Hi,

I will soon be getting an s2000 01 51 model and need some help with identifying whether the vtec is engaging.


Is there an easy way in checking that the vtec is engaging as the car I am buying is second hand and from a small dealership who do not really know much about s2000's.

At the moment I have it booked in for a full RAC inspecton and I am pretty sure the local honda garage is going to be servicing it before I get it.

I may contact them and ask them to check the engine. I'm not sure whether anyone else can give me any more advice.

I've been putting off the buy for so long now and I can not wait to get the car.

 

You should hear the noise change at 6200 rpm or so. Check it with the roof down under hard acceleration, and do it a few times. There's a distinct step change of tone.

 

where are you, by the way? I'm sure they'll be a local board member willing to help you on this.

 

interesting question

For me there is no step or kick at 6k

just a gradual increase in acceleration, the exhaust note changes and I feel an increase in rattlling. ie a smooth increase in power upto 9k.

 

You will notice it on a 2001 car without too much trouble - find a quiet, straight, dry road, once the car and tyres are warmed up. Do a standing start as normal, change up to 2nd when you feel its time to do so, then keep your right foot down until you hit 60 mph.

It should feel a bit like a turbo cutting in, I guess at around 35-40 mph (?)

 

[QUOTE=eyeofthetiger,Mar 6 2005, 08:41 PM] interesting question

For me there is no step or kick at 6k

just a gradual increase in acceleration, the exhaust note changes and I feel an increase in rattlling.

 

If you're able to do above 6000rpm, then VTEC is working. That's what allows the engine to rev beyond the 6000rpm point. If you're not able to, then oil pressure (or lack thereof) is the problem.

VTEC basically comes as a change in tone from a drone to a scream, along with a surge in acceleration; this normally results in a huge smile on faces of the vehicle's occupants.

I actually find myself humming along like some sort of demented kid when VTEC kicks in.

 

There are far more important things to check. I've never heard of a car not engaging vtec that wasn't oil or MAP sensor related. It's not something I would worry about TBH. Check, oil, crash damage, FSH etc etc and read the tech faq

 

It's apparently been smoothed over on the 04's.

If you are at WOT you should definately notice a step on earlier models, so I'd try that

 

I would take it easy Jamie after your op! A kick in the back might see you in hospital again