OK, ever since my very first dyno run last week, in which VTEC did not engage in my first run, I am paying special attention and maybe this is just in my head, but I can swear I am not hitting VTEC every time. My question to the forum is, if VTEC fails, does a check engine light come on? How would I know that VTEC is failing, other than trying to detect the difference in engine sound? Can anyone provide me with a few "can't miss" distinctions? Here's another thing:

We drove in my friend's Prelude, and in his car, the jump to VTEC is unmistakable. So when we drove in my car, he made the point that since the R engine is already pretty loud, by the time it reaches 5700, the jump to VTEC isn't all that pronounced. I am thinking he's right, but I just wanna make sure my car is fine.

 

Check your oil level if you have not already. If the car is not modded, bring the damn thing to the dealership (make sure all fluids are proper first).

As far as "maybe not noticing" the sound vtec makes... ehmm.. MAKE SURE your car is warm before you get on the petal, as I have heard vtec will not engage if the engine is cold (also just plain stupid to mash it when the engine is cold). After all is said and done, get an AEM CAI on that puppy, the jump to vtec SCREAMS! hehe. I just put on mine a few weeks ago, and have been lovin it. Makes the car a whole lot more fun to drive.

Jon

 

Oh, you'll know when VTEC kicks in. It'll same tame in a Prelude compared to a ITR. Take it to a dealer and have it checked.

 

OK, everyone says this: "You'll know when VTEC kicks in". I am now convinced that:

1. I am either deaf
2. VTEC is not kicking in in my car.

I am going with #2. VTEC is not happening in my car. I am going to the dealership.

 

are you sure you are at WOT? VTEC kicks at 5700 or so, but it you are only at partial throttle you wont feel the rush. Its not really a thump, but the tach will take the last 3k faster than the 3k before it. The tach make a leap for the red zone...

I use cheap valero 92 gas too, so that doesnt matter...

 

If your car is stock remove the air box cover for verification of VTEC engagement. When you crossover to VTEC at ~ 5700 rpms you'll clearly hear the difference. It'll be every bit as loud as an AEM CAI without the cover and won't harm your engine in anyway either. Probably doesn't make as much hp (when hot due to heat soak), but will clear up any doubt as to whether your VTEC is working correctly or not.

It will also help us eliminate option #1 from above

 

Yeah, VTEC is noticeable in my R... at about 5800 rpms. There's a definite sound change... rather more aggressive sounding. Also, there's a bit of a stronger pull too, which I love to feel!!! Oh, no mods on the R yet... I'm so lazy to put on the AEM! :-P

-Buzz

 

I believe that when VTEC kicks in thier is a little hand that comes out of the dash and slaps you in the face. Maybe you should go to the dealer and see if you little hand is functioning properly.

Boba- who got slapped by the little hand this morning.