I screwed up and ordered the wrong top end set replace my 1996 Accord head that was too warped to resurface. I ordered the wrong top end set, F22a instead of the F22b. I have already installed the head with the supplied head gasket and used the bolts that came in the kit be fore i realized my mistake. Everything seemed ok till I went to install the intake and exhaust gaskets. They clearly don't fit. Anyone know if I can leave the F22a hg in place or do I need to bite the bullet and go ahead and swap it out now?

 

Looking at the part numbers themselves they are different, looking at rockauto, the pictures look very similar so while I'd be inclined to say no, you may get away with it sealing. Since you gotta get new intake and exhaust gaskets I would just get the correct kit and redo it now rather than later.

 

Yep, I see that they are different parts, but I was hoping not to have to remove the brand new head bolts and retorque them. I am just getting rid of the car as soon as it's running again and I have ordered a new gasket set. Luckily I realized my mistake before I had gone further, only the head gasket to R&R at this point......F*&%!

 

B1 or B2 engine? I ask this because I'm pretty sure the F22A hg's don't have the oil passage for vtec cut out... in other words if it's a B1 (vtec) you're gonna need to pull it and if it's a B2 you should be alright.

 

FYI, after swapping the F22A headgasket out for the F22B, it turns out they are almost identical, the A gasket is slightly thicker, but all of the holes are in the right place and it would have worked regardless.

However if you put the head gasket on 180 degrees out all of the bolt holes and water jackets will line up, but the vent and return holes will almost line up....F#@k, so third time is the charm. It's on the road and fine now, but i think this car is cursed.