Cometic Honda K20/K24 MLS Head Gasket – 87.5mm Bore, .051″ Thickness | Acura RSX, Civic Si & K-Series Engines
Upgrade your Honda K-series engine with the Cometic 87.5mm Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) Cylinder Head Gasket, engineered for dependable combustion sealing, heat resistance, and durability in performance-oriented engine builds.
Designed for compatible Honda K20 and K24 engine configurations, this head gasket features an 87.5mm gasket bore and .051-inch compressed thickness, making it an option for properly measured engine rebuilds, oversized-cylinder applications, and modified K-series engines.
Whether you’re rebuilding a Honda Civic Si, preparing an Acura RSX Type-S for track use, or assembling a K24/K20 performance combination, dependable cylinder head sealing is essential for maintaining compression and preventing combustion gases, coolant, and engine oil from crossing between passages.
Cometic’s MLS construction uses multiple stainless steel layers, including embossed outer layers designed to distribute sealing pressure around the combustion chambers and an internal shim layer that establishes the gasket’s compressed thickness.
Key Features and Benefits
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Multi-Layer Steel Construction: Engineered for strength, resilience, and reliable sealing during repeated engine heat cycles.
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87.5mm Gasket Bore: Designed for compatible K-series engine combinations requiring this gasket opening.
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.051-Inch Compressed Thickness: Provides a defined thickness for compression ratio and piston-to-head clearance calculations.
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Embossed Outer Layers: Help distribute clamping pressure around combustion chambers and fluid passages.
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Stainless Steel Center Layer: Contributes to gasket thickness and structural stability.
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Performance-Oriented Design: Suitable for properly engineered naturally aspirated and forced-induction applications.
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Precision Sealing: Helps maintain separation between combustion gases, coolant, and engine oil.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cometic Gasket |
| Product Type | Cylinder Head Gasket |
| Engine Family | Honda K-Series |
| Engine Applications | Compatible K20 / K24 configurations |
| Construction | Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) |
| Gasket Bore | 87.5mm (3.445 inches) |
| Compressed Thickness | .051 inches (1.295mm) |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Center Layer | Uncoated Stainless Steel Shim |
| Quantity | 1 Head Gasket |
| Intended Use | Performance Engine Rebuild / Modified K-Series Engines |
Part number: Not supplied. Confirm the exact Cometic manufacturer part number before publishing vehicle-specific fitment or structured product data.
$96.98
Important: K20 vs. K24 Cylinder Bore Compatibility
Although K20 and K24 engines share Honda’s K-series architecture, they do not all use the same cylinder bore.
| Engine Family | Typical Factory Bore |
|---|---|
| Honda K20 2.0L | 86.0mm |
| Honda K24 2.4L | 87.0mm |
| This Cometic Head Gasket | 87.5mm opening |
The 87.5mm gasket bore is particularly relevant to compatible K24 engines and appropriately configured performance builds.
However, gasket bore alone does not establish compatibility. The cylinder head, block, oil passages, coolant passages, and specific gasket design must also match.
Important: Do not assume this gasket fits every K20 engine simply because it is marketed as a K20/K24 product. A K20 with an 86mm factory bore may require a different gasket depending on the engine configuration.
Verified Manufacturer Part Number
The exact 87.5mm bore and .051-inch thickness combination is sold as Cometic H2004SP1051S. Cometic also lists C14039-051 with those dimensions for specific K20A2, K20A3, K20Z1, and K24A1 applications. Confirm which part number is printed on your product packaging before publishing.
Year, Make, Model and Engine Fitment
For the Cometic C14039-051 application family, the manufacturer lists:
| Years | Make | Model / Trim | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2004 | Acura | RSX Base | K20A3 2.0L |
| 2002–2004 | Acura | RSX Type-S | K20A2 2.0L |
| 2005–2006 | Acura | RSX Base | K20A3 2.0L |
| 2005–2006 | Acura | RSX Type-S | K20Z1 2.0L |
| 2002–2005 | Honda | Civic Si | K20A3 2.0L |
| 2003–2006 | Honda | CR-V | K24A1 2.4L |
These are the manufacturer-listed model families, filtered to the relevant engine codes.
Important: This does not establish blanket fitment for all Honda K20 and K24 engines, including the 2006–2011 Civic Si K20Z3 or later K24Z-series engines.
FYI: How to Choose the Correct K-Series Head Gasket
The K20 and K24 engines share many architectural features, but their factory cylinder bores differ. A K20 generally uses an 86mm bore, while a K24 commonly uses an 87mm bore.
An 87.5mm gasket may be appropriate for certain K24 configurations or specially prepared engine builds. It is not automatically the ideal gasket for every factory-bore K20.
Before installation, verify the finished cylinder bore, cylinder head oil and coolant passages, deck surface finish, piston-to-head clearance, and head fastener specifications.
For a technical reference on MLS sealing requirements, consult Cometic’s Automotive Performance Gasket Catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this fit a 2004 Acura RSX Type-S?
The C14039-051 is listed for the K20A2 engine used in the 2004 RSX Type-S. Verify the actual product part number before ordering.
Does it fit a 2005 Honda Civic Si?
Yes, the K20A3 engine is among the C14039-051 applications.
Can I use it on a K24/K20 hybrid engine?
Potentially, but hybrid combinations require verification of coolant and oil passages, bore clearance, and the particular cylinder head and block pairing.
Does this gasket include head studs?
No. This listing is for one cylinder head gasket only.
Is it suitable for a turbocharged K-series build?
MLS gaskets are commonly used in forced-induction engines, but reliability depends on correct engine preparation, tuning, and cylinder head clamping. No universal horsepower or boost-pressure rating is established.
When did the K series become THE Honda swap build?
Check out our DIY guide here on the K series.
Upgrade Your Honda K-Series Engine with Cometic
The Cometic 87.5mm MLS Head Gasket provides a performance-oriented sealing solution with .051-inch compressed thickness and engineered multi-layer stainless steel construction.
Whether you’re rebuilding an Acura RSX or assembling a custom K-series performance engine, proper gasket selection is critical to long-term engine reliability.
Shop Honda and Acura performance engine components at Pro Street Online
Specification: Cometic Honda K20/K24 MLS Head Gasket – 87.5mm Bore, .051″ Thickness | Acura RSX, Civic Si & K-Series Engines
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