Block guard provides strenghtening of the cylinder walls. It sits right below the head and head gasket. The way I look at it, since you plan on replacing the head gasket, you might as well install a block guard while the head is off. Block guards cost about $100.
To convert the GReddy kit to your car, you'll have to lengthen the wire on the primary O2 sensor. You also have to drill a hole for the IAT (intake air temp sensor) on the intake section like this:
Some people would just leave the IAT dangling in the engine bay. That is really a "shortcut" way to do it. I like my engine bay looking organized. Check my website for explanation. If you are going to use the blue box, then you'll have to convert the wiring by following the instruction/schematic on my web site. This link will help you out on your install:
http://www.thermal99.20m.com/photo3.html
Scroll down to get the schematic for the 96-98 civic OBD2 ECU.
that's really about it. You can also review the intruction I wrote:
Greddy install
Page1:
http://www.hondastyle.com/forums/sho...=&threadid=105
Page2:
http://www.hondastyle.com/forums/sho...=&threadid=106
I think the stock plugs are NGK 5 (or 6) series..... The higher the number, the colder it burns.