Questions and Answers

Integra GS-R Variable Valve Timing Q. HI, First off, thank you for having this site, it is the best of its kind. I have a 1995 Acura Integra GS-R, 1.8 liter DOHC VTEC, and manual transmission. The engine is freshly rebuilt with 11:1 pistons, port polish head with Crower 403 cams and upgraded valve train. I have a VTEC problem that I need help with.

My engine runs fine on the low cam lobe, but at 4,400 rpm, at the VTEC engage point, it kicks in but has a loud fluttering sound, and does not seem to increase in rpm. I have assembled the head myself and followed procedures. When I removed the VTEC switch, there was some metal shavings. I am confused and badly in need of help.

A. There are two major parts of the Variable Valve Timing (VTEC) system. The VTEC Pressure Switch and the VTEC Solenoid. The VTEC Solenoid opens and closes an oil passage leading to the rocker arm assembly, allowing engine oil to pressurize the locking pins in the intake rocker arms.

The VTEC Pressure Switch signals the Engine Control Module (ECM ) when the VTEC system has applied oil pressure to the rocker arm assembly, engaging the secondary cam rocker arms.

If there are metal shavings inside the VTEC Pressure Switch, either the switch has self-destructed or they came from somewhere else in the engine.