How to exercise '93 NSX VTEC?

[wyuen]

Silly but important question, how do I know when VTEC kicks in in a '93, 4 spd-auto. Is there a special 'feeling'? I heard from prime members is good to exercise VTEC to preserve the engine. I baby the car and wants to understand the car better.

I know manual is slightly different from automatic (VTEC in 3rd gear @ 6RPM and more upper gears @ 5K RPM). I understand not a lot owns auto [a waste I know; but I dunno how to drive manual], so even contribution of the 'feeling' is greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot.

 

[Sumeronthechain]

Vtec should kick in at 5800 RPM in each gear.

The best method is to get the engine and oil warm. And then floor it up to redline. There should be an obvious audible change in engine tone around 6k RPM. Although, this may be less pronounced on cars with factory exhaust.

I want to say you can feel it, but its probably not a measurable amount.

 

[Nefarious]

You can certainly hear when vtec kicks in and sort of feel the power jolt. It's hard to explain, but when it kicks in, you should know. This qualifies for all vehicles with vtec.

 

[clr1024]

The NSX is more subtle than other cars that have VTEC in my opinion.

 

[tbnsxt]

The NSX is more subtle than other cars that have VTEC in my opinion.

I agree.

 

[Gansan]

I think VTEC on the auto is even more subtle because the auto does not have the same variable volume intake as the manual does.

 

[MidnightSun]

The NSX is more subtle than other cars that have VTEC in my opinion.

Yup. My buddy stock ITR VTEC is really loud compare to NSX.

 

[s14_tat]

Find open stretch of road, and push the pedal to the metal till redline.

 

[Big_D]

Just do some spirited driving with your local NSX crew!

 

[Nukem]

I don't feel much of a power difference, but that pitch change is pretty obvious. Gosh I love the sound of the C30a(and C32b) climbing to redline.

 

[Dynamic-uzed-auto]

I just discovered this vtech myself and it feels great

 

[Caroline-NSX]

Just take your car to an open road OR on the freeway and floor it and you will know when the V-TEC will kicks in.You will hear it and feel it at the same time when the V-TEC kicks in.Try to do it every once in a while.It won't hurt anything.:smile:

 

[Sportsmind4me]

I just discovered this vtech myself and it feels great

I assume by your join date that you've had your car for a few years. You've driven it this long without opening it up? I agree with Nukem, there is an audible difference, but the power delivery is very linear and there is a seamless transition into vtec engagement. Mine is not my DD, so I make sure I get it above 6500rpm a few times on each outing. Think of it as if it were a Greyhound. Both are high-strung in nature and need to stretch those fast-twitch muscles regularly to keep them (and you) happy.

 

[NSX GT]

Maybe why I don't feel it. I change gears at 4-5000 rpm. I'm worried to hurt the engine.

 

[wyuen]

so I make sure I get it above 6500rpm a few times on each outing.

Thanks a lot guys for your VALUABLE input! So, I'm getting 5800-6500 rpms, is that true for all 4 gears (auto)? Thanks.

 

[Si Espanol4Yes]

I assume by your join date that you've had your car for a few years. You've driven it this long without opening it up? I agree with Nukem, there is an audible difference, but the power delivery is very linear and there is a seamless transition into vtec engagement. Mine is not my DD, so I make sure I get it above 6500rpm a few times on each outing. Think of it as if it were a Greyhound. Both are high-strung in nature and need to stretch those fast-twitch muscles regularly to keep them (and you) happy.

There is no doubt in my mind that every forum should have a denoted 'sarcasm font.'

On another note, you all drive a Honda. The parts may be a little more expensive and/or intricate, but at the end of the day giving it a good thrashing is nothing but good for it. Get out there and drive your NSX hard. It will not crumble.

I can't believe some here hardly drive their NSX. You aren't getting any younger, and the car sure as hell isn't gaining anything by sitting. :frown:

 

[Sportsmind4me]

Thanks a lot guys for your VALUABLE input! So, I'm getting 5800-6500 rpms, is that true for all 4 gears (auto)? Thanks.

According to the black technical info & development history book that some of the early '91 owners received, manual drive vtec engages "at approximately 5800rpm." The only thing it says about the auto is "When mated to the automatic transmission, the engine has a different set of lift and duration specifications to tailor the power and torque curve to this transmission." I don't know what exact rpm this would be, but seeing as the redline is lower in the auto I would guess it to be 55-5600rpm. I said above 6500rpm b/c I like to get well above the point of engagement, but not hammer it off of the rev. limiter like I've seen some do. I don't believe that is good for the engine, and if someone does this in an NA car IMO they don't know how to drive. As for cars with FI, that's a different story.

 

[Grimeas]

I have stock engine and intake on my nsx and don't really feel/hear much of anything when vtec is suppose to engage most i hear is at 5K when the intake flaps open. My new DD civic Si tho has a very obvious difference. Maybe my vtec don't work on the X..

 

[shawn110975]

I should keep my mouth shut on this thread.

shutting mouth now.

 

[itrsteve]

Yup. My buddy stock ITR VTEC is really loud compare to NSX.

X2, the NSX is very linear (as it should be). I do love hearing such a strong switchover in my R though.

 

[Nukem]

I have stock engine and intake on my nsx and don't really feel/hear much of anything when vtec is suppose to engage most i hear is at 5K when the intake flaps open. My new DD civic Si tho has a very obvious difference. Maybe my vtec don't work on the X..

I hear that too, but also at 5800ish I hear a second pitch change.