81.5mm MLS Head Gasket .030 - Honda VTEC

The 81.5mm MLS Head Gasket .030 for Honda VTEC engines represents the gold standard for high-revving naturally aspirated builds where cylinder head sealing integrity directly impacts power output and longevity. This gasket exists to handle the extreme pressure cycles and thermal gradients generated by VTEC valve train operation—particularly in engines running elevated compression ratios or aggressive cam profiles. Whether you're rebuilding a B16A, B18C, or K-series VTEC platform, a quality MLS gasket prevents head lift, combustion gas blowby, and coolant intrusion that compromise both performance and reliability.

Cometic's multi-layer steel (MLS) construction uses precisely stacked elastomer-coated steel layers to distribute clamping load uniformly across the sealing surface, a critical advantage over traditional composite gaskets in forced-induction or high-boost applications. The .030 inch thickness is engineered to maintain proper combustion chamber volume and squish clearance on ported or honed deck surfaces without requiring custom head work. MLS technology resists cold-flow and relaxation that plague softer materials, ensuring the seal holds across repeated heat cycles, full-throttle acceleration, and sustained high-RPM operation—exactly what VTEC engines demand when pushing 8,000+ RPM regularly.

Enthusiasts and professional shops choose this gasket for street-tuned VTEC engines, track builds, and engine swaps where factory gasket margins are insufficient. Installation requires proper head bolt torque sequencing and factory-spec fastener tension—undertightening risks blowby; overtightening warps the head. The 81.5mm bore diameter matches OEM Honda VTEC specifications precisely, ensuring perfect alignment with cylinder ports and coolant passages. For anyone serious about reliability in a rebuilt or modified VTEC engine, this Cometic MLS gasket is a non-negotiable upgrade that pays dividends in power consistency, oil cleanliness, and engine lifespan.