I've done a search on this topic but found no definitive answers. My question is simple: How long does it take before it's safe to vtec?

I know that ambient temperature is important so let's say:

How long does it take on an 85 degree F day before it's safe to rev high?
How long does it take on a 35 degree F day before it's safe to rev high?

I know that the temp. gauge refers to coolant temp. so I disregard that when I'm trying to find out when it's safe to open up on the road.

I just want to be safe and take care of the engine. How long does it take until the oil is warm and dispersed in the engine? Thanks for your help.

 

NEVER!! driving your motor at high rpm will cause more wear and tear on the engine than driving at a lower rpm, period. i personally wouldn't worry too much about it. just let the temp gauge reach 3 bars, drive for an additional few minutes or so, and have fun.

 

btw, if i am not mistaken, honda has added a preventive to its vtec cars where the ecu will not allow you to rev the motor past a certain rpm unless certain requirements are met--which include, temp, oil pressure, etc... so basically, if the ecu allows you to rev past 6000rpm, then technically honda considers the conditions to be safe.

 

I think it's 7k rpm, not 6. Demonstrated this to a rider the other day with a cold motor - it's like hittin a brick wall. No, I don't do this on a regular basis...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jguerdat
I think it's 7k rpm, not 6.

 

THREE BARS!!

 

I have a BMW Z3M. They recommend 140 Degree oil temp before exceeding 4000 rpm. I was surprised how long it takes the oil to reach 140 compared to the water temp. I now wait a lot longer then 3 bars before exceeding 6000 on the S2K. Proper warmup is a key to long term engine health.

 

I have an M3, the oil temp light doesn't indicate warm for about three or four miles. I wait till I've been driving for 5 or 6 minutes before I VTEC.

 

From my car with an oil temp gage I noticed if the oil is warm the car shifts easy into 1st gear while still moving. With cold oil this is not the case. I use the same for the Honda, if it goes into 1st easy while still moving (10-15 miles/hr), the oil should be warm. It takes quite a bit longer than warming up the coolant.

 

The S2K has an air intake pump which runs when you first start the car up, my rule of thumb is to wait for it to stop running before I start to drive, at that point there isnt low oil pressure to damage the engine and by the time it goes off I have two bars on the temp gauge and within a minute or so later 4 bars (outside temp > 65 F) Anyway, you can tell when it goes off becuase you'll hear it stop running (light whirring noise).