Ok, I searched on H-T, I used Google image, and I really can't figure it out for myself. I knew there was a thread telling the difference between the blocks, open and closed deck, all that jazz...

I'm putting a built USDM H22A4 head on a JDM H22A block.

Will the USDM H22A1 headgasket work? Is it the same as JDM H22A headgasket?

I'm basically just trying to figure out which headgasket to use, the USDM A1 or A4 headgasket. I'd just prefer to buy a Honda OEM headgasket state-side through work rather than buy online (like eBay for example).

Thanks in advance.

 

I'm currently doing the same thing, built A4 head to a built A1 block, and have done plenty of research on my project thus far. You will need the A1 head gasket. As far as why you would use the A1 gasket goes, you want to use the gasket that matches the block, not the head. The reason: The open deck has different coolant passages than the closed and the gaskets have slight differences to accomodate the designs, to prevent overheating. This works this way because the A1 and A4 heads are identical (interchangeable) and will flow coolant the same way. It's just a matter of keeping the blocks from overheating, which is why you would want the gasket to match the block type. Hope that helps and if anyone can add, concur, or disagree, feel free

 

The H22A1 came in the 93-96 Prelude Si VTEC, correct?

 

Yes

 

you use whatever headgasket that the block requires.