I'm stupid for asking but heres a vtec question - Honda Prelude Forum

dragonfly · 02-12-2002, 11:41 PM

Hello

I know this is going to make me sound stupid but I don't know much about cars and I am trying to learn so here goes. I've tried looking up old post on this but I'm still kind of lost on this. So here are my questions. How does one engage vtec and how do I know if vtec is engaged. I also have a SS but I am also wondering if it is possible to hit vtec when I am driving in the normal automatic mode or I have to be in SS to do it?

Thanks for bareing with me on this.

KulSecHskY · 02-12-2002, 11:47 PM

VTEC is engaged at a predetermined point in the RPM range. right around 5k. i think its 4,800 exactly. when VTEC is engaged you'll feel a sudden rush of acceleration. also the noise from the intake will increase. it's very... lovely. As for the tranny it has nothing to do with it being in SS or regular mode.

gen5 · 02-12-2002, 11:49 PM

VTEC virgin?!

it's possible to hit vtec in full auto mode. warm up your car and don't be afraid, step on it, u should know how it feels.

pellet31 · 02-13-2002, 12:08 AM

vtec kicks in at 5200 rpms and boy will you know the difference!!!

5Gen_Prelude · 02-13-2002, 01:04 AM

Uh, partially right. VTEC is dependent on the RPM - where it hits and where it's indicated on the tach is subject to debate but lets say just over 5000. But you must also have your engine warmed up, and you must be on the throttle - you can't pussy your way past the RPM mark. But once you do feel it, you'll know what it is.

ludecrs01 · 02-13-2002, 01:13 AM

Next time you merge onto the highway, downshift to 3rd (or click your little shifter for you SS foooo's) and you will feel it. Ive noticed that VTEC is best experienced at 3rd gear....or at least thats when its the loudest for me. Also it doesnt hurt to latch on a CAI to your engine.

97VTI lude 4WS · 02-13-2002, 03:13 AM

Try this link, it explanes how VTEC works.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/framed....tec/index.html

NiteLife07 · 02-13-2002, 06:07 AM

My VTEC hits exactly at 5200 rpm...i love the sound the engine makes..the engines sounds deep.. you'll know when VTEC hits b/c you'll feel major pull.

dragonfly · 02-13-2002, 09:46 AM

Okay,

Thanks for the Information on vtec

01_H22A · 02-13-2002, 09:49 AM

why does my vtec engage at 5400 RPMs?? and it doesnt feel as big as everyone says it is.

Prelude Racer · 02-13-2002, 10:04 AM

ya i notice my v tec but it ain't like whoa

but it is a nice lil boost

KulSecHskY · 02-13-2002, 10:42 AM

Maybe you guys got the detuned VTEC cams! I heard about these, several Preludes have less agressive VTEC cams. Like 1 in a 100. Sucks to be you!

DaRawkus8 · 02-13-2002, 10:56 AM

Hope this Helps ... What's VTEC?

VTEC is Honda's trademarked acronym for Variable valve Timing and Electronic lift Control. Put simply, it's a method of directly altering the cam profile that valves "see", so that the optimum grind can be utilized at either high or low rpm.
Ideally we'd like to control each valve independently with great precision. Unfortunately this isn't practical/feasible yet. Thus the need for DOHC. However even that is limited, imagine if we dynamically alter the camshaft lobes for optimal configuration for the valves opening and closing for a given range of RPMs? Essentially VTEC allows many different camshaft profiles. Ideally you can have a low RPM cam, then kick in the big RPM cam.
You've got the best of both worlds. This is VTEC.
It's electronic in the sense that the whole setup is RPM activated by the engine computer.

For more VTEC explanation, see http://integra.vtec.net/vtec.html

Pete · 02-13-2002, 11:49 AM

This thread is PROOF that we are NOT arrogant around here, we ARE always willing to help new people, and that NO QUESTION IS TOO STUPID to be taken seriously. (That wasn't a stupid question, dragonfly, your dealer should have been able to explain it when you bought the car, but I'll bet he didn't have a clue.)

My hat is off to everyone who offered a thoughtful, friendly response. This is the kind of thing that I think Malken was trying to achieve a few weeks ago when the new rules were posted.

GoHaN408 · 02-14-2002, 12:59 AM

i want XM....

big blue h22 · 02-14-2002, 01:19 AM

you'll know when you hit it by looking down and seeing you pissed in your pants

Mr.RiceAdvisor · 02-14-2002, 01:43 AM

get a air intake, and FOR sure you will know when vtec hits..vrroooooBLLLAAAMMM at 5200 rpms

Pete · 02-14-2002, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GoHaN408
i want XM....

I love it.

http://www.preludeonline.com/showthr...203#post468203

Mz3silver · 02-14-2002, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prelude Racer
ya i notice my v tec but it ain't like whoa but it is a nice lil boost

On mine VTEC is best at 2nd (biggest whoa! but short) and then ''yee hah!" in 3rd....

And yes... there is a major diff for me at the cross over point..

Goes like this when startin' from second

Darn! Need power..Darn! Need power..Darn! Need power..Darn! Need power..(5000+ RPM).. whoaaaaaaaaaaa (Redline and Shift) YeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaaaaaa! (use brakes... and Damn i need a road with no speed limits...)

shock · 02-14-2002, 09:18 AM

vtec engagement isnt a big deal if you're cautious about it..full on stomping acceleration will produce a big big difference. There is no missing that intake screaming sound