Honda Repair: overheating, dowel pins, bolt holes

Question
QUESTION: Hey I have a problem with my ls vtec motor it keep overheating and I changed the head gasket 3 times because supposedly I had the wrong head gasket so I put the ls head gasket and it still overheating. What can it be ?

ANSWER: Anthony, LS vtec motors can be a problem to diagnose. Since this is not a stock motor and a custom built engine. First off evaluate all your cooling system components. Water pump, thermostat, hoses, and has the system been bled properly. Was the head milled .005 when the swap was done? Is your radiator cleaned out and flushed? Since you didnt provide very many details i can only guess for you. Please provide more information in a follow up and i can possibly pinpoint what the problem is. Does it overheat while driving or idling? Vehicle description? What year block and head?

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QUESTION: It a 93 block with a 98 head and it overheat when I'm driving. I want to make sure I have the right head gasket. Does the head gasket have to match the block or the head ?

Answer
Anthony, use the gasket for the 93 block. Final head mods include a little drilling. In order for the head to be positioned properly on the block, the head-locating dowel pins need to be moved from the exhaust side to the intake side. Bore the existing head bolt holes out to 14mm with a drill press. These holes should also be drilled 10mm deep so half of the dowel can be inserted into the hole. With the two dowels relocated, any '90-'01 Integra LS head gasket will fit perfectly.