many of us have modded our cars. from intakes to exhausts and even supercharger, we've upgraded and improved our engine's performance. one thing perhaps we can all agree on is that the top end (~8-9K) output tends to remain the same with the exception of the SC of course. now, i've noticed that with each additional mod i put on the car: JR filter, HKS exhaust, Spoon TB, and so on, the VTEC's kick has mellowed to a point where it's not even remotely close to a kick anymore. i remember when my car was 3000 miles old i took my dad in the car (virgin at the time) - he knows nothing about our car - and he asked me if the car had a turbo charger. "your engine suddenly pushed me back on the seat." he said. well that kick is really a tap on the shoulder these days. not that i'm complaining, the low end is making navigation through downtown LA traffic that much more manageable, but i wonder if those of you who modded your cars have noticed the drop in the "kick"? if so, would you say that the kick is now a tap? a gentle push? or still a "kick"? do you think it's better to have that kick? or do think the gains in the lower end is a good trade off for the loss of the VTEC transition kick?

 

I have no mods; ergo, major VTEC surge.

 

Well now that my differential is broke...I am wondering if the drivetrain is acutally strong enough for the supercharger. just think...alot of us are getting not only the clutchs replaced but the synchros too. And now im getting my rear end replaced..which is not a first for s2000's. So im going all motor and doing the Spoon cams that just cam out. 246 duration *intake* and 242 duration *exhaust*. go check them out.

 

What's the link for the cams? 246/242 duration (at 1mm lift) really isn't that big. Guys are running more duration on smaller motors (b16a/b18c) and staying very streetable. As much as 260/250. Oh wait, are these the Spoon cams designed for more midrange and less top end? Don't know if I'd want those.

Richard, don't miss the VTEC kick at all. I'd rather be faster.

Say, are you still doing the AFC-VTEC install and tune this weekend? I'd love to show up and watch.

UL

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ultimate lurker
[B]What's the link for the cams?

 

I don't know whether this information is relevant or not. But concerning the VTEC surge, what viscosity engine oil are you using currenty?

I had a personal experience during my first oil change. I used 5/10 viscosity and the VTEC surge is almost unnoticeable. After consulting with a professional, he told me that VTEC engines need pressure from the engine oil in order to "push or operate" the cams into VTEC range. If the viscosity is too thin, then the pressure would not be sufficient. Alternatively, the changeover would be slow hence the surge is not felt (something like that). Hence, he recommended using 10/30 - 10/40 viscosity engine oil.

I changed the oil immediately and went for a drive. After VTEC-ing for a few times, the "power surge" is very much felt (as initially).

I sincerely hope this information would be helpful.

 

What exactly IS the recommended oil weight for the S2k? I hear a lot of people experimenting, but doesn't Honda recommend a specific type of oil for a good reason?

 

SteveUCI,

Honda recommends 10W-30 motor oil for the S2000.

To answer the VTEC surge question...I, like lvs2k, have no mods and still thoroughly enjoy the VTEC surge.

 

Gotta agree with Mingster. My surge has dropped off a little bit after installing my K&N filter. VTEC is still engaging, but it isn't as noticeable. I think this is due to the fact that we are improving the breathing characteristics of the engine, hence, the extra breathing/fire power from the larger VTEC cam is not as noticeable. By the way, installed the stock filter. Surge was stronger, but the engine felt a little sluggish in the mid range.

 

Most non DOHC VTEC Hondas have 5W-30 engine oil recommendations. The DOHC VTEC's I know of (NSX, Prelude VTEC, S2000, ITR) have 10W-30 recommendations.