Is always running the car up to VTEC levels frequently bad?. I don't believe in using the full output of the S2k all the time. However, the car just doesn't have the performance I desire at lower RPMs. I thought that redlining cars damages them, yet this car seems designed to be able to do it frequently. Any thought on this??

George

 

It's a Honda. No.

I believe it was meant to be done. My del Sol has 80,000 miles and aside from a small amout of oil loss when VTECing constantly, it has been fine. And I would venture that I rev hard at least 2 out of every 3 shifts in town.

 

The car is designed for it yes. But I do think that running your car at Vtec is bad. Some people just constantly stay in Vtec territory though I don't blame them. I don't go into Vtec all the time. I guess I baby my car too much. I think varying your RPMs is always best.

 

No, but the engine burns twice as much fuel at 8000 rpm as it does at 4000 rpm. Your gas mileage will definitely suffer.

 

After a quick bout of spirited VTEC'ing today I noticed a very faint burning smell. Don't know if it's clutch or oil but I don't think it's anything to be concerned about according to the experiences of other members. I know what you mean though. After a drive like this you kind of feel like you've trashed the car.

 

Well, when you consider the vast sweep of the digital tach, and consider that almost HALF of it is VTEC territory, you would tend to think that the engineers at Honda expected the car to be revved there fairly often.

Without asking too much of the engine, it climbs into VTEC territory quite readily on its own. I would think that is a healthy indication that the engine was built do it often.

Also, redlining the car and VTEC-ing are two different things. You don't have to punch it right up to 9000rpms to get satisfying power.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Howie
[B]I don't go into Vtec all the time.