I have a Second Gen B16 and already got most of the parts ready:

Cams - CTR
Springs - Type R *New*
Retainers - B16 *New* (same as GSR/ITR/CTR)
Seats - B16 *New* (perhaps gonna use the current ones)
Seals - B16 *New*
Valves - Reuse the B16's
LMA's - '00 Prelude (or use the current ones too)

I dont plan on continously doing high reving which is why I planned to go with stock retainers. Same goes for the LMA's, I already go the Prelude ones but im not 100% sure of using them.

But anyhow, how difficult would it be for 1 person do attack this job? I havent really done any major work but I have done a valve adjustment. I also got the 94 GSR Helms which explains how to remove, disassemble and install the head. I know I will need a spring compressor to remove the springs. But what other special tools may I need? I could always take it down to a shop and have them do it for a couple hundred $$$, but I want to learn how to do these kinda things. I feel pretty confident about it but im not too sure.

 

If you feel confident GO FOR IT!
It really isnt that difficult but any one would reccomend you take the head off the block so you can work on it on a table or something where you wont kill your back during a few hours of installing these parts.

Definitely though, its a great opportunity for a good learning experience but most importantly, GET A TORQUE WRENCH! It's essential that valve train components be torqued correctly.

I'm sure someone else can add to my post.

 

Any other comments, suggestions?

 

try searching for the breakin process for the new valvetrain....

 

Thanx, I'll do that. But I figured I let the new valverain break in for 1500-2000k miles w/o going into VTEC. I put about 250 miles a week doing Highway driving. About 100 of those miles are in rush hour traffic.

 

you need to buy the valve compressor tool from honda its like 55 bucks unless you can figure out some other clever way to compress the spring...also the seat could be hard to replace... then youll have to cut your valves which isnt a bad idea anyways.

 

Go for it, it really isn't that difficult; takes a little time and patience.

I don't know much about replacing valve seats, in that case I think you'd need to have the seats and valves cut.

But if you don't replace them, be sure to lap your valves.

 

I think he's refering to the spring seats?right?Anyway the job isn't that difficult if you have the correct tools.compressed air for the cylinder w/spark plug threads,spring compressor,and telescoping magnet for the keepers.Just be carefull when reassembling,the keepers need to go in perfect or the retainers will pull through and drop the valve.

 

You have allready spent a bunch of money, but you are going to reuse your old valves? Valve sealing is a major deal. I would at least hand lap the valves, to see what type of shape they are in.

 

With the correct tools youll be fine....

 

Yah I've thought of doing some light/mild work on the valve to be able to re-use them. Anyone have and helpful info on a How-to or Do-it-yourself on valve work? Thanx guys keep them coming. Later today a mechanic who has been building honda motors, will give me a price on how much it would be if I have him do it.

 

The technoque I use is simple. Once you have the springs removed, place the valve back in head with a little lapping compound. Then take a piece of vacumn hose that just fits over the small end. And pretend your starting a fire by rubbing the hose back and forth, between your hands. While putting presure on the valve and head. When the sound changes from a grating grinding sound to a smooth "whoosh whoosh" sound let the valve lift away from the head a repeat, until the band around the valve is smooth and consistent all the way around. This is time consuming and tireing so eat your Wheaties. I hope that helps. A couple of companies make valve lapping tools but I havent found any that work well on a honda head.

 

^bump to that valve seat method did it myself before i read this thread. also get the tool from honda to remove the valve springs, makes it go alot faster. Im currently in the middle of my head build. I would also suggest some valves, jdmhondaparts.com was selling supertec for 13 a valve, not a bad deal. good luck and Im hopping my new crower stuff will be here to finish mine before i loose my license.

 

since you want to learn how to do all of that on your own, you might as well go for it, it's always good to learn how to do things on your own. as for the install, if you have the right tools and the helms manuals, you're in great shape, it should'nt be too hard.

 

Im begining to get the courage and try it this weekend. Its my only car so I hope I can be done by the time I get to back to work. I just need to pick up other things like gaskets, cam seals, coolant, motor oil etc etc.

 

Northern tools sells a knockoff of the snap-on overhead spring compressor for cheap. Works great.

 

ouch your only car

 

I to am going to try and attempt this, got a complete setup or Portflow inner and outer valve springs, CTR intake cam and Hayame cam gears waiting to go in. so far I figure what I would need to do this is
Tools:
rachet set - deep sockets
valve adjustment tools
valve spring compressor
assembly lube,
parts:
valve seals
cam seals
cam cap
headgasket
valvecover gasket kit

I can just re-use my stock retainers, valves and LMA's
what other things are needed parts or tools.

And can anyone give kinda a play-by-play on how to do this once you have the head pulled and on the table ready to work from disassembly to reassembly
it was be greatly appreciated. i have a helms and a haymes manual to that can also help but, to hear from some expeirenced people would be great too

thanks
Jon