What is VTEC and why are Honda fans obsessed with?

What is VTEC and why are Honda fans obsessed with? Initially, Autoblog appeared.

Part of myths, part of the fact

If you have been driving or being around the Honda brand since the middle of 1990, you may be familiar with a four-letter word that defined the brand’s identity for decades: VTEC.

Since the first car program in 1989 Honda VTEC engine technology has given its four and six -cylinder engines a lot of cells and internet fame for what it could do for both spirited drivers and enthusiasts. However, while there are many memes and misconceptions about what exactly happens under the hood, the VTEC technique has taken the time and is still used in new Honda cars.

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VTEC root is on these 90 -year car icons

VTEC was already longer than you think; These are against Sega Game Gear, Super Nintendo and Dunkaroos. Originally 1989. The Honda Integra Xsi, the Japanese market version, did not go into the US until 1991. Introduced the Acura NSX supercar.

The legendary 3 -liter C30A V6 engine produced just 270 horsepower. However, innovative VTEC technology, which has given the engine unique performance characteristics, will later be found in dozens of different Honda models, starting with humble suburbs such as Civic and ADRED-in high quality R versions.

In the early 1980s, Honda wanted to create a new generation of engines for regular cars with a special touch that would further increase performance. A variable valve time, or VVT, existed for a while before VTEC was created, and car manufacturers such as Fiat and Alfa Romeo used this technology in their cars until Honda developed VTEC. However, the noble goals of the Japanese car manufacturer dictated his fate.

Honda Management has banned its engineers to create a naturally vacuumed engine that would provide 100 horsepower for each shift – impossible deed. This meant the creation of an engine that could arrange a higher speed load without losing quality or reliability.

How does it work?

At the time, Honda’s engines were powerful at high speed, but at the lower end of the turn range did not give much power. Her engineers tried everything, but one solution that did the job was a system that could replace the CAM profiles on the team: VTEC.

VTEC means a variable valve time and raise the electronic control system. Although it can be an unusual name, it comes from engine technology by combining excellent fuel efficiency at low speed rate with energy explosion at high speed. This can be achieved by switching two distribution shaft profiles at different speeds in the speed range.

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All engines need air and fuel to cry and the valves are opened to allow the air to the cylinder; A process controlled by the fists on the distribution shaft and the rocker. Each cylinder contains camouflage followers with different cams and rocker weapons that can lock. Higher fist lobes supply VTEC power and connect to an inactive rocker hand. By activating, these lobes increase the lift and extend the lifting time, allowing more air to enter the engine at high speeds per minute.

When drivers are impaired by the accelerator, the engine speed increases, as well as the oil pressure. When the engine reaches a certain speed in Honda VTEC engines, the oil pressure pushes the pins into the rocker lever by locking them together.

Because the rocker’s hands are locked together, all suction valves (and exhaust valves, depending on the engine type), open wider, allowing more air and more power. As the RPM decreases, the oil pressure also decreases, the locking pins return to its original position, and lower profile fists control the valves back to the “fuel economy” regime.

What are the benefits of performance and disadvantages?

The phrase “VTEC just got up, yo!” There is a term established in the culture of internet car enthusiasts that he has his own page about “Know Your Meme”, but it is based on a real phenomenon experienced by Honda drivers.

In many other four cylinders, the engine area around the 5000-6000 rpm is where most other cars have their own red line as it would lose power around this point. However, this traditional No-go zone is where Honda VTEC engines actually shine. Once the VTEC limit is reached, there may be a unique, ugly, high -revised sound and sudden pulling of instant power; The feeling that many drivers of the late model Civic and Accord can confirm as addiction.

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Overall, the VTEC system does what it was created by Honda engineers and managers who supervised them; It supplies a lot of energy within 1.6-2.4 liters of four cylinders or 3 to 3.5 liters of V6 engines, solid fuel economy in the lower turn range and practically non -perfumed reliability. 2023 One of the 2003 Accord owner Justin Kilmer collected a million miles through his V6 coupe while working as a medical courier.

However, using their advantages, VTEC engines can suffer from a lower speed feeling that at a lower speed, as the maximum power and torque can be ridiculously high on the REV counter. For example, the 2.4 -liter K24 DOHC VTEC engine in 2006 Very close up to 8000 rpmredline.

Final thoughts

Although VTEC has improved and included versions such as I-VTEC, VTEC-E and VTEC Turbo, VTEC, VTEC, VTEC Copy Cats has been developed by other car manufacturers such as Toyota and Mitsubishi, while other car makers have used other methods to achieve the same goal.

For example, the 996 Porsche 911 showed VarioCam, which used an adjustable circuit tensioner to control the amount of freedom of the time setting chain connecting the intake and exhaust chambers. The BMW Vanos on the M50 Straight-Six engine used in cars such as the E46 M3 uses a spiral gear on the switchgear to adjust the time.

Today, many manufacturers, including American and European companies, as well as several Honda competitors in Japan, use some variable valves in their engines. However, VTEC remains Honda Hallmark as one of the first commercially successful variable valve time technologies used in mass -produced cars, and the Source of Pride of Honda Fans and Owners.

What is VTEC and why are Honda fans obsessed with? Autoblog first appeared in 2025. 31 May

This story was initially reported by Autoblog in 2025. May 31, where she first appeared.