Cometic C4232-030 Honda B-Series VTEC MLS Head Gasket – 81.5mm Bore, .030″ Thickness
Upgrade your Honda or Acura B-series VTEC engine with the Cometic C4232-030 Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) Cylinder Head Gasket, engineered for dependable combustion sealing, durability, and performance-oriented engine rebuilding.
Featuring an 81.5mm gasket bore, .030-inch compressed thickness, and three-layer stainless steel construction, this head gasket is designed for compatible Honda DOHC VTEC engines requiring an enlarged gasket opening.
Whether you’re rebuilding an Acura Integra GS-R, refreshing a B16-powered Honda Civic Si, or preparing a B18C performance engine for increased cylinder pressure, choosing the correct head gasket is essential for maintaining compression and preventing combustion gases, coolant, and engine oil from crossing between passages.
Cometic’s MLS design uses embossed outer layers with a fluoroelastomer coating and an uncoated stainless steel center layer. Together, these features help maintain sealing pressure and accommodate the thermal expansion associated with aluminum cylinder heads and cast-iron engine blocks.
Key Features and Benefits
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Three-Layer Stainless Steel Construction: Provides strength, corrosion resistance, and resilience during repeated engine heat cycles.
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81.5mm Gasket Bore: Offers a larger combustion opening than an 81mm gasket for compatible engine configurations.
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.030-Inch Compressed Thickness: Supports precise engine assembly, compression ratio calculations, and piston-to-head clearance measurements.
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Embossed Sealing Surfaces: Designed to distribute clamping pressure around the combustion chambers and fluid passages.
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Viton-Based Coating: Helps accommodate microscopic surface irregularities and demanding sealing environments.
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DOHC VTEC Compatibility: Intended for applicable Honda B16, B17, and B18C engine combinations.
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Performance Applications: Suitable for properly prepared naturally aspirated, turbocharged, supercharged, and nitrous-assisted engines.
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No Routine Retorque Required: When installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions using the appropriate head fasteners.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cometic Gasket |
| Manufacturer Part Number | C4232-030 |
| Product Type | Cylinder Head Gasket |
| Engine Family | Honda B-Series DOHC VTEC |
| Construction | Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) |
| Material | Three-Layer Stainless Steel |
| Gasket Bore | 81.5mm (3.209 inches) |
| Compressed Thickness | .030 inches (0.762mm) |
| Outer Layer Coating | Viton-Based Fluoroelastomer |
| Stated Coating Temperature Resistance | 250°C (482°F) |
| Quantity | 1 Head Gasket |
| Listed Package Weight | 0.6 lb |
| Application | Engine Rebuild / Cylinder Head Repair / Performance Engine Assembly |
Important: The supplied listing contains a temperature typo. The stated coating temperature is 250°C (482°F), not 2,500°C or 4,820°F.
Original price was: $96.52.$91.92Current price is: $91.92.
Year, Make, Model and Engine Fitment
Cometic confirms the C4232-030 for Honda B16A2, B16A3, B17A1, B18C1, and B18C5 DOHC VTEC engines. Its published vehicle catalog covers Acura Integra, Honda Civic, and Honda Civic del Sol applications.
| Years | Make | Model / Trim | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992–1993* | Acura | Integra GS-R | B17A1 1.7L VTEC |
| 1994–2001 | Acura | Integra GS-R | B18C1 1.8L VTEC |
| 1997–1998, 2000–2001 | Acura | Integra Type R | B18C5 1.8L VTEC |
| 1994–1997 | Honda | Civic del Sol VTEC | B16A3 1.6L VTEC |
| 1999–2000 | Honda | Civic Si | B16A2 1.6L VTEC |
*The B17A1 is named in Cometic’s engine description, but its 1992–1993 Integra application is not included in the manufacturer’s current vehicle-year listing. Verify before enabling this fitment in your catalog. Other trim/year entries are corroborated by application listings.
FYI: Choosing the Correct Honda B-Series Head Gasket
Honda’s B16, B17, and B18C VTEC engines typically have an 81mm factory cylinder bore. The Cometic C4232-030 features an 81.5mm gasket opening, offering additional clearance for compatible engine configurations.
A larger gasket bore is not automatically an upgrade. The finished cylinder bore, head-to-block alignment, and compression requirements should determine the correct gasket selection.
For Honda enthusiasts diagnosing a failed head gasket, see How to Fix a B18 Blown Head Gasket on My Pro Street Online.
For engine identification before ordering parts, see How to Identify Your Honda B16 Engine.
Installation Recommendations
Before installing the Cometic C4232-030, inspect the cylinder head and engine block for warpage, measure the finished bore, and verify the required MLS surface finish. Install the gasket on clean, dry mating surfaces unless Cometic specifies otherwise.
Use the correct Honda head bolt procedure or aftermarket head stud manufacturer’s instructions. Do not assume an aftermarket fastener uses the original factory tightening procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the C4232-030 fit a 1998 Acura Integra GS-R?
Yes. The B18C1-equipped 1998 Integra GS-R is a listed application.
Will it fit a 2000 Honda Civic Si?
Yes. The 2000 Civic Si uses the B16A2 engine covered by Cometic’s application listing.
Does this gasket fit a B18B1 Integra LS?
No. Cometic lists separate non-VTEC B18 gaskets. For an 81.5mm B18A1/B18B1 application, the corresponding part is C4239-030.
Can I use this gasket on an LS/VTEC build?
Do not assume so. Cometic lists a separate 81.5mm hybrid VTEC-head/non-VTEC-block gasket, C4236-030.
Is this gasket suitable for turbocharged engines?
It can be used in appropriately engineered performance builds, but proper tuning, deck preparation, and cylinder head clamping are essential. No universal boost or horsepower rating is established.
Upgrade Your Honda VTEC Engine with Cometic
The Cometic C4232-030 MLS Head Gasket combines three-layer stainless steel construction, an 81.5mm gasket bore, and .030-inch compressed thickness for compatible Honda B-series VTEC applications.
Whether you’re repairing an Acura Integra GS-R or assembling a modified B16/B18C engine, accurate gasket selection is an important part of building a dependable engine.
Shop performance engine components at Pro Street Online.
Specification: Cometic C4232-030 Honda B-Series VTEC MLS Head Gasket – 81.5mm Bore, .030″ Thickness
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