vtec not engaging?

[na-tastic]

hey guys, just bought a DC2 R.

and it feels as though vtec doesnt engage..

im hoping that it was coz the engine was still cold.

are there any ways to check if vtec is or isnt kicking in?

[titan]

if you were hoping it was because it was cold .. why not just wait for your car to heat up and then give it hit again?

[K.C.]

if vtec dont engage, the car wont pull strongly till 8500 rpm, it will be gutless or feel out of breath after 5500-6000rpm

[00dc2]

who the fark tries to engage vtec when the engine is cold anyway.. bad idea!

[tinkerbell]

he sounds new, so lets cut him a break eh?

but seriously, never try to rev a cold engine out past VTEC...

one way to try to test is by taking the cover off the air-filter adn then try it when it is warm

the air filter cover keeps a lot of noise in, so it is REALLY obvious when you get VTEC when the air filter cover is removed (do NOT remove the air filter!)

[00dc2]

good tip.. should make it obvious

[DC5R]

how did u feel vtec not engaging?

[na-tastic]

well, when i rev it past, 6000rpm, i dont really feel the pull.

i used to drive a 20v 4age and you can definatly feel the vvt past 4400rpm

but im gonna inspect the car again today.

[MrThanh]

can you HEAR the crossover though?

[Vitabrits]

The pull isn't huge. If anything its hard to notice. What you should be focusing on is the sound more. But yes do not rev the engine when its cold, I think that goes for any car anyways haha

[m0nty]

Get someone else to drive it and engage VTEC. A DC2R definitely has enough pull at VTEC engagement to determine whether it's working. Maybe you're just getting used to the power delivery.

[tinkerbell]

but im gonna inspect the car again today.

so you about to buy one? you don't own one

[SpecJ]

yes it doesnt engage when its cold. It is absolutely breathless and you notice it immediately. Just take your foot off the accelerator and drive gently.

I've been considering getting oil temp, oil pres and water pres gauges to give me a better indication of when I can vtec. Perhaps a small investment might save your engine in the long run if you are a lead foot .

[Didz]

Hmm yeah i remember reading somewhere that vtec doesnt engage when the engine is cold (i think this was introduced when the vtir came out?). I know my vtec wont engage when cold.

Just wait until the temp needle starts to move in the up direction first next time

[Elwood]

yes it doesnt engage when its cold. It is absolutely breathless and you notice it immediately. Just take your foot off the accelerator and drive gently.

I've been considering getting oil temp, oil pres and water pres gauges to give me a better indication of when I can vtec. Perhaps a small investment might save your engine in the long run if you are a lead foot .

Ill save you $1000.

When the water temp needle is almost halfway between H and C - you can VTEC.