Im looking for a new headgasket for the mini me swap. I was wondering if any of you guys run non oem headgaskets.

I've looked on hondatech and some people say ebay is ok as long as it is multi layer steel, and some people wont touch ebay gaskets. Not sure what is the truth and whats just ebay prejudice.

I'm leaning towards this ebay OE replacement MLS gasket with a 2 year warranty. anyone have an opinion? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-C...item1e60145094

Also, I've read some people use Copper gasket spray. Is this really necessary, or is it just paranoia? I already got new OEM headbolts, and if Honda thinks the seal is good enough without copper spray, that says something right?

 

ARP headstuds with a Cometic, or OEM HG is all I will ever run. I do not want to know how much you spent on replacement OE studs. ARPs are like $90 and can be re-used numerous times.

 

got them for 33 from the dealer. However, the dealer wants 49 for an oem headgasket, which is why im tempted to go ebay.

 

$49 for a HG? Did you check out hondapartsdeals.com? I think the HG there are like $29 ish, but then you have shipping.

Each cometic HG I have ever purchased was ~$90. So far, I have had used 3

EDIT - you got a deal on the studs from the dealership. Each one shows to be ~$4 on hondapartsdeals.com and I have generally seen that parts from dealerships end up costing twice as much as hpd.com.

 

yeah, 36 shipped, not so bad. An extra hour of work is a fair price for the added security i guess. so far I've spent 320 on this mini me swap, and I still need to get a torque wrench, possibly jb weld, speaker wire, oil and coolant. Was hoping to keep it under 300 but oh well.

 

That's how it goes! The little things add up... fast.