Hi. Whenever I take my car above 6k, I can't really feel or notice the VTEC "kick" everybody talks about. I drive an 04 with 2,000 miles. The car gets louder at this rpm, and faster, but I can't feel anything "engage."

I admit that I don't floor my S to get to 6,000 rpm, but gradually accelerate.

I think it's safe to assume that there's nothing profoundly wrong with my brand new S2000, at least I hope not. The problem must be with me. I don't really know what to look or listen for when VTEC happens.

Can someone tell me in detail what the signs of VTEC are? Is there a specific, precise rpm where it happens on an 04? Is it possible that VTEC might occur earlier on an 04 model?

Thanks in advance for helping a brand new S2000 owner.

 

If you are expecting to be puched back in the seat and your hair to be blown off of your head going into VTEC then you're going to be disappointed.

The louder sound that you hear is the VTEC cam engagement and it is at 6000 RPM. The "kick" is a little subtle but can be more pronounced in the lower gears.

PS...the feeling will not be as pronounced if you are not fully on the accelerator. Hope this helps.

 

Bring 'em up to about 30 mph in second gear, THEN PUNCH THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR BOARD!
If you don't feel 'em KICK @ around 6K, take 'em back to the dealer and ask them "WTF"?
Don't watch the tachometer too closley. Pay attention to the road. You should be able to feel VTEC shift.


Now go get dressed and try it out. NOW!

Happy

 

If you do a steady increase in acceleration rather than putting the pedal to the floor, you will not notice VTEC as much. You may hear a slight difference, but you won't feel it as much.

It does occur at a certain RPM range, but I'm not sure off the top of my head what RPM's VTEC kicks in on the 04' models. On previous years, it kicks in about 6K RPM's.

Floor it next time (once the engine is warmed up), and you'll feel and hear VTEC engagement up to redline.

 

VTEC engagement for 04's is the same @ 6k RPM. I could occasionally hear the VTEC engage in my Integra GS-R. It sounded like a very distinct metallic click. Haven't heard it yet on the S2K most likely because of all the racket coming from the engine.

 

 

If you don't feel the cam phaze...you ain't doin' it right!

 

I hate rat dogs.

 

yup, pedal to the metal to get to vtec kick!!
and its very addicting too...

 

Man, is it EVER!! Throttle position definitely affects the way the VTEC kicks in, and to my ears, the sound of the engine smooths out a bit...a sure sign that this is where the car wants to be! And the more aggressive engine sound is actually the sound of the gas being sucked out of the tank!