I have been reading up on here quite often since im building a turbo setup. But im stumped one what headgasket to use as i have heard of two types copper and a 3 layer metal one. Either one mine will have to be custom made since my motor is rather rare. But i plan to run between 10-15psi with a fully built bottom end. What head gasket would you guys recommend. The 3 layer metal one caught my attention since i wont have to o-ring the block from what im told.

And if you suggest the 3 layer metal gasket what company is the best to use. I just want to build this motor right the first time as i have bought all good stuff and build the bottom end properly already.

 

I have an 89 Honda Accord Coupe that originally came with a SOHC A20A3 engine. But the JDM motor is a B20A 140 FT/LBS Torque and 160 HP Stock. The motor is a cross breed of the 88-91 Prelude Si B20A5 and a few other early model non-vtec engines. So the motor is not a bad base to start but i wanted more than that so a turbo came into play.

So far i have bought:

Spearco Air/Air Front Mount Intercooler
Garrett T3 Super 60 Turbo
Fully built B20A bottom end
-8.5:1 Wiseco Pistons
-Shot Peened Rods
-balanced crank
-all rebuilt block
Misc Autometer lunar gauges
some other small items

Im basically working on the hard to get items and im almost ready to assemble the block but the headgasket may be an issue. So if i choose the copper gasket i will have to bring it to the machine shop. Its going good so far but im having trouble finding an ECU. Zdyne offered the B20A5 Ecu which is the ecu i should be using but they had problems with it so they dont offer it any longer. So im stumped on what im doing for fuel and spark until i decide what to do for an ECU or engine managment.

 

I think a good thing to do may be to just use a stock head gasket, and get some good head studs that work in your motor.

 

Yup..think so to.
And for fuel/spark/engine management go with a standalone if you still have enough $ left.
Or just use the B20A ECU it should do the job for fuel management and ignition if you have electronic ignition that is

 

I have been debating on the head gasket because i know someone with the regular accord motor running like 17psi and he blew a head gasket. I guess i can give it a shot if you guys think it will work for me. As far as the ECU i want a stand alone but i cant afford one yet so i think im gonna get a MSD BTM and use the stock.

What should i do for fuel injectors and FMU?

Thanks for the help guys!

 

Hey the B-20 is just like what i got im my lude cept smaller, B-21, Anyways if your using the B-20 fuel rail u can use any dsm injectors with a small amount of work and for a headgasket Seeing as you've got custom made internals it'd be worth the price of a custom headgasket that'll accept more boost then the stock one. Coppers are really great cuz the expand under heat creating a tighter seal.

Instead of a FMU what about a SMC? i think that's what it's called

 

I will have to look into that SMC. I think im gonna just drop the block off with the head and have him take care of it. I was bringing the head in for a mild port and polish and a general rebuild anyway. Thanks for the help. Oh im actually using my original intake manifold so i dont know if the injectors will work or not.

Thanks again!