suppose to be at 10.7:1, with a z6 it's suppose to be 11.0:1, with the y8, it's 11.4:1.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Do you realize that the z6 and y8 give the same results? According to the same website you listed, your choices of thickness are:
1. D15B7 - D16A6
2. D16Y8 - D16Z6
3. D16Y8 2 - layer
The third choice is a modified gasket...they are normally three layers but you remove the center layer to increase compression ratio. Not worth the trouble.
So fretting over what to get is a waste of time....if there's a difference in price, get the cheaper.
Since I've recently looked all this crap up for another project, I'm going to make this easy for you:
y8 - 12251-P2J-004 GASKET, CYLINDER HEAD $23.96
z6 - 12251-P08-004 GASKET, CYLINDER HEAD $45.45

The OEM d16a6 gasket set runs about $165. I don't know what type of head gasket comes in that...mostly because its still packaged by Honda. A lot of dealerships don't sell individual composite a6 gaskets anymore. These prices are from San Leandro Honda...better prices AND customer service then Majestic.

I personally use an aftermarket headgasket set and buy an oem headgasket separately. This aftermarket kits runs about $100 and usually includes free shipping.
You can find it here: LINK

 

we did this piston swap in someones A6 at our shop... just with the ZC pistons and NOTHING else it only neted 4 whp on the dyno. you need alot more work to make it effective. cams, valves/valve train, p'np, and deck the head...

BUT yes a A6 with ZC will run fine on 93-94 octane.

 

It's a perfect example of how you just can't put one part in and expect miracle results.

The guy that helped me build my first Mini-me had a D16a6 w/ D16a1 pistons a y8 intake manifold, and a mild regrind on his cam...with some dyno tinkering on an adj cam gear, adj fuel pressure regulator and he was putting down a hair over 130hp to the wheels.