I have done a few searches as well as looking through the DIY and Guide threads and cannot find anything that has much information about Head Gaskets for our vehicles.

AP1 Motor.

I'm fairly competent when it comes to working on vehicles, but I try to research before doing any major job.

Should I purchase an exact OEM replacement, or are there other HG that offer certain advantages over OEM.
Any steps/areas I should use caution around when replacing the Head Gasket?

This will not be my first HG replacement.

 

Bump

 

What is the issue with yours now?

 

Coolant in middle 2 cylinders.

 

Why is there coolant in 2-3?

 

My best guess is a blown head gasket, ie this thread

 

If it's stock, stick with a OEM style gasket. I would check the decks for levelness and replace the head bolts if they've been off before. I believe you need to change them anyway as I believe you can only reuse them once being a torque to yield fastener. Is there any extreme cylinder to cylinder wear on the top lip?

 

I notice you owned a 7M

I really have nothing much to add other than I've heard that Cometic is good about making any kind of gasket you want. I've wondered about getting a thinner one made to bump compression just a lil.

 

OEM is the best gasket and its priced fair

grab a set of ARP studs as it will be cheaper to buy then once then head bolts a few times if you turn out to have a block or head flatness issue

PN 12251-PCX-004

51.29+ SH

http://www.hondapartsdeals.com/hpa_p...onGroupID=9085

studs are 113 these guys are usually the cheapest when it comes to ARP hardware Ive bought from them before and they are great to deal with

http://lightningmotorsports.com/arp/...2/i-61557.aspx

so for a total of about 175 plus a bit of coolant you should be all set!