Rep Power: 0

I just replaced the cylinder head in my civic and it brought up the compression in all 4 cylinders up to 150PSI, but it seems to still burn oil when VTEC engages.

Is that normal?

 
Rep Power: 367

a new engine would not, but they are almost as old as yourself...
aside from obvious questions, with that information, chase where the oil is leaking into the cylinders. is it coming from up or bottom? or middle?
plenty of parts that could be the issue, you need to investigate, asking is easy

Simple answer is your engine is toast.
Real life answer is open engine and find the leak. Your engine is different from all others, it could be piston rings, cylinder normal wear needing bigger pistons, headgasket, valve seals, etc, etc

 
Rep Power: 126

You probably have some blow-by when you’re up in the RPMs. That could be due to worn piston rings.

Optimal compression is like 175-180psi so it’s definitely showing signs of age. I wouldn’t worry about it personally unless it’s burning an excessive amount of oil.

 
Rep Power: 0

The engine has 195k on it so I get it. But it's only when VTEC activates.
That just puzzles me.

 
Rep Power: 126

I suspect it burns regardless, but it's only noticeable when you're in VTEC (even though VTEC has nothing really to do with it).

It's most likely bypassing at your piston rings. It's more noticeable at high RPM because the engine components are moving much more quickly.

 
Rep Power: 367

VTEC makes the valves open more, might be exposing worn parts of the valves

 
Rep Power: 0

Cylinder head is brand new.

hmm


thank you

 
Rep Power: 367

brand new 1998 engine head?!?
or remanufactured?
new valves?