89 crx engine build help.

[uhohhotdog151]

So ill start off by saying I have VERY little money, and not much time. So keep that in mind with your advice. isnt that why we're all here? because we are cheap bstrds? haha.

Any ways, I bought an 89 crx hf, but im concluding that it is in fact a dx my faut for not knowing to check numbers, and assuming people are honest. I drove it for a month or so. around 350 mi/ day. ran poorly, 35 mpg max, started smoking a few days after buying it. did the full tune up, timing, exhaust, etc. no improvement. approx 1 month after purchase i blew the headgasket bad enough to warp and destroy the head and cam, leaving me dead in the water and ending with a 200 mi tow home. it was a hell of a monday!

So this is where i need guidance. i have a complete b15b2 in the car minus the top end. a complete b15b6 with intake and exhause manifolds etc.the b6 head is good as far as i know. both blocks are good, as far as i know.
my questiongs are:
-will the b6 head work well on the b2? ive found a lot of conflicting info becuase of different reliefs in pistons lowering compression.
-would i need to swap the b6 intake and exaust manifolds?
-anything else?
-how can i check to make sure either bottom ends are still good? *note, both heads are removed.
-which block would be best?
-would it be better to just buy a used long block?
-what is a good source for gaskets and parts of decent quality and fair prices?

keep in mind im shooting for longevity/reliability and mileage respectively, and have VERY little money to spend. I have a long commute to work and often have to carry approximatly 300# of tools and gear. I also have to cross a large mountain pass everyday 2x.

Any help or guidance is much appreciated. And yes, i have done a lot of searching, but im quite confused, and most sources are alll about go fast and makin ponies.

[some_other_dave]

The HF head has 8 valves. The DX and Si heads have 16 valves. The HF pistons will not have room for the 8 extra valves used on the DX and Si heads. I don't know what the compression ratio effects of having more valve pockets than needed would be.

I'd look for a used long-block if I were you. You can sometimes find them on Craigslist, and there are a number of importers that carry various engines. Also check on honda-tech and on the crxresource BBS.

-soD

[uhohhotdog151]

TO clarify, i would be putting the 8 valve head on the 16 valve block.