Ok guys well I'm going to probably buy a 97 D16Y8 head and want to make sure it's actually the Y8 head. Is there something that I should look for to help me determine the heads apart? Also what should I look for to tell if it's in good shape?
Thanks guy

 

If the head is off the motor, take a look at the combustion chambers. The D16Z6 uses circular chambers and the D16Y8 uses 'square' chambers. In other words, the head surface comes all the way to the valves on the front and back of the chambers on the D16Y8 while the edge of the head surface defines a circle with the D16Z6.

 

the Y8 offers higher compresion. also the Y8's intake manifold is a little better.

Z6's are cheaper though.

 

If the heads still on the block...look above the header port over the #3 cylender. It tells you what year it is.