{"product_id":"cometic-mls-head-gasket-for-civiccrxintegra-b18b20","title":"Cometic MLS Head Gasket for LS\/VTEC","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstructed from three layers of stainless steel for durability \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eViton coating withstands temperatures up to 482°F (250°C) \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo re-torque required \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReduces bore distortion with even torque load distribution \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca class=\"active\" href=\"#Description\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#VehicleFitment\"\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#TechnicalData\"\u003eTechnical Data\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#InstallGuide\"\u003eInstall Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\n\n\u003cli class=\"active\" id=\"Description\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCometic MLS Head Gasket for LS\/VTEC (85mm Bore)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn LS\/VTEC build takes the tall, torquey non-VTEC B18A, B18B, or B20 bottom end and puts a VTEC head from a B16A, B16B, B17A, or B18C on top. You get the displacement of the big block and the high-RPM breathing of a VTEC head. It's one of the best-known Honda hybrids for a reason. But the head and block were never made to go together, and the head gasket is what seals that joint. It has to match the bore size of the block, line up with both the head's and the block's coolant and oil passages, and hold up to the compression these builds usually run.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Cometic gasket is made for that exact combination. It's a three-layer stainless MLS gasket with an 85mm bore, sized to cover a B20's 84mm bore with room to spare. It also works on a B18A or B18B block, either stock or overbored. If you're doing an LS\/VTEC, this is a good choice for the head gasket. Just remember it's one part of the swap. Most LS\/VTEC builds also need an oil feed for the VTEC solenoid, a timing belt tensioner setup that works with both the block and head, and a tune.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eThickness Sets Your Compression\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eB18A, B18B, and B20 blocks all have a taller deck than the B16A and B18C engines these heads came from. That changes compression, and head gasket thickness is one of the main ways to adjust it. A thinner gasket raises compression and tightens quench, the narrow gap between the piston and head at top dead center that helps the engine resist knock. A thicker gasket lowers compression. B20 pistons with a VTEC head can end up with very high compression, while a stock B18B usually ends up lower. Pick the gasket thickness based on your pistons, your fuel, and whether there's boost in the plan. Run the numbers before you order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow the MLS Layers Seal\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two outer stainless layers are embossed with raised beads around each cylinder and passage. When you torque the head down, those beads flatten like springs and press back against the head and block. That spring-back keeps the seal tight as the aluminum head and block grow and shift with heat. The outer layers are coated in Viton, a fluoroelastomer rubber rated to 482°F (250°C), which fills small surface imperfections. Between them is a plain stainless shim that sets the gasket's overall thickness. Because the gasket clamps evenly across the whole surface, the cylinders stay rounder when the head's torqued down. It also doesn't need to be re-torqued after the first heat cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eInstall Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMLS gaskets need flat, smooth surfaces. That matters even more on an LS\/VTEC, where the head and block may both be used parts from different engines. Have a machine shop check both for flatness and resurface them to Cometic's MLS surface finish spec if needed. Clean both surfaces down to bare metal, install the gasket dry, and torque the head to spec in the correct sequence. For a boosted or high-compression build, use head studs instead of the factory bolts. Before final assembly, check piston-to-valve clearance with your cams, since the deck height and gasket thickness both change it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFitment\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlock: Honda B18A, B18B, or B20\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead: Honda B16A, B16B, B17A, or B18C (VTEC)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLS\/VTEC hybrid builds in Honda Civic, CRX, and Acura Integra chassis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e85mm gasket bore: for a B20 (84mm stock) or an overbored B18A\/B18B\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n \n\u003cli id=\"VehicleFitment\"\u003e\n    Honda Civic with B18A\/B18B\/B20 Block and B16A\/B16B\/B17\/B18C Heads   Honda CRX with B18A\/B18B\/B20 Block and B16A\/B16B\/B17\/B18C Heads   Acura Integra with B18A\/B18B\/B20 Block and B16A\/B16B\/B17\/B18C Heads \n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\n\n\u003cli id=\"TechnicalData\"\u003e\nBore: 85mm, Thickness: 0.030 inches, Material: Multi-layer stainless steel with Viton coating\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cli id=\"InstallGuide\"\u003e\nEnsure the engine is cool before installation. Clean the sealing surfaces thoroughly. Place the Cometic MLS Head Gasket in position and follow the manufacturer's torque specifications for installation.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n","brand":"Cometic Gasket","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":69733782454306,"sku":"COG-C4194-030","price":96.52,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2218\/5701\/files\/COG-C4194-030_1.jpg?v=1794326421","url":"https:\/\/www.hybrid-racing.com\/products\/cometic-mls-head-gasket-for-civiccrxintegra-b18b20","provider":"Hybrid Racing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}