Hi, I have a 2002 that makes a sort of grinding or gear noise right between 6-6.5K rpm which I presume is when the vtec kicks in(?). It only lasts for half a second or less. Please tell me this is either normal or not expensive to fix!

Thanks,
Greg

 

I heard it while driving and accelerating medium hard.

 

The only noise you might hear with the VTEC system is the solenoid engaging which is a subtle clicking noise. It wouldn't be in that rpm range at WOT , but it could be if driving at part throttle. The VTEC system is either engaged or not engaged, not usually anything in between that might cause any grinding IMO.

 

I've never, ever (that's more infrequent than just plain "never" ) heard this. My valves have always been in spec, I run clean pure synthetic multi oil, and don't vtec until the engine is warm. Maybe that helps? Won't hurt.

There's a noise, though for sure. Out the tailpipes.

-- Chuck

 

interesting, if it is not vtec related what else might make that sort of noise at that rpm range?

 

Do you got an aftermarket intake with open air filter?
VTEC transition is at 6k stock and with an open filter it's pretty loud and could maybe sound a bit like grinding gears for some.
I remember the first time VTEC kicked in on my Civic Type-R which I just had fitted a short ram open filter on, it really scared me and I though the engine was toast

 

do you hear the noise when revving in neutral ?, could be some loose heatshields rattling