Purple, perhaps the problem lies in exactly how many RPMs you're doing. I think in my car, I really notice VTEC kick in at about 6500 RPMs. Maybe you've been close, but just haven't reached that point yet.

Have you had it up to 7000 RPMs? I'd say you should've felt it by then.

Also, like the others said, don't try to do it gradually. You've got to really punch it. You won't hurt the car. It likes to be "exercised" like that!

 

just shift after 7000 to 8000 rpms and you'll feel it. The S can handle it

 

Purple, I know you have talked about in earlier posts that you don't really "run" your s2k hard but I think it's time that you did. That's what the engine was designed for or else there would be no other reason for VTEC; go ahead and run first gear to 40 MPH and second to 60 MPH and you'll get a very good taste of the power of this car; and the VTEC it possesses

 

Thanks for the open hearted replies, everyone. I think the problem might be that I'm gradually accelerating slowly only up to 6k and thus might be missing the full experience of VTEC.

It's 81 degrees where I live and the skies are blue. Time to put the roof down and really fire it up!

 

I agree with the other posters - it's probably the way you are sneaking up on the vtec range.

One other possibility - check your oil level. If you don't have enough oil in the crankcase - vtec won't engage.

Maybe we can turn this into another 04 vs. the 9,000 rpm flamefest.

 

also, although the '04 is very powerful (it seems from dynos that a stock '04 puts more hp to the wheels than previous years) the VTEC engagement is not a pronounced. HONDA made a conscious effort to do this to make the '04 more civilized.

Another example would be the RSX-type S. Although it is 200hp, it is iVTEC and doesn't kick the way other cars.

many years of Prelude actually had a much more pronounced VTEC "kick" than the S.

Just to give you an idea. I am sure nothing is wrong.

One more tidbit. If you ever notice that VTEC is not quite the way it normally feels in your car . . . . . . check the oil!!!

If you are low on oil, VTEC will not feel the same. Hard to explain, but I'm sure many people will agree with that qualitative statement.

 

VTEC is not as pronounced in an '04, but the best way to experience it is to just floor it. Put it in second and floor it at 4000 RPM. Obviously keep your attention on the road but try to notice how much faster the engine climbs from 6000-8000 than it did from 4000-6000. Enjoy!

 

I'm in San Diego and noticed that my car has a cool vtec kick. If you wanna check it out, gimme a pm; I'm more than happy to give you a ride.

-Son

 

Sorry I keep thinking we all have 9K redline Let's change that to 6500 to 7500 rpms

 

you have to turn the vtec switch to 'ON'