Rep Power: 0

Vtec engaging around 2-3k rpm and it is pretty loud, sounds like a pop can rattling... Is this because I have a CAI?

 
Rep Power: 366

yes cai makes it very loud

 
Rep Power: 0

but is the vtec suppose to engage this early?? It does not sound normal good, lol

Does the CAI give any benefits or should I replace it with normal air cleaner?

 
Rep Power: 511

You shouldn't be able to really hear or feel the vtec kick from a D17..

If I remember correctly, the D17 has a halfassed 2-stage vtec, once stage at about 2500 or something, the other at 4000-ish.. Unless it's just a 1-stage at 4000-something.. I can kinda feel a little bit of something at about 4200-4400 when I'm at WOT, and even then, it's very slight, and I have an AEM V2 SRI and a stage 1 cam installed..

It's been quite a while since I've read about the vtec engagement of a D17.. I should probably brush up on that..

edit: wikipiedia says vtec engagement for the D17 is 4500

 
Rep Power: 0

Well it's extremely loud right now... I just bought the car and the fella said it needed a vtec solenoid, but i do not want to waste $$ if it doesn't need it..

It engages around 2-3k rpm in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear and isn't there at all in 4th or 5th.

 
Rep Power: 811

well if the engine light is off, vtec system is fine. i bet noise is coming from an air leak in the exhaust or intake. the real vtec will not engage unless you are floored at 4500 rpms and above, with engine warmed up and proper oil level. something happens around 2800 rpms, but not the solenoid activation. cai will make the car louder when you mash the gas at any rpm.

 
Rep Power: 366

vtec details:
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...on-inside.html

 
Rep Power: 0

The noise comes in at the same loudness if i'm WOT or 1/8 throttle. If it was an exhaust or air leak, wouldn't I hear it in neutral and at all RPMS? Do you think it's fine to drive until I find the problem?

 
Rep Power: 0

It sounds exactly like this @28seconds, but with it coming in around 2k RPM.


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Rep Power: 366

did you go under the car to look at it?

 
Rep Power: 0

How can i go under the car to look at it when the sound is only there when the car is moving?

 
Rep Power: 366

for exhaust leaks... yer not much of a mechanic, are you? ....

 
Rep Power: 0

it's not an exhaust leak, definitely an engine noise.