hey guys,

so to my understanding, vtec engages on our GE at like 3500 or so. so lets say, im on the freeway going 75-80mph or so, and my rpm is close to 4k....does that mean, vtec is engaged constantly?

i want to lean towards no to my own question and that it only engages when the computer senses an immediate acceleration? please clarify. thanks

 

Around 80 and above I would say probably. But I'm no expert.

 

i am really not sure...because if it's like that with constant vtec...and lets say i cruise at 80mph to vegas or something...then the constant vtec cant be good for longevity of the engine?

 

its fine... there is a lot of R&D that goes into the development of the engines... so just drive it normally... keep it well maintained... make sure the oil level is within acceptable range... it should last just as a honda should

one thing that would affect the longevity of your engine is redlining it everywhere you go.. so dont do that and you should be fine...

 

constant vtec because being above a certain rpm range is not bad. All it is is how the engine changes its cam profile for better "breathing". Its not like hitting NOS or anything. Don't worry.

 

You could install a VTEC light in your dash like someone did here on FF, so you can hover just below the speed where it engages if you are really set on it being an issue for you.

 

On the contrary. It's primarily because of VTEC that Honda's engines and parts are known for their longevity.

According to HondaTuning's VTEC 20th anniversary issue (May 2009 I think), the engineers have already made it a standard practice to reinforce everything that needs to be reinforced for VTEC to run. They first did this way back in the late 1980s with the very first B16A. Back in 1989 the standards they used for that first batch of B16As were through the roof and unheard-of for cheap cars.

Twenty years later with almost every Honda sporting VTEC of some sort, you can expect every VTEC engine to be bulletproof, including all the camshafts, valves and VTC assemblies. They have it down to a business-as-usual thing.

The bottom line is, don't be alarmed even if your little mill is cranking VTEC all the time. The little L15A can take it because Honda's engineers did a damn good job on their motors.

 

Vtec doesnt only engage based on RPM. It also engages on throttle percentage. So if ur cruising at 4k rpm doing 80mph it is not engaged all the time.

 

thanks for the info guys.

 

Cant believe nobody else mentioned this.