Is something wrong with my VTEC?

[Spudley]

Hey all, I'm a complete n00b to the whole Honda world or front wheel drive in general and I've just picked up an EG 4 door sedan VTI model. It's manual, and goes ok for my daily driver.
One question I had though, is how can I tell my VTEC is actually working properly?
It doesn't seem to feel like it kicks in through the rev range, even after 5,000rpm+

Is it possible that someone has just slapped the VTEC rocker cover on to a non VTEC SOHC engine, or are they completely different?

Any help to check if my VTEC is function will be muchly appreciated.

Cheers,
Liam.

[trism]

SOHC vtec doesnt have a kick.

[dougie_504]

I feel better power from 4,000 onwards although the 'kick' is around 5,200-5,500. It's more of a continued power delivery IMO. No kick like trism said.

Below 4,000 is terribly weak.

If you wanted to be a vtec fanboy you bought the wrong car.

[Spudley]

Ah cool. Thanks guys. Like I said, I'm a complete n00b to Vtec so had no idea what to expect.
Just wanted a reliable daily driver.. If I want to go fast I'll go on two wheels thanks

I think the tappets also need adjusting as there's a rattley noise coming from the engine under load at low rpm.. I'll take the valve cover off and check the clearances when I get a chance.. Hopefully this helps the engine run a little nicer and perform a little better.

[dougie_504]

Failing that just contact 'stndrd' here. He's a registered trader and mechanic.

[FRK202]

Not sure about this, but wouldn't the "rattley noise" be the engine pinging?

[Spudley]

I was under the impression pinging only happens high in the rev range?
This is only down low and under load, like if you try accelerating in 3rd gear at 20km/h for example.

[butterfingers]

I was under the impression pinging only happens high in the rev range?
This is only down low and under load, like if you try accelerating in 3rd gear at 20km/h for example.

that is like the worst thing you can do in your little 1.6, short of doing the same thing in 4th and 5th respectively.

ping happens for a variety of reasons, low octane fuel being one of the more common.

[Spudley]

It's not like I do it intentionally, that was just an example. Even if you come to a small hill and aren't loosing speed, revs might sit around 3-4k but under the load of going up a hill it makes a rattley noise.
I'll get the valve clearances checked just so i know that's not it, and take it from there I think.

[FRK202]

Give us feedback as to how that goes because my Civic pings when going uphill 3rd gear at ~50kmph. And the only real way I found to stop it is to let off the throttle a bit

[DC2-PWR]

Give us feedback as to how that goes because my Civic pings when going uphill 3rd gear at ~50kmph. And the only real way I found to stop it is to let off the throttle a bit

Check the timing and fuel

Check spark plugs, give them a good clean and test it out.

[Spoon-Accord]

if you want to really know, you could ways post up the cost of your engine or just install a pod filter on the end of it. you will notice some sort of intake noise crossover (have done this to many and countless d series vtec engines/cars in my lifetime)