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Hello i have a 98 civic, with a stock d16y8 with cold air intake. It has a vtec, but im not to sure if it is working or kicking in? I have had the rpm's over 5200 several times, but dont really know if the vtec is kicking, as i have never riden in another vtec honda. If somebody could let me know that would be great.

Also i was wondering if there are any basic tune-ups that will increase the power as i have had none other than spark plugs, wires, and distributer. let me know.
Thanks in advance.

 
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Actually your Vtec engages at 5600 rpms and only when the oil pressure and engine tempurature is warm enough. You may not be able to tell a big difference when vtec engages but maybe like in 2nd gear and 3rd gear. It all depends...

4-1 dc header
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Sounds about right. It's also a lot easier to feel the VTEC engage on a DOHC than a SOHC. on a single cam you probably won't even feel it.

 
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ok thanks.
Also, i was wondering if i got a vtec controller and set it to kick at about 4000 rpm's, will it be over running my engine? Will it give it a big power increase too?

 
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Its a little bit more complicated that you think... You dont want to make your vtec engage that low, It will actually be a power loss . Your best bet is to take it and get it tuned if you want to do all that but. Getting it tuned with just a intake on it isn't really going to help much either. Just drive it like it is until you do something major ... IF you plan on doing that. You would be wasting your money otherwise

 
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ok well what would be a good first upgrade to do other than like turbo or engine swap? I was looking in a price range of $300-400? Really want more hp but not sure what to do?

 
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most newer vtecs are tuned so that you dont feel any difference. its supposed to be a smooth transition. and if there was a problem, engine light will come on

 
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Ok Thanks