What is VTEC?
2 Answers
VTEC is the Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System, 1. VTEC is a self-developed variable valve timing and valve lift electronic control system introduced by Honda, which can simultaneously control valve opening/closing timing and lift under two different conditions. 2. VTEC can appropriately adjust valve timing and lift according to changes in engine speed, load, water temperature and other operating parameters, enabling the engine to achieve maximum efficiency at both high and low speeds. 3. In the VTEC system, there are three cam surfaces on the intake camshaft that respectively push three rocker arms on the rocker shaft. When the engine is at low speed or under low load, there is no connection between the three rocker arms. The left and right rocker arms push two intake valves separately, giving them different timing and lift to create a squish effect.
VTEC is Honda's groundbreaking technology, simply put, it makes the engine fuel-efficient at low RPMs and powerful at high RPMs. Having driven a Civic for over a decade, I've experienced it firsthand: during daily commutes at 2000 RPM, it's quiet and smooth, but step on it to 5500 RPM and it instantly feels like a different engine—the exhaust note changes, and the acceleration pushes you back into your seat. This variable valve timing system uses hydraulic pressure to switch between cam profiles—small cams for low RPMs and larger cams for high RPMs to boost airflow. Every time I drive my FD2 through a tunnel, I deliberately downshift to rev it up just to hear that VTEC roar—it's more exhilarating than coffee.
