Ok so I bought this 2002 ex that has a none vtec head on a vtec bottom end. I'm pretty sure the vtec PCM is still in the car but it is in limp mode and won't go past 4k rpms. I chalk this up to the none vtec head being on the car. Im planning on picking up the correct head for the car. First question is how do i tell which vtec head i need? i understand there are 2 different ones. 1 is a Vetc E and 1 is a vtec C. And the 2 codes stamped on the heads, 1 ends with a 5 and 1 ends with a 3. How do i tell which one was in my car originally? My other question is will I need to get the PCM flashed when the correct vtec head is installed? Keep in mind it is in limp mode. When I install the vtec head, will it automatically pull itself out of limp mode if I unhook the battery for 30 mins?

 

What codes do you have? You can clear the codes with the diagnostic tool and that should bring it out of limp mode but, if you have a problem it'll come right back until you fix it. You can also reset the ECM/PCM by pulling the #6 fuse in the under-hood fusebox for at least 10 seconds. *This is to be done with the car OFF only.

Service manual doesn't list a code for the heads, just the the engine so, I can't help with that.

 

thanks for the response. its not throwing any codes, atleast there isnt a CEL coming on but that doesnt mean anything. Ill keep clearing the codes in ming when I put the correct cylinder head on in a couple weeks.

 

now, does anyone know which head is the vtec-e and which is the vtec-c? ill set it up for you:

both are vtec cylinder heads:
PMR-HA-9
PMR-HA-5

one is a vtec-e head and one is a vtec-c head. Which one is which?

the reason for the question is my civic came with a vtec-e head originally from the factory. Im assuming that the person that had this car before me just pulled the vtec cylinder head off and didnt pull the ECM. I want to make sure that when I go to find another head, I get the correct one that I need so that my ECM will be happy and not go into limp mode anymore.