VTEC Engagement - $100 bet
 

I have a $100 bet that the VTEC system engages at 6,000 RPM. Is there any thing that someone knows of in the manual or somewhere that actually says when VTEC engages?

The guy I bet said maybe VTEC engages at 6,000 with WOT but it engages at lower RPMs when not at WOT. I thought one of the benefits of Hondata tuning was to lower VTEC from 6,000 to 5,000 RPM?

:rofl:

VTEC engagement always happens at the same rpm :2cents:

You can find on AZ or on Google what rpm it actually engages. Every car model is different (based on engine needs).

This Honda publication under the iVTEC valve control section states "Above 6000 rpm, the intake and exhaust valves are operated by high-lift, long-duration camshaft profiles, ..."
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/acura-automobiles/archive/2008/releases/2008-acura-tsx-powertrain?mode=print
I would conclude the switch-over point is 6,000.
This seems somewhat low considering max HP is at 7,000, but that's what the manufacturer published.

VTEC engagement at an earlier RPM isn't necessarily a good thing unless the tuning is such that it's actually beneficial. If all you do in a tune is change the VTEC engagement point, I don't think it's going to really help.

My 08 RDX with 2.3T i-vtec kicks in at around 4700-5000 rpms. It is hard to feel the switchover because of about +290 ft/lbs of TQ at the same rpm levels. I think the 2nd Gen TSX made some mods to the programming and it also around the 5000 rpm range for vtec. You will have to do FlashPro or Hondata to change the decrease the engagement below 6000 rpms for the 1st Gen TSX (I think Hondata reflash lowers it to 4850-5000 rpms and raises redline to 7600 rpms in sport shift mode only).