Strange vtec problem ... anyone?

Hi ppz. Im new to this forum, and already have a big issue on my B18c.
Ive recently had my Toda spec C cams installed and currently running motec ecu. I have some weird problems with my vtec engagement.

problem 1:
I just had my car tuned, and vtec is set at 5800rpm. When i rev it up all the way to redline, i can only hear my vtec kicking in at 7000 rpm. The vtec 'sound' is delayed by almost 1200rpm.. has anyone had this problem before? what causes this to happen and how can i fix it?

problem 2:
When my vtec kicks in, I just cant feel the power at all.... the engine is screaming hard and it revs hard, but just not producing any power, by looking at my dyno graph... when after vtec kicks in, the power curve is not ascending as much as before vtec... does anyone know why?

problem 3:
I'm only peaking at 146hp dyno dynamics (shootout mode) which is a very low figure for the setup i have... any idea?


I would really appreciate if anyone can give me any advise or suggestion. Thanks.

problem being?

More info PLEASE!

i think he believes vtec is engaging at 7000 instead of 5800

I know my vtec does kick in at 5800rpm, but just dont understand why i can only hear it coming in at 7000rpm? Also when i say my vtec is not producing the right power, im talking abt from 5500 rpm onwards..... its strange isnt?

You might have to speak to the tuner and / or give us a dyno read out

I'm just worried that it is some cams installation problem... if it is just a tuning problem, i wouldnt worry too much cuz im taking my car to another tuner tomorrow n hope he can fix the problem.
Anyone has the cam setting for toda spec C? mine is just at standard setting at the moment. I have a 2nd thought that could it be becoz i havent tune my cam timing yet, and this causes the vtec problem? but i was also told that even if cams are not set, it should run like a standard cam and shouldnt have any problems.

why don't you tell us more about your car's set up, that way ppl will have a clearer piciture of what it has and how it runs.
there are some knowledgable ppl in this forum who maybe able to help, but we need more info.

are you using stock valve train?

Sounds about right to me... spec c cam's vtec cross over point is somewhere around 7000 rpm.. you might find your vtec is in fact set at 7000 not 5800rpm. Have someone else who’s experience with motec and the necessary hardware/ software to double check everything.


Regards James

Can Motec control the secondary butterflies in the Intake Manifold? Perhaps what he hears as VTEC cross over might not be?

Thanks for urs participation...
I drive a EG civic with type R motor. Recently had my engine rebuilt:
Head ported/polished
Standard type R intake manifold/throttle body
Toda spec C cams
Spoon cams sprockets
CTR pistons
Compression ratio approx 12.0 to 12.3 (according to some website's calculation)
Sard fuel regulator
Motec ECU

Ive juz gone for another dyno tune this morning with a different tuner....no gains in HP / power curve. I've attached a dyno graph here so u guys can have a look. You will notice when vtec kicks in at ard 6000rpm, power curve is not ascending as how it should be.... have a look and u'll know what i mean.

My tuner was telling me that one of reason that caused losing power in vtec band is because my type R intake manifold is not sufficient enough... is that correct? cuz i always believe that type R manifold would be sufficient even for Toda C cams or other high lift cams. Another thing we could think of is my cams are not correctly set. could this be the case? if it's, im in big trouble, that means i have to rip my engine apart and re do the cams again which will prob me cost me another $1k??

The ITR intake manifold is pretty good. i've seen cars make 140kw+ with ITR manifolds. Perhaps try a compression/leakdown test?