I have an 89 SI with a B16 swap, with your basic bolt ons. When the swap was first done VTEC would engage like you wouldnt believe, i mean it was nuts. For the past year or so it has just seemed to lose power, it would go into Vtec but half assed. I dont know what it could be, sometimes now it seems like it wont go into Vtec at all, there is no power increase and the exhaust hardly changes tone. i have an obd0 ecu, its throwing a code 9, but i dont know what it is. I use 5-30 synthetic oil, and have changed my Vtec spool gasket, hoping that would fix something, or do a little something, but... it didnt. I have a oil leak on the dizzy side of the motor, but i dont know what it is. Guys please help! People tell me that it could be my speedo cable, well its not it b/c its disconnected (had to put in a new tranny... my old tranny slug the speedo gear out the bottom of the casing) but before it was disconnected it was still sluggish. Some people say its a knock sensor or crank sensor, but **** i dont know. Im up for any suggestions. VTEC COME BACK!!

 

Code #9 is cylinder position sensor..
That is usually associated with distributor failure..

The bearing inside starts to shread and the pieces stick
to the magnetic pick-ups which distorts the signal to the ecu..

PS>The speed sensor does need to be connected for VTEC to engage..

 

For the leak it may very well be your vtec solenoid or dizzy leaking. If you have a code 9 your dizzy may be going bad anyway. But for the leak, try replacing the dizzy gasket and putting a little honda bond on the gasket and spool gasket, it should take care of the leaks (providing its not coming from the valve cover gasket; which can get the same honda bond treatment

 

so a new dizzy maybe in my future. so the cylinder sensor masy be the prob for the VTEC engagement. I hope im tired of my car being dookie. The check engine like came on around 8 months ago, i was at the dragstrip and i got a lot of wheel hop and it came one, its been on since, could there be a loose wire, or unlikely?