ok so i have these valve seals that i got from a nippon piston and gasket set i bought awhile back... problem is all 16 of em are exactly the same, iv read (if im correct) that the exhaust and intake sides are different in color on the springs thats attached to oem ones... i know that these arent oem at all, but is there really a difference between the two? should i not install these? has anyone else ever run into this? mucho thanks to those who reply!

 

I've only used OEM ones on mine, but helped/seen folks put same-color ones from autozone etc on theirs, and they've had no problems. They might not hold up as long as OEMs, but we're talking years and years as long as long as they're done right.

 

I just went through this with my '91 Civic, 1.5l. In my case, the difference in valve stem diameter was only a few thousands of an inch and all the valve stem seals that came in the kit (head gasket, etc.) were made of viton and of the same size. Measure the diameter of your valve stems and if there is only, say, .002" ~ .003" in. difference, then I don't think using the same seals on both intake and exhaust will make any difference. That is what the garter spring on the seal is for. Just my opinion.