I want to swap out my d15 for a sohc vtec. I have the option of d16a vtec or zc vtec. What's the difference?

 

get the d16y8 with a z6 head. its a decent motor i like it a lot better then the b series

 

Why would you bother swapping heads?

Its basically the same.

 

i dont know off the top of my head, but the z6 and y8 heads have small different features. probably airflow or combustion related

 

z6s are usually stronger and can handle more boost

 

No.

The heads DO have slightly different flow characteristics but the bottom end is just as strong. The main difference is the oil pump and lubrication on the y8. But it can still handle boost just fine. I don't even think the OP even cares.

Stock for stock the y8 has 2 more hp. Big deal. Since you say you have a d15 you might has well just go z6. Less to convert as you are already OBD1. (Assuming, since you never mentioned year)

 

Z6