Questions and Answers
VTEC Can't Kick
Q. Hi my name is Brian, I own a 1992 Honda Civic SI Hatchback, and I am into import racing and performance. I had noticed that any other car with VTEC in it you can distinctly hear it kick in around 5500 RPM. I have heard GSr 2000 EX, Japanese B16a and every single engine makes a distinct VTEC raspy sound to it, except mine. I was wondering if, and how it is different than my brothers 2000 Civic EX and why you cannot hear mine? I even have a performance air-intake, headers, and exhaust which I know would even increase the VTEC sound even more. I have a friend who has a mechanics license and specializes in Honda's, and he said that it sounded like it wasn't even "kicking in". I was wondering if this is possible and how I might be able to fix it.
Thanks so much for your time, I really appreciate it!
Sincerely,
BrianA. For those who don't know, VTEC stands for "Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control" At around 5000 rpm a mechanism within the engine shifts longitudinally, by the use of oil pressure), and a set of lobes tuned for higher performance take over controlling the valves. This can always be heard and occaisionally "felt" under hard acceleration. In your case Brian, the shifting is probably not taking place.
I have not, personally ran into this problem and my experience with the engine is somewhat linited. There is, however, a web site you can go to that will be able to help you out. It is called The Temple Of VTEC and has a ton of information on that engine.
