a better question is does the oem knock sensor detect knock in a range of the fuel you are using

 

I tried everything I would. The exhaust system was checked and also the intake. No problems have been found there. Now the only option left is to open the engine and see what's going in there and what is stopping this engine from making power above 5000 rpm.

 

Oil pressures are??

 

Have the guy who built it take it apart if you think this is your only alternative.

 

Sure that's a possibility, and detonation would cause low yields as I think I mentioned before, however you usually see some signs of this in the graph with a pretty abrasive/jumbled line, but that also depends on the "smoothing" effect amount the tuner set for. Usually its around 3, but regardless your tuner should be able to inspect, confirm or rule that out. I would think dropping the timing several degrees to see if the car picks up power would help rule out detonation. But again, also ruling out timing retard influence from knock detection like you say would be part of this. I would exhaust these 2 points before cracking the engine open. I don't know what your going to find doing that anyway if you said the cams were properly degreed. There isn't much else internally if your showing good leak down and compression that would influence output.

 

We took down the oil pan and things looked ok but we found a small metal tube that must have fallen within the engine. I am attaching the picture of the metal tube and will appreciate your suggestions what this might be. Other than this there were no metal particles or other contaminants in the oil that might suggest excessive wear or rubbing of metal parts in the engine. The rods bearing clearances seemed to be ok. Now I will putbback today the oem exhaust manifold since the aftermarket manifold I have has smaller diameter tubes and might be creating a bottleneck.

 

looks like it came from the head. Those are what activate Vtec IIRC. Part of the rocker assembly

 

My first thought as well, here is a random picture showing where it slides in

 

I also ordered a pair of Brian Crower stage 2 camshafts. Do you think I can use the oem S2k springs or I need the BC or Baladesports springs? I don't plan to rev my engine above 8000 rpm so I hope that the oem springs will not pose reliability concerns with the new camshafts.

 

Thanks a lot. That picture helps a lot.