okay was just out driving and i noticed after some vtec action after 4000rpm and mostly till vtec engaded the car would kinda struggle as if ignition timing was to retarded, then in normal driving i got a cel code 23 (knock sensor) what can i do to fix this? i did retard my timing a bit a few days ago but only a VERY small bit like 1mm to the right as it was slugish in the lower rpm but never gave me any trouble until now.

i also had my intake manifold off a few days ago so may have just damaged the sensor but i believe if the sensor wasent even hooked up it wouldent activate a cel as it only activates a cel when it detects a knock. the intake manifold was the last thing i was fiddling with before i got this problem

motor is an obd1 jdm b16a

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/hybrid-engine-swaps-18/%5Bfaq%5D-%22my-vtec-doesnt-work%22-1812135/

halfway down the page is troubleshooting for knock sensor