With how much work it is to perform a head job, is saving $110 really worth the possiblilty of a bad out come?
While I really don't know for certain why the kit is different, some things that come to mind are:
The 1995 model years were notorious about blowing head gaskets. Perhaps the later MY units are better designed.
Somewhere along the way, the V6 heads were redesigned. I believe the number of intake runners were increased per cylinder.
I try not to comment on threads unless I have something to add. And perhaps someone else can chime in with the exact differences. But, common sense means there are differences between the kits. The auto parts store is not just trying to screw everyone.
obviously its worth the 110 dollar savings to me..im doing this for free and not making anything on this..its a temporary fix for a friend...so i bought the cheaper ones..everything seems to be the same..heads bolted on fine...ill try and start it in the am after its finished...ill post my end result to see if its bad or not.