Head is dead... What to do?

[sicivicguy]

So... My engine had about 90K on it. I'm just gonna say that the head it dead. Exhaust fume are coming out the top valve cover... So... WHAT SHOULD I DO?
The bottom end should still be ok. Should I spend $$$ on upgraded valvtrain and Cams? or should I just buy a k24a1(CRV)? What would be cheaper when it comes to paying a mechanic? And which will be easier to smog?

If I just fix it with better parts I'm a grab K-Pro and bore out the TB (or Skunk2). As well as new exhaust.
But if I do the CRV I am going to just K-Pro....

SO.... WHAT SHOULD I DO?... Seeing as it is just the head that is the problem. :mfrown:

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO... :-(

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k147/sicivicguy/th_IMG_1037.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k147/sicivicguy/?action=view&current=IMG_1037.mp4)

[Slip_Angle]

Swap in a K24. You'll regret fixing the k20a3.

[AUTiger]

Swap in a K24. You'll regret fixing the k20a3.

I second that.

[Twisted-X]

I'm curious what it looks like under that valve cover...

[McTaggart34]

I'm curious what it looks like under that valve cover...
this

[RHCP0801]

yea, just put in a k24

[sicivicguy]

I'm curious what it looks like under that valve cover...

Looks normal... Might have bent or broke a Valve. Can't see that... ;-)

[02TWSI]

You guys are missing the fact that he lives in california, the state that says fuck no to most swaps....

[japarossa]

A swap would be nice but in California its probably just easier to swap on a new a3 head so you can still pass smog and you can probably pick up a head for a couple hundred bucks.

[talonXracer]

I HIGHLY doubt the A3 head is as you call it dead.

If you are just looking for an excuse to do a swap for more power then go for a complete A2 swap...the issue all boils down to your living in a socialist nanny state that demands conformity over indvidual freedoms.

Your life and vehicle would respond far better if you left that septic state LOL,

[cloumep3]

K24 would be way to go, but residing in CA..., not so mod friendly place...

[AUTiger]

okay, in california a k24a1 wouldn't work, but a k24a4 out of an accord would for cheap. That or like stated already a complete a2 swap

[vicx52o]

Swap in a K24A2. You should be fine considering the TSX is a passenger car just like the Accord unlike the CRV.

[KevinEP3]

I have a head I can sell you. I traded someone here on ephatch my set of brian crower stg 3 cams for his head and an a/c compressor. He told me it was in good shape so thats all I know about the head. I needed it because my engine was ticking and supposely the cam lobes and roller rocker where worn but recently I snapped a rod so I bought a used engine and I wont be needing this head. Let me know if you want it we can work out a price. email: kevinnwright@att.net

[TXEP3]

I don't think you should even think about swapping your engine because of that. It's probably something simple like a valve stem seal. Pretty sure you can pick up a set for like $10 plus any labor you might have to pay if you aren't capable of doing it yourself. If you're not looking to spend thousands of dollars, just fix the problem. Compression test it, find out where exactly the problem is. You need to assess the situation further before making any decisions. My $0.02

[sicivicguy]

THANKS FOR THE INPUT EVERYONE... I'm not really too concerned about the power gain issue cuz K-Pro will help me out a bit so the engine will feel better. I am not really trying to find an excuse to swap, so I may ask the opinion of a mechanic and see if they can fix it cuz YES CALIFORNIA SUCKS BALLS!... LOL

I would rather spend the money on making her look better i.e. NEW WHEEL'S, MUGEN CF WING, CF HOOD..... :mwink:

If I can fix the head and make it run 100%.... I would love to get some stage 2 Skunk cams and upgraded valve train cuz I will probably need new vlave train anyways... :mangel: