VTEC/VTEC-E Clairifications (EX/HX)
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VTEC/VTEC-E Clairifications (EX/HX)
Well, I think I've finally found a correct answer. I've been saying, for awhile now, that both the HX & EX have VTEC-E engines. Honda advertised both as VTEC-E, dealers told me they were VTEC-E, and parts dealers showed both engines as 1.7L VTEC-E. Guess I was wrong. 
After talking to a Honda tech, he said that the EX is indeed equipped with a VTEC engine while VTEC-E technology goes into the HX. Honda's website now even devotes a small paragraph to the HX's VTEC-E. I damn well better be right this time. [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/IMG]

After talking to a Honda tech, he said that the EX is indeed equipped with a VTEC engine while VTEC-E technology goes into the HX. Honda's website now even devotes a small paragraph to the HX's VTEC-E. I damn well better be right this time. [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/IMG]
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I have been waiting to hear back on this one. What you said or have discovered makes sense. Maybe to be 100% sure a letter should be written so that a written response can be received.
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Well, I found this on Honda's website after the 03s came out:
What puzzles me now is...the HX lean burns at low RPMs...not high. It will not lean-burn in 5th gear above 69mph, or around roughly 2800rpm. The second intake valve opens fully at 3100rpm. Time for another quote:
Quote
[hr]HX and EX models feature Honda's VTEC® technology for greatly reduced emissions and higher fuel economy. Employing many refinements in the interest of cleaner combustion, VTEC®-E* technology is based on Honda's VTEC variable-valve-timing system, which promotes efficient, lean combustion at mid- and high rpm.
*VTEC®-E is available on HX only.[hr]
[hr]HX and EX models feature Honda's VTEC® technology for greatly reduced emissions and higher fuel economy. Employing many refinements in the interest of cleaner combustion, VTEC®-E* technology is based on Honda's VTEC variable-valve-timing system, which promotes efficient, lean combustion at mid- and high rpm.
*VTEC®-E is available on HX only.[hr]
Quote
[hr]VTEC-E artificially increases the intake charge velocity, which creates a swirling effect inside the cylinder. This promotes a very good mixture of the fuel and air, thus allowing a lean fuel/air mixture to be used. The result of this is great fuel economy when running at low RPMs.[hr]
[hr]VTEC-E artificially increases the intake charge velocity, which creates a swirling effect inside the cylinder. This promotes a very good mixture of the fuel and air, thus allowing a lean fuel/air mixture to be used. The result of this is great fuel economy when running at low RPMs.[hr]
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I think the main difference is the camshaft... I took these specs out of my Helm manual. It makes me wonder if you could stick an EX camshaft in an HX engine and get a little more power.. hrrmph.
EX - D17A2 engine
Intake: primary=38.604mm secondary=32.848mm
Exhaust: 38.784mm
HX - D17A6 engine
Intake: primary=38.427mm secondary=32.193mm
Exhaust: 38.784mm
DX/LX - D17A1 engine
Intake: 35.299mm
Exhaust: 37.281mm
EX - D17A2 engine
Intake: primary=38.604mm secondary=32.848mm
Exhaust: 38.784mm
HX - D17A6 engine
Intake: primary=38.427mm secondary=32.193mm
Exhaust: 38.784mm
DX/LX - D17A1 engine
Intake: 35.299mm
Exhaust: 37.281mm
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I bet it could be done along with the EX ECU...but, the HX is also gear much differently than the EX. Even so, I feel that the HX is nearly as quick as the EX. While I haven't seen a dynograph, I believe the HX makes more low end torque than any other model.
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I have 03' HX Coupe, and I've Driven the EX Coupe, I Think the EX is faster at high end speeds, but the HX wins at the lower speeds, The HX (2,436lbs) is also Much Lighter than the EX (2,554lbs), Granted the EX has more horsepower, but the added weight kills off some of that. The one thing that can be said is the HX is really fuel efficient, I get about 33 and I drive pretty rough. My friend has an EX and they get like 28 or something like that.
- Mark
- Mark
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Keep in mind, the EX is only heavier base because of included A/C etc. The HX, which most people add A/C to, weighs pretty much the same. I think the low end power advantage you are feeling is due to the VTEC-E.
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The AC does add more weight, but the real killer is the moon roof, and my HX doesn't have AC cause I didn't want to pay 1K for something us Washingtonians don't really need.
Kinda off/on topic, does anyone know of where I can find honda published torque and HP curves, and if not honda published, some decent 3rd party report, Thanks.
- Mark
Kinda off/on topic, does anyone know of where I can find honda published torque and HP curves, and if not honda published, some decent 3rd party report, Thanks.
- Mark
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