I'm trying to put a 3-stage VTEC D15B engine into my 93 civic, originally equipped with a single stage VTEC. Will the VTEC operate correctly by simply switching out the two solenoid VTEC unit with the single solenoid VTEC unit? Thanks.

P.S. it turns out the mounting brackets are different. So it becomes a matter of wiring. I have one wire from the computer and to wires from the solenoids... two I just wired them altogether?

 

...I was under the impression that 3sVTEC is worse in performance than VTEC and is just another way Honda makes fuel saving engines, unless that's what you're going for of course.

 

Sorry for the double post, but IIRC, you also need to re-pin the ECU, info I do not have access to though.

 

What the crap is a 3 stage v-tec and why?

 

Bout as simple as it sounds. It engages in three different stages.

 

As neat as the swap sounds, it's a lot more hype than it's worth. I mean, you spend money on the engine, and the proper computer, then go through all the wiring to make it work and it's still just a sohc engine with very little torque. That's why Honda never continued with it.

Good luck with the swap, it will still be peppy. If you search it out, there are a few thread covering install of the multi step vtec engine

 

1st stage - 1 intake valve per cylinder stays closed almost all the way, and the ecu causes it to run lean. Same idea as the D15Z1 vtec-e engine.

2nd stage - All valves open and operate normally.

3rd stage - Acts like regular SOHC vtec engagement; running off of the more aggressive cam profile.

Basically you're getting great fuel economy at low rpm, mixed with "performance" at higher rpm, all in 1 engine.