ok, i'm pretty sure i just bought a d16y8 head and IM. I know it's the right IM but how do i make sure that it's a d16y8 head??? Is there a stamp on it somewhere or what, let me know. I'm pretty sure it is, seller was honest and seemed really cool. Just wanna make sure. thx guys

 

Perhaps you may see the vtec solenoid on the rear of the head. It may not say vtec on the head however....in fact, I dont think the y8's did. Mine doesn't and my friend who has a 96 accord and thinks he's all the swore up and down that it wasn't SOHC vtec when I bought it....even after he took the valve cover off....stupid boy.
~Alex

 

The valve cover will likely say "Honda"
Combustion chamber squared off for more quench.
Asymmetric intake ports (left one or primary is smaller and more curved when looking from intake side)
It will have the VTEC valvetrain (have to take valve cover off to verify as the same head casting is used for the VTEC-E D16Y5)

Chas

 

Another way of telling is on the side of the head. You can tell the date of manufacture by the round "dials" which should read as 96 + for a Y8 head

 

ok guys, thx for the help. i found out that it is a d16y8 because of the year 96 casted into the top right hand side of the exhaust side of the head!!! also it has the 96+ IM and valve cover that reads 'Honda'!!! thx guys!

 

From your description it could still be a D16Y5. Only definitive way to tell is to take the valve cover off. However, if the intake manifold doesn't have EGR, than it most likely is a Y8.

Chas

 

how do i know for sure if i take off the valve cover??? I know what i'm looking at but not sure whats different from the vtec valvetrain. thx and help

 

It'll have rollers here's a pic of a y5 valve train

 

so is it supposed to look like that pic??? i'm thinking yes, but i can't really see what i think it the intake side

 

that would be the exhaust side, just see if you've got rollers on your rocker arms, if not then its a y8 if you do then it is a y5 (vtec-e)