In a previous post, I remarked that I was disappointed that my first VTEC failed completely amaze me. I was expecting a power surge when the RPM gauge hit 6000 rpms, but instead, the car just kept increasing the power steadily. Nice, but not the fireworks I was expecting. Those posting replies said to let it break in, punch it at 6000, etc, etc. Did anyone notice this passage from the article in Top Gear of May 2002 where the writer said:

"Another subtle change, according to my hooded friend: at 6,300rpm, Honda

 

Interesting, although it cannot be verified unless dyno curves are overlayed and compared.

If this IS true, it would be interesting to find out if the midrange area has been increased to make the switchover feel more gradual, or if high cam was made slightly less aggresive, but somehow retains the peak HP.

My cars switchover feels like an on/off switch. I do wish there was more midrange punch however.

 

oops double post

 

The VTEC on my car is very strong. It feels like you hit a NOS button or something.

 

I have a 2002, and I have ridden in a 2000 and 2001 S2000.... VTEC feels the same to me in all three, a definite surge of power. I have also had another person (he has a 2000 model) ride with me, and he thought my VTEC was very apparent.

There was this one time, whether I was imagining it or not, it seemed as if my VTEC wasn't there.... the next day, everything was fine, but for that one night, it sure felt different....

 

I don't think there is any difference between the models. I just think your car is too new. The FRM cilinder walls take a long time to wear in, and it is not unusual for the car to get faster and faster as it gets around 6-8,000 miles on the clock. Our 2000 with 30K pulls much harder than our 2001 with 15,000.

 

On the 2001 I test drove I still say VTEC felt like... nothing. I mentioned before I'm used to turbo cars where there's a definite "light booster rockets" feel, but in the S2000 I drove there was just a nice sustained power band from 3500 RPM or so that just happened to continue all the way up to 9K. No rocket boost, but the speedometer numbers rose faster than expected the entire way.

Just my $.02 as a test driver, not an owner...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BillK
[B]On the 2001 I test drove I still say VTEC felt like... nothing.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Colin
[B]I don't think there is any difference between the models.

 

I'm going to have to agree with angrybee on this issue. I have a 2000 S2k with about 8000 miles on it. I do feel a little surge but not to the degree that most people describe.

This might seem like a dumb question but will you be able "hear" when Vtec is engaged? In other words, are you supposed to hear some dramatic change in pitch from the motor when you go over 6000 ~6500RPM?