When does VTEC kick in?

[Sam]

My 1997 Acura EL 1.6(civic EX in US) has the vtec engine. I understand
that the vtec kicks in at about 5200 rpm. At what rpm does the new 2001
vtec kick in at being that the engine is revised some? Thanks.

[SubVersion29©]

VTEC is a technology that is used to flatten the torque, making the engine
more responsive at wide range of rpm. It's not something that enhance power.
Anyway, the switch over is dependent on load and rpm. Are you looking for
the switch point when the engine is running at WOT?

[Lee Cao]

"SubVersion29Š" <seann...@gte.net> wrote in message
news:3A727B5B...@gte.net...

> VTEC is a technology that is used to flatten the torque, making the engine
> more responsive at wide range of rpm. It's not something that enhance
power.

It enhances upper RPM HP. ;)

--
Lee Cao - www.leecao.com
BlueText Development
www.bluetextdev.com

[Doug Holtz]

I thought it "kicked in" about 4400 rpm.
Sam <sa...@home.com> wrote in message
news:Xns9035A5C6F...@24.2.9.58...

[J0§H]

SubVersion29Š wrote:

> VTEC is a technology that is used to flatten the torque, making the engine
> more responsive at wide range of rpm. It's not something that enhance power.
> Anyway, the switch over is dependent on load and rpm.

I believe its just dependent on RPM...not load.

[CaptainKrunch]

Thats what you get for thinking. Why don't you read the factory service
manual?

" J0§H " <riv...@adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:3A733FF3...@adelphia.net...

[Andy MacRae]

It varies depending on VTEC engine. The B16A DOHC engine changes into the
VTEC range at 5600rpm. The change occurs when the pressure is right to slide
a locking pin that releases the extra cam lobes that make the valves work a
lot harder!

Andy MacRae

"SubVersion29Š" <seann...@gte.net> wrote in message
news:3A727B5B...@gte.net...

[Cello]

On Sat, 27 Jan 2001 20:14:06 GMT, "Doug Holtz" <dho...@wi.rr.com>
wrote:

>I thought it "kicked in" about 4400 rpm.

No, there's way too early.

VTEC engages/kicks in at around 5500 RPM.

Cello

[Mista Bone]

D16Z6 and Y8 = 4800 rpm
B18C1 (GSR) = 4400 rpm
B16A from JDM = 4800 rpm
B16A2 and A3 from USDM = 5500 rpm

--
Charles Tague 93 Honda Civic DX HB #17 CSP
1.6L SOHC VTEC 13.56 @ 100 mph,1.908 60 ft.
http://home.cinci.rr.com/mistab0ne/

"Cello" <lw...@home.com> wrote in message news:3a7383ba.18235824@news...

[Pete]

Strange, my JDM '90 Si-R VTEC B16A (series 1 engine) import (to Aust) kicks
in at 5600 factory standard. I checked the sites that deal with this motor
and they confirm it. The only time that VTEC doesn't kick in is first gear
and if the engine is below a set temp. I checked with my contacts in Japan
and this is standard for this motor when coupled with the Y1 tranny.

As for flattening the torque curve and not generating any more power, I
suggest that you lay off the crack.

--
--
"No dammit, it's not OK. Where's the [NOT OK] button?"
(Micro$oft General Protection Fault No. !@#$%*&)

"Mista Bone" <cta...@cinci.rr.com> wrote in message
news:kGOc6.108083$Y23.6...@typhoon.kc.rr.com...

[Zorro]

"CaptainKrunch" <forg...@leavemealone.com> wrote in message
news:t76k0tk...@corp.supernews.com...

> Thats what you get for thinking. Why don't you read the factory service
> manual?

Why don't you knock off the bullshit and give a decent answer..if you know
it.

[Marcus Taylor]

I'm not so sure that "flatten the torque" is a good description. At the
VTEC switchover point on my 2k Prelude, I have a 15 ft-lb (>10%) jump in my
torque curve. To me, that's far from flat. I think the idea behind VTEC is
to give you a 2-in-1 engine. It maximizes economy while cruising around
town at low RPMs, but also frees up more available power in the upper RPM
range, for those who want a higher performing engine.

The second half of your first sentence, "...making the engine more
responsive at wide range of rpm" seems fairly accurate, though. I would
think the "hi-cam" profiles might not be optimal for low-RPM power.

As for the statement about the switchover point being dependent on load...
I'm not sure about that one. Somebody suggested reading the owners manual,
so maybe I will... but it seems like my switchover point is fairly
consistent regardless of load, and probably varies by no more than 100 RPM.
Except when the engine is cold, and you don't get the advantage of the
"hi-cam".

-Marcus.

SubVersion29Š <seann...@gte.net> wrote in message
news:3A727B5B...@gte.net...

[SubVersion29©]

If you combine a low rpm cam and a high rpm cam, would you not get a relatively
flatter torque curve than just either cam? However, there are still smaller
peaks within these cams. This could be what you felt.
Anyway, in the GSR, there is a low rpm and high rpm induction system. It's too
complex to smoothly switch the induction and VTEC systems. This is why there is
a jump, besides the peaks. Perhaps your Prelude has this too?

Anyway, any engine builder could match the output from the VTEC engine at ANY
rpm, but not the whole rpm range. So don't get into the belief that VTEC is
power.

[ralph]

SOHC 1.6 at least is load sensitive; 4800 @ low vacuum (high load) 5200
@ high vac (low load).

--
The first rule of fart club is:
you don't talk about fart club.

[Mista Bone]

I know that, put try explaining to to the other unknowing ones.

--
Charles Tague 93 Honda Civic DX HB #17 CSP
1.6L SOHC VTEC 13.56 @ 100 mph,1.908 60 ft.
http://home.cinci.rr.com/mistab0ne/

"ralph" <124...@gernsback.net> wrote in message
news:3A7512...@gernsback.net...

[Jonavin]

OK, so I have the 2001 D17 vtec engine and it feels like there's many
different "stages":

1- Below 2500rpm, it's soft and quiet, but doesn't move the car much
2- Between 2500rpm and 3000rpm, it gets a bit noisy but with more power
3- Above 3000rpm it quiets down again, and you can feel the extra pull all
the way to about 5000rpm
4- Above 5000rpm, unlike other cars I've driven, it just keeps on going and
just screams out a beautiful sound asking for more

So can somebody explain what's all this? Am I just imagining or what? I've
driven 3 other cars like mine and their all show the same characteristics. I
have no problem with this characteristic except the unpleasant noise between
2500 to 3000rpm.

"Mista Bone" <cta...@cinci.rr.com> wrote in message

news:yobd6.56708$_B2.5...@typhoon.kc.rr.com...

[Gordon McGrew]

On Wed, 31 Jan 2001 03:58:21 GMT, "Jonavin" <ne...@jonavin.com> wrote:

>OK, so I have the 2001 D17 vtec engine and it feels like there's many
>different "stages":
>
>1- Below 2500rpm, it's soft and quiet, but doesn't move the car much

That is for idle and low to mod speed cruising.

>2- Between 2500rpm and 3000rpm, it gets a bit noisy but with more power

It is telling you to go faster.

>3- Above 3000rpm it quiets down again, and you can feel the extra pull all
>the way to about 5000rpm

The purpose of this range is to get you to 5000 rpm as quickly as possible.

>4- Above 5000rpm, unlike other cars I've driven, it just keeps on going and
>just screams out a beautiful sound asking for more

That's the Honda zone.

[Amos Leong]

It's called 3 stage VTEC. Honda is incorporating that technology into it's VTEC
systems as they evolve.

Amos

[Amos Leong]

BTW, i've got the 2001 D17 VTEC as well, and i know exactly what you're talking
about here. :-) How's the new car? Radio give up yet? Mine gave up sometime
before Christmas......sigh.....haven't gotten a replacement yet.

Amos

[Jonavin]

I didn't get my car UNTIL Christmas so I haven't experience any of the
problems people have been complaining about. Maybe they fixed the bugs by
mid-December?

And yes, the engine seems to like being over 3000rpm and is practically
singing above 5000rpm. At the same time, it's surprisingly smooth and
pleasant while cruising on the highway.

How are you doing for mileage? I'm got 32mpg (US) or 7.3L/100km on my last
tank in mixed driving, below just freezing temps.

[Amos Leong]

Gas consumption is about the same as yours. Whereabouts are you located?
With lotsa snow, i waste lotsa gas too! :-)
It's hard on the engine when you have to do second gear starts and all. Then
it takes longer for the engine to warm up, when the temps here are about an
average of -10C. Plus, add to that the winter gas the gas stations are
dishing out. Somehow, i think we'll see better mileage during summer.

Amos

[Jonavin]

I actually did some search and found some information about the 3-stage VTEC
(according to Temple of VTEC Asia, D17A is a 3-stage VTEC).

1-Below 2500rpm it operates with just 12 valves - to save fuel.
2-Above 2500rpm, it's in the normal 16 valve mode
3-Above 5000rpm**, the "wild-cam" activates and where we have "fun VTEC"
kicks in

** OK, I don't know what the exact rpm is but it FEELS like it's around
there. On the JDM D15B engine it was at 6000rpm.

So, I'm not really imagining the "feel" of the engine I wrote about below.
But this doesn't quite explain the noisy 2500-3000rpm points. Strangely, the
noise is only noticeable when accelerating at the range. When cruising at
this range it's more pleasant.

"Amos Leong" <ale...@ucalgary.ca> wrote in message
news:3A7890D0...@ucalgary.ca...

[Jonavin]

Yes, it should be a lot better when it's warmer. When it was about -20C a
couple of weeks ago, I only got about 27mpg (US) or 8.75L/100km. Of course,
I don't think constant use of the heated seats and mirrors isn't really
helping mileage either.

I'm in the Toronto area, and only have about 3000km on my EL. Not much snow;
in fact, it rained today.

"Amos Leong" <ale...@ucalgary.ca> wrote in message

news:3A78F1F0...@ucalgary.ca...

[Amos Leong]

Well when you're cruising, the butterfly valve is not open as wide as when
you're accelerating. More air, more noise, VTEC kicked in! :-) YUM!
I think the new d17 is a blast to drive. I can feel the difference in terms of
torque....could have been a gearing change.
Amos

[Amos Leong]

Hey, i was just at the local Honda dealership today, and they can install
aftermarket heated seats (i might just get them to do it in case some shite
happens). I wish the Civics came with butt warmers. :-)
Mileage around now is about there. I'm just went to fill my tank up and got
about 8.2L/100km. I think it's great. I used to own a VW Jetta before
this.....so you know where i'm coming from :-)

Amos

[Jonavin]

Ok, I guess that explains that. I wish there's some technical article on how
this new engine works. That would answer the original question: "when does
vtec kick in" for the D17A engine.

"Amos Leong" <lemo...@singapore.com> wrote in message
news:3A799470...@singapore.com...

[Amos Leong]

BTW, are you interested in a DIY cold-air induction system? I've just removed
the resonator box in order to install that. Let me know.

Amos

[Jonavin]

Sure. What's it costs? Easy to install? I didn't realize there's already
aftermarket parts for this engine.

"Amos Leong" <lemo...@singapore.com> wrote in message

news:3A7E2E63...@singapore.com...

[Amos Leong]

Well, there are quite a few companies out there with parts. AEM has a big brake
kit, and they're coming out with a CAI in mid Feb. H&R has sport lowering
springs for it, 1.75(F) 1.5(R). Ground Control has adjustable coilovers for
it. DC Sports has a twin canister cat-back system for the 2001 as well. There
is a front lip made by Tsunami, and of course the OEM ground effects kit for the
car from Honda.

The CAI that i have on right now is home-built.
Amos

[Dunedin]

1.8 Integra auto Jap import - no manual. Engine note changes at about 6,250
and it pulls away like a turbo up to 7,500 rpm. Very exciting little car to
drive and brilliant for overtaking hill traffic. Bit too noisy for long open
road driving but great for local stuff. The sudden power boost at 6k+
happens in all gears including first. Never had a VTEC before but the sales
people told me it kicks in over 6 and you have to keep the revs up to get
the power.

They sold it with a total bumper to bumper 3 year repair warranty nil-excess
so we drive it real hard. Be interesting to see how it lasts.

I thought we should get a second one and took a new Honda 2.2 L for a test
drive but it was an ordinary one without the VTEC and lacked the top end
performance of the 1.8. I haven't seen any of this size in VTEC. Do they
make them?

"Sam" <sa...@home.com> wrote in message
news:Xns9035A5C6F...@24.2.9.58...

[George Macdonald]

On Sun, 18 Feb 2001 09:16:02 +1300, "Dunedin" <ji...@clear.net.nz> wrote:

>1.8 Integra auto Jap import - no manual. Engine note changes at about 6,250
>and it pulls away like a turbo up to 7,500 rpm. Very exciting little car to
>drive and brilliant for overtaking hill traffic. Bit too noisy for long open
>road driving but great for local stuff. The sudden power boost at 6k+
>happens in all gears including first. Never had a VTEC before but the sales
>people told me it kicks in over 6 and you have to keep the revs up to get
>the power.
>
>They sold it with a total bumper to bumper 3 year repair warranty nil-excess
>so we drive it real hard. Be interesting to see how it lasts.
>
>I thought we should get a second one and took a new Honda 2.2 L for a test
>drive but it was an ordinary one without the VTEC and lacked the top end
>performance of the 1.8. I haven't seen any of this size in VTEC. Do they
>make them?

In the US the Accord 2.3L has SOHC VTEC but only on the inlet valves -
three different cam profiles and rockers. At lower revs one of the two
valves has a higher lift than the other and at the highest revs (somewhere
around 5Krpm) the three rockers get locked together and the highest lift
cam is used. Maybe someone else has better details but you don't really
feel like much is happening compared with the full inlet & exhaust valve +
manifold runner switch in your DOHC Integra.

In other markets (Europe & Japan) there's an Accord Type R which I believe
has full VTEC on a 2.2L DOHC but we don't get it here. Of course it's
suitably "dressed up", so you wouldn't give anyone any surprises with
it.:-) Try <http://www.vtec.net/> for more info & news.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

[Kim]

if you want a 2.2L DOHC VTEC, you might as well get a VTi-R Honda Prelude,
quite grunty from 2000rpm - 5000rpm and then after 5000rpm it screams like a
banshee, and gives you that oommpp that propells you to 200kilometers per
hour (don't know what that is in miles) in about 10 seconds, fast!!!.

more power and torque than the civic VTEC.

Kim

"George Macdonald" <fammacd=!SPAM^noth...@garden.net> wrote in message
news:3a8f0c97...@news.garden.net...

[Dunedin]

Loved that webpage if mainly for the pic. Almost made me homesick for the
northern hemisphere winters again (almost :)

This Integra is returning about 360Km (225 imp miles) per tank of gas. (We
go through at least a tank and a half per day when it is on callout). I took
it on a 400Km callout yesterday and got about 450Km out of a tank on the
open road but around town it is about as thirsty as my 2.0 intercooled turbo
240hp Subaru. The fuel consumption seems high for a 1.8L. Is this a side
effect of the VTEC technology? Any comments?

"George Macdonald" <fammacd=!SPAM^noth...@garden.net> wrote in message
news:3a8f0c97...@news.garden.net...

[joe dan]

Uhhhh, the Accord V6 3.0 is VTEC.
"Dunedin" <ji...@clear.net.nz> wrote in message news:3a8e...@clear.net.nz...

[George Macdonald]

On Mon, 19 Feb 2001 10:05:20 +1300, "Dunedin" <ji...@clear.net.nz> wrote:

>Loved that webpage if mainly for the pic. Almost made me homesick for the
>northern hemisphere winters again (almost :)
>
>This Integra is returning about 360Km (225 imp miles) per tank of gas. (We
>go through at least a tank and a half per day when it is on callout). I took
>it on a 400Km callout yesterday and got about 450Km out of a tank on the
>open road but around town it is about as thirsty as my 2.0 intercooled turbo
>240hp Subaru. The fuel consumption seems high for a 1.8L. Is this a side
>effect of the VTEC technology? Any comments?

That sounds like a Type R you have - no? I'd guess if your having fun with
it in the VTEC power band it needs a lot of juice.:-) I have non-VTEC
versions of the '92 and '99 Integras and the '99 is definitely thirstier -
I'm not sure what they did to the same size engine, keeping essentially the
same power to make it use more gas... maybe the breathing, because the
exhaust bore seems bigger and the air inlet is different. Anyway on
average I get about 30 miles less per tankful with the newer car and it's
less fun to drive.

[bill.mckinnon]

yes they do in the Prelude VTIR. the engine is called the H22A and makes
about 200HP i think.

Mark

Dunedin <ji...@clear.net.nz> wrote in message news:3a8e...@clear.net.nz...

[Michael Kilgus]

5500 rpm's, that is the magic number!!!!

ralph wrote: