The head gasket blew on my daughters 1992 Honda Civic EX with 1.6 ltr (D16Z6) Engine. I have a new head gasket kit so I have all new gaskets. I have a new timing belt and timing belt tensioner as well as a new water pump. I pick up the head this afternoon. It was decked, had a 3 way valve seat clean up, was pressure tested, and all valves and springs have been spec'd to make sure they are within operating tolerances. I am in the process of going through the intake manifold and throttle body. In the not so recent past I replaced all the cooling system hoses and thermostat. She also has a new fuel filter.

Is there anything else I should do while I have the engine torn down?

I plan on checking the ring/piston clearance for each cylinder and making sure that the ring gaps are staggered.

Are there any performance gains to be had by polishing the intake runners? Or possibly porting the exhaust ports? This is my daughters car but I am all for improved efficiencies.

I appreciate any suggestions the forum might offer. Thank you!

 

I would focus on OEM gaskets and seals. Also perform a tune-up if that has not already been done. Which should include a valve job.

 

Check block for level, can't hurt to port and polish, [if done properly]. 94

 

Thank you!