OK, OK I know I f---ed up, but I after I completed my LS/Vtec head swap, I needed a PR3 ECU to replace the PR4 I was running in my 90 'teg. I was having trouble finding one so I just wired the VTEC solenoid to switched +12V and drove it that way for a while. Now, I've heard that this is not good, but why is it not good. I've heard: atrocious gas mileage, accelerated cam wear, poor low end torque, anything else? Could I be damaging the VTEC hydraulics? How do I inspect for damage to the VTEC engagement pistons in the rocker arms?

 

Oil starvation could also be a problem. VTEC is activated by oil pressure. So there will be some loss of oil pressure when VTEC is activated. Normally, this is not a problem since VTEC is only activated at high RPMs (when oil supply is plentiful). But at low RPMs, it could be a problem.

 

think about it, with you vtec on constantly you are using the vtec lobe at low rpms.....which is not good.....vtec activates when there is oil pressure high......my friend did that and his motor blew some valves...was running in "STUTTER" mode....anyways hth

 

First of all vtec should only be used when the car is rolling or there is load on the motor. Many times ive seen people do the "pop the vtec" while parked, when on a switch or while using a vtec controller. This could possibly wear out the valvetrain. Also try to change out that switch asap cause you know you might forget sometimes and leave the vtec engaged while coming to a stop after some spirited driving. If anything dont use vtec at all unless you are properly activating it.