About a week ago, I noticed that VTEC wasn't giving the usual kick at 6000 rpms. I seemed to get the "kick" at around 7.5. Some times it will almost hickup in VTEC. There is also a rattling noise in the front of the car when i first start up. Has anyone else has this problem? I dont have the problem once im in VTEC meaning shifting through 2, 3 and so on. Ideas?

 

"Rattle" noise at the front of the car is not much to go on. It could be almost anything but I'll take a wild stab at it based on what you have said and suggest you look toward the cam chain tensioner or the serpentine belt tensioner to start with. The cam chain tensioner may also be responsible for the oddities you have felt with regard to your VTEC.

 

Ok thanks alot. Is the map sensor a big problem?

 

It "can" be a big issue with many cars and this may or may not have anything to do with your current situation. Take a look at the "MAP whack" and give it a try to see if it resolves anything. I doubt that it would contribute to this "rattle".
http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=209708

And since you already have an existing problem and as long as you don't have a CEL, it wouldn't hurt to do an ECU reset at the same time as the MAP thing (do the part that has to do with CEL reset):
http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=183490

 

Just want to confirm that your oil level is ok. Vtec is operated by oil pressure and the timing chain tensioner is operated by a combination of spring pressure and oil pressure.

 

well how about sound change? Kicks are not to noticable after 1st and second. Sound chnage for me is always 6k.

 

Thanks alot for the help. The sound isn't a VTEC sound until about 7.5, +/- a couple. After first gear the sounds and feel is the usual great VTEC. I checked the oil about 2000 miles ago but havent got around to that recently. (i know) That will be the first thing I check.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if it were a MAP problem. If the indicated MAP pressure is too low, VTEC engagement will occur at higher RPMs (just like at high altitudes).

 

I found out that the problem was being caused by a loose spark plug. Supposedly the plug was rattling out when kicking into vtec.