Got the head back from a shop (needed to get a broken spark plug removed and inspection) and it seems the valve guides are worn. On the bright side, everything else checked out fine. I also checked out the cylinder walls myself and they appear to be in great condition still. So it seems like the valve guides might be the cause of the supposed smoking. The previous owner claims the car smoked a little on cold starts and during VTEC. The price of good aftermarket guides don't seem bad, I just don't like the idea of putting the head in the oven to remove the guides At least it's better than doing a full block teardown/cylinder hone/possibly oversized pistons! I just want to avoid any of that if at all possible right now.
Run watchu HAVE, head swaps are easy, run 10w30 NOT 5w20, if it uses less than 1qt per 1000mi...see how much boost it will hold (I bet 11psi if tuned good, 7psi 'garage' mech) have new parts ready, I re-recomend D15
So I should be fine if I run a leave the guides and run a thicker oil? I might need to go back to the shop and get a copy of the notes. If I can get away with leaving the guides alone for a while, that'll be great. Either way, I'm most likely going to replace the valve seals for an extra peace of mind. They're only $1.50 or so each.
And I'm simply more of a DOHC fan, more fun than single cams
They appear to be good. Pulling springs aren't bad with the right tools. Maybe I should put everything back together and use 10w40 and see how the smoking is?
Got a few things in the mail the other day. ARP headstuds, hasport b swap mounts mounts, cable to hydraulic clutch adapter and b series shift linkage (not pictured). Didn't have much time to work on the car lately since I moved again and had to leave it at my dad's house, so I've mainly just been ordering parts.