VTEC on my SI vs my RTX

[UOVB]

Originally Posted by hofffam

The reason I asked is that VTEC itself cannot be heard easily. You can't hear the extra cam follower kick in. You may hear the increased intake noise.

What so many describe as a turbo-like feel on the 4 cylinder VTEC engines is just an exaggerated difference between the cam profiles in those engines. Honda tuned the high lift cams for higher peak horsepower yet left the standard cam optimized for low speed performance. That wouldn't be a good profile for a truck.

Ahh, the "tubo-like" feel in the 4 cyclinder in my old Element. What did I miss about that vehicle... clutch, transmission and the ENGINE. You could drop a gear, let out the clutch, push the gas down, count one, count two and... instant pick up.
Please give us manual transmission in the near future. Honda manual transmissions mated to VTEC 6 cyclinders in a Ridgeline... ohh, ahh... oh yeah.

[hofffam]

We own an Element but it has a automatic. I think this is the least impressive Honda engine I've used in a while. It is rougher than other Honda engines and it doesn't exactly move the heavy Element quickly. Pretty good mileage though.

As for a manual in the Ridgeline......that is a poor choice overall. Manual transmissions just aren't a good choice for vehicles that need to tow or start in poor traction conditions. An automatic can be fully integrated into the AWD system.

I doubt Honda is interested in marketing a version of the Ridgeline with poor towing capability.

[k757]

Originally Posted by hofffam

As for a manual in the Ridgeline......that is a poor choice overall. Manual transmissions just aren't a good choice for vehicles that need to tow or start in poor traction conditions. An automatic can be fully integrated into the AWD system.

I doubt Honda is interested in marketing a version of the Ridgeline with poor towing capability.

I am no expert, but aren't 18 wheelers all manual trannys, something like 36 gears? same with heavy duty dump trucks and manuals?

[djeaux]

Originally Posted by k757

I am no expert, but aren't 18 wheelers all manual trannys, something like 36 gears? same with heavy duty dump trucks and manuals?

A lot of 18-wheelers (if not most) are automatics now.

[hofffam]

Originally Posted by k757

I am no expert, but aren't 18 wheelers all manual trannys, something like 36 gears? same with heavy duty dump trucks and manuals?

I don't know much about 18 wheelers. But almost all 3/4 ton and up trucks are autos. Same with Suburbans, etc. that are intended to tow. Autos have a torque converter that eases the application of power. A standard requires a truly beefy clutch to pull a boat or trailer.

[HondaTech]

Each has it's own benefits. The autos will produce more heat, and in terms of shear power.... they cannot handle as much. However, they can be built bigger and stronger to allow for increased capacity. It used to be that all the big rigs were manuals. It was easier to fit many different gears into the space alloted if a manual gearbox was used. It was also cheaper. Now, however, automatic transmission technology as evolved a great deal and they are every bit as compact, durable and cost effective as a manual transmission. Plus, they are easier to drive.



HT

[ericrwalker]

Originally Posted by k757

for future reference, it is VTEC (no "H")

This is VTECH

[NJ RTX]

Originally Posted by ericrwalker

This is VTECH

well, at least we're back on topic

[ridgelinef4i]

The Ridgeline's engine has a destinctive note once you get north of 4K rpms. I feel there is also a noticable power jump once you get to this range. This is subjective, maybe at lower RPMs I can't hear the engine as much, but the engine is singing once its up in its powerband. Around this time its also producing more perceptible power. I don't know if its purely the engine at this point or the workings of the transmission or even the 4 wheel drive system but the truck performance feels "boosted"(as in elevated) at this level of output. This my subjective opinion.

As for "boosted" engines my WRX which was a 2.0L engine is my only comparison. Once the turbo was spooled it continuously pulled more till redline. The power was not linear it just seem to snowball till redline as the boost PSI increased.

There could be confusion as comparison to a turbo could be made, but the ridge could also be explained as a Low/high setting for the engine.

[hofffam]

I may be too picky on this - but the sound difference is not VTEC itself but is the effect of VTEC. When the high lift rocker arm is engaged the intake valve lift is increased which will increase the flow of air into the engine. More fuel/air = more power. More air = more intake noise. More power = more exhaust. And of course the RPMs are higher which means more noise no matter what.

VTEC is not intended to create a boost of power as much as allow an engine to be designed for high peak horsepower without the penalty of poor low rpm response and/or low torque.