Hi guys from the other side of the atlantic i need some help. I am looking at buying a 98 spec dc2 here in scotland but the car in question has come from japan a few years ago running a greddy turbo kit and e manage and no intercooler, now i was out in the car yesterday with its current owner who informed me that the vtec points were set really low sure it was about 3000 rpm, and there was no obvious switchover audible ( i have had several b series vtecs but never a boosted one) it did sound really strange. Now being a mechanic to trade and knowing how the vtec system works i can kind of understand why bringing in vtec earlier to allow more boost into the engine, but this cant really be good for the engine, anyway the main concern was the fact that the cel was on and the owner reports that its always been on since he got it, is this due to the fact that the e manage is piggybacking the standard ecu, anyone currently running the similar set up your advice and knowledge is most appreciated as turboing vtecs over here is still relatively rare. cheers guys awesome site

 

First, you need to start by telling us what the engine code is... It could be anything, and could be unrelated to the E-manage. It could be as simple as a dead IAT sensor and it quickly becomes a maintenance related problem instead.

Having VTEC set early doesn't cause any mechanical "issues".. Many JRSC setups on B16 cams require early VTEC due to a sudden increase of VE and a boosted engine at 3000RPM is matching an NA engine at 5500RPM. As long as the extra cam lift and duration is promoting a steady power gain with proper AFR's and timing, the engine will run healthy. If VTEC is set too low, it will only lack the required oil pressure needed to engage, and the only thing that happens is that VTEC will only come as early as there is enough oil pressure to do it.