Stock DC2 VTEC engagement

[PaulsTeg]

Hi all,

Recently I became the proud owner of a completely stock DC2, and finally today I was able to drive it. Nice car I must say however I expected a little more. This brings me to my question; VTEC engagement.

As a newby, how can you tell if the VTEC has engaged? I can't really hear the 'tell-tale' sounds, but with that said, I'm not to sure what to hear for.

From about 6K RPM to 7.5K, the engine noise is slightly different.

Are there some simple tests to determine if the VTEC is working correctly?

Cheers

[tinkerbell]

take the airbox lid of and try it...

[GSi_PSi]

I/H/E to open up the B18c a bit. but for now remove your resonator and airbox lid to hear vtec. Although ive herd you lose power sucking hot engine air in.

[denrie]

Hey mate just to let you know with B18c2 motors the vtec is very suttle as in its not as loud and obvious as a b16a and b18c7 motors.... with the B18c2 motors they have two butterflies first one opens at around 4300rpm and second would be at 5800rpm ...from experience and from what i hear B18c2 motors crossover in the exhaust is the loudest comparing to others.. correct me if im wrong..

but yeh as what the others say.... first options would be I/H/E "Intake" "header" Exhaust".. but dont expect it to roar or sound like a type r ... its no where near it....
unless u start upgrading to Skunk 2 intake manifold... and b18c7 or B16B cams

[PaulsTeg]

Hi all,

Many thanks for your feedback.

Cheers

[tinkerbell]

srlsy guys, he just wants to be able to tell if VTEC is engaging - not how to make it louder, lol!

if it isn't engaging, I/H/E is not going to help that much!

BTW - to the OP, is your car a GSi, VTiR or a Type R?

[trism]

yeah, does your car even have vtec?

[MWAKU]

lol is it a gsi or vtir?

[dinorider]

lol is it a gsi or vtir?

He said DC2.

DC2 = VTi-R

DC4= GSi

[trism]

yes but its a generic thing to call it a dc2, especially if you dont know there is a diff chassis code

[MWAKU]

He said DC2.

DC2 = VTi-R

DC4= GSi

as what trism said, if he is a noob there is a possibility it wouldn't know how to differentiate that the gsi is a dc4 not a dc2, as that integra body shape is usually denoted as a DC2.

as i know what he said and was trying to help the fella out. if he can't hear his vtec, maybe he bought a dc4 instead of a dc2, otherwise he doesn't have vtec working in his car.

[string]

VTi-R has the snooze-fest 1st->2nd gear ratio; guaranteed no fun.

[duzy]

What Denrie said ^

For me there's a crossover sound at roughly 4500rpm then around 6000rpm or so i can feel the pull all the way till 8k but cant hear the vtec. I know then that its working for me.

[twing]

Vtec is activated at 4400 rpm. The next switch is the intake manifold. It switches to a shorter runner at 5800.. that's when ROARRRRRRRRRR happens.
All is explained on the integra brochure:
http://www.honda.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/internet/Honda.com.au/Home/Owners/Previous+Models/Integra/1994+-+2001/

[blueyozi]

You'd know vtec has engaged if you notice a cop car speeding towards you from behind. Then say to the cops on red light.. VTEC Yo.

[lil_foy]

Take off your airbox lid and take it for a quick drive and listen at around 4200~4300ish. It wont be super loud but you should be able to notice it.

Note also check;
Oil levels.
Car is at operating temp


I/H/E to open up the B18c a bit. but for now remove your resonator and airbox lid to hear vtec. Although ive herd you lose power sucking hot engine air in.

Well thats just general common sense, hot air is less dense meaning there is overall less oxygen going into your engine which will result in poorer combustion meaning less power.

[PaulsTeg]

Hi all,

Again, thanks for the feedback. Like I mentioned the car is a DC2 and the 8K RPM redline, VTEC on the engine cover, stock engine bay strut and VIN number analysis pretty much confirm it's a VTI-R model. ;)

After driving the car more now, I can hear slightly an engine note change in the higher RPM range.

Cheers again people.

[MWAKU]

What Denrie said ^

For me there's a crossover sound at roughly 4500rpm then around 6000rpm or so i can feel the pull all the way till 8k but cant hear the vtec. I know then that its working for me.

talk shit i can hear it lol