I just heard from the parts guy at the dealership that the 2001 heads are different than the rest. Can anyone provide more info on how?

I know the camshaft part numbers were different in 2001 than 97 and 98.

 

If you are referencing part #s for the complete head package, then it
will be different due to the different cam. Try checking the bare head.

 

Steve, that is what i was figuring. Would it hurt to go to the 2001 package??

 

what is the purpose for getting it?

If you want a stock replacement then yeah thats fine.
But if you want something as a spare to get ported or worked, then
i would go to honda and pickup a b16a core instead.

 

my timing belt came loose and bent valves and cracked a couple guys. Didnt' look pretty. Its cheaper for me to buy the whole top end than buy new valves, guides and then get my old one's punched out and the whole mess. Down time will be a lot shorter too.

 

just get the 01 type-r package then.

 

The bare head part numbers are the same. The complete packages are different because the intake cam. Also, the 97/98 had p/n 14761-P73-J01 for the intake outer springs, and the 00/01 had p/n 14761-P73-J02 for the outer intake springs.