I'm having some trouble with VTEC. It's consistent, but doesn't hit in every gear.

Here's my configuration: I have an H22a4 in my 95 hatch. I've converted it to OBD1 by merging wiring harnesses and using the IM, ECU, etc. from an H22a1 swap. The car runs like a top. The only CEL is the EGR (or lack there-of).

The problem: When I take off in first, the VTEC kicks in. When I shift to 2nd, the VTEC never kicks in. Third, fourth, and fifth gear VTEC kicks in. Now if I take off in 2nd, VTEC will kick in through all gears including 2nd gear.

Has anyone evere experience a problem similar to this? Got any troubleshooting tips that I can test out? I searched for 'VTEC' and didn't see anything close to my problem. Any knowledgeable feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

 

make sure you oil is topped off
make sure the vtec solenoid screen is clean
make sure you have enough gas.

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=830163