For anyone that likes pictures instead of just words I think you'll like this:
What does the VTEC system in a Honda engine do?
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question229.htm
And make sure which one you're talking about.
DOHC VTEC
http://www.leecao.com/honda/vtec/dohcvtec.html
SOHC VTEC
http://www.leecao.com/honda/vtec/sohcvtec.html
SOHC VTEC-E
http://www.leecao.com/honda/vtec/sohcvtece.html
3-Stage VTEC
http://www.leecao.com/honda/vtec/3stagevtec.html
Here is some light reading as well on VTEC Missconceptions.
http://www.leecao.com/honda/vtec/commonmiss.html
It is my understanding that on the U.S. FIT the other valves open between 3400 and 3800 rpms I suspect the difference in the ranges are transmission related. My M/T opens them at about 3500rpm's as I can both feel and hear the change. It's almost like it was kicked in the rear when accelerating to Hwy. speed.
That was when it was stock since I've changed the headers and installed a CAI the transition has not been as noticable, the acceleration seems to be more fluid now but it's still there.
I don't think this would be complete without the Pros and Cons of VTEC technology.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/framed...tec/index.html
Found this info helpful when I first got my Fit and was comparing it to my Brothers Scion Xb over the phone which has the VVT-i = Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence engine.
The Honda VTEC compares more to the Toyota VVTL-i because they both can alter valve lift (and duration) as well as valve timing.
Toyota has now ceased production of its VVTL-i engines for most markets, because the engine does not meet Euro IV specifications for emissions.
VTEC (which stands for Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
VVT-i (which stands for Variable Valve Timing with intelligence)
VVTL-i (which stands for Variable Valve Timing and Lift with intelligence)
VTEC is an electronic and mechanical system in some Honda engines that allows the engine to effectively have multiple camshafts. As the engine moves into different rpm ranges, the engine's computer can activate alternate lobes on the camshaft and change the cam's timing.
VVTL-i uses an oil pressure switch which pushes a sliding pin under the slipper follower on each rocker arm. This in effect, switches to the high lobe causing high lift and longer duration.
For reference to this info,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VVT-i
Think I went a stray on this but one thing led to another besides if you're going to fully understand it this gives you more points of view on how it can do what it does and why.
I want the 3-Stage VTEC. The D15B is a 1.5L engine that is capable of about 54mpg and is rated for about 128HP.