When i search around for a b16 head, people usually show pics like this...

What exactly is it referring to? Flame on.

 

That is a pic of the head of a B-series (or a d-series will be the same) on the exhaust side of the head. They are showing that to give a year to the engine or head. The far-est left one is where you get the year from. That one says 90, so it would be a 1991 head/engine. They made the head a year ahead of the engine, so you always add one year (1) to the number.

 

you are close
the engine is actually a 1990, the entire engine is made before its mated to the car. not just the head

 

thanks a lot guys. what about the other numbers? do they have any meaning?

 

I believe those other two are casting dates. From left to right would be 8-15-90.