Before I decide to swap out my headgasket when I do the water pump and timing belt, can someone confirm that the OEM headgasket on this engine is that composite material and not a metal gasket?

If this is the case, what metal headgasket do you guys recommend for a SOHC ZC thats running 10psi on a JRSC setup? The head I will be installing is a fresh SOHC ZC that has been shaved .015". I think I want to use a 3 layer metal gasket since the head was shaved and I don't want to bump up the compression too much with the high boost JRSC setup.

Thanks guys!

 

si el headgasket on a zc sohc is indeed composite and not metal...!!!

 

That being said, it was..."originally"

It has now been upgraded if buying new from Honda, it's now metal

 

When I did my head swap on my SOHC ZC JRSC, I opted for the graphite composite gasket. Was cheaper too, only 20 bux. But keep this in mind, thinner gasket and a shaved deck surface will up the compression, not by much, but higher compression will be more prone to detonation with boost. If you're running meth/water injection or a LHT setup, shoot for 10:1 all day long, but if you're non intercooled, and you kick up the compression, you might need to kick back your timing to compensate. Main factor will be the tune, and if you're running the FMU that jackson supplied, eek, good luck.

The graphine gaskets are also known to me more reliable due to their nature, they react better for heat cycling/thermal expansion because they naturally lubricate the metal, while keeping the seal. Just some food for thought. My felpros on my Thunderbird sc are graphite, and thats with 18psi pumping though them. Just my .02, do what you want.

 

Thanks guys!