The reason why you can hear vtec kick in on most of the honda's is becuase there is a specific point where the hi cam initiates like 5000 rpm or 5500rpm depending on the car. The new s2k has an i-vtec engine (more of a fuel consumption and low end power style) meanin intelligient vtec where the comp decides which cam it wants to use thru the whole rpm range. So there is no specific vtec engagement point. You will be constantly changing vtec or non vtec while you are driving. Just like the new accord which has the same type of vtec engine and you cant hear or tell the difference while the car is in vtec or not.
How do I know this?
No I did not ask specifically about the s2k, but I am the Internet Sales Manager at Valencia Honda and I have been selling the new 03 accords with that i-vtec feature so i read about it thru official honda training books and that what it said basically.

 

The 04 S2000 does not have i-VTEC. Do a little more research.

 

Hrmm...so far, everyone who has driven the 04 seems to be saying the same thing: no dramtic VTEC crossover. If the 04 doesn't have i-VTEC, then the puzzling question remains. Why no VTEC feeling?

 

Want me to just delete this and pretend it never happened S2KFI?

 

For a brief while, my '03 had no noticeable VTEC crossover but it was still doing VTEC.

To get the "kick" I now need to go WOT to get the familiar pull.. The '04s could be doing the same.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2KFI
The reason why you can hear vtec kick in on most of the honda's is becuase there is a specific point where the hi cam initiates like 5000 rpm or 5500rpm depending on the car. The new s2k has an i-vtec engine (more of a fuel consumption and low end power style) meanin intelligient vtec where the comp decides which cam it wants to use thru the whole rpm range. So there is no specific vtec engagement point. You will be constantly changing vtec or non vtec while you are driving. Just like the new accord which has the same type of vtec engine and you cant hear or tell

 

Maybe this should be moved to the Tell Honda Forum.

 

YOu will not notice vtec kick in as much on the 04 because there is more low end power.

 

the vtec "kick" has a lot to do with where the vtec crossover is set as well as how the motor is tuned in general. i used to own a 99 prelude with the h22a motor. in stock form that motor has a very noticeable vtec "kick". after installing a vafc and adjustable cam gears, along with a knowledgeable tuner on dyno, the motor was tuned to fill in the "gap" in the powerband via lowering the vtec crossover point, playing with the a/f ratios and, adjusting the cam gears. afterwards, the motor had a very linear powerband with vitually no "kick". i guess what i'm trying to get at is that throughout the years of experience honda had with vtec motors, they've probably mastered it to the point where they can tune it to maximize power and torque throughout the powerband, while still remain low emission and fuel economical. in fact, one of the major thing i noticed about the f20 after i bought my MY02 s2000 was that the powerband was way more "linear" without the noticeable kick than i was accustomed to with my encouters with past vtec motors--h22a, b18c, b16a, etc. and to hear that vtec crossover is even more unnoticeable on the new 2.2L motor does not surprise me at all. in fact, it's actually a good thing to not have the "kick"...