[rollinhonda]

If you think about it, VCM was designed to help meet specific government requirements.

There is no requirement for owners to meet any mpg standard. As long as you don't permanently disable any emission or other control device I don't see the issue.
Just use common sense in whatever you do.

And maybe the less said the better (except for complaining about VCM).

 

[rollinhonda]

How would we have the same problem as VW if we are not automakers? We can mitigate the issue by not having any mods installed during an inspection regardless of how 'emissions' is defined by some governing body.
But some things are measured in finite degrees as to the difference they make.

Many people are surprised to learn there are a few counties in the over-legislated state of California that have longer intervals between inspections. Primarily less densely populated areas of the state.

Maybe VCM is overkill, none of us really would know, but I would not be surprised if it was one of those things thrown in to pass the gauntlet of restrictions for the next few years until they can engineer something that would be less annoying.

None of this makes defeating VCM any less socially irresponsible. So letting their conscious be their guide is the only thing any owner can do. Or simply refuse to throw money down on a questionable design, probably the better but harder choice.

 

[rollinhonda]

I thought my comment came across as more sarcastic ... I guess I did not know my audience... tough crowd!!!
Seriously, I have run across some who are very adamant about such issues. I would think you would know by now I don't take things that seriously.
I do think in terms of a Honda design in particular, that VCM is poor substitute for better engineering. Just look at all the modern V6's that do not use VCM. I expected more out of Honda.

But let's all lighten up a little, things are not that bad. And there are always other options.

 

[rollinhonda]

There's a lesson to be learned there.. if you can't build it right don't build it!

 

[rollinhonda]

This whole thing is sad, as Chrysler has had their "multi displacement system" out since 2005 with none of these issues. Had it on my '05 Hemi Magnum with zero issues in 100,000 miles, and none of the folks on LX forums did.

I guess not everyone has had the same experience.

http://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen-ram-tech/144539-multi-displacement-system-override.html

 

[rollinhonda]

Did you even read that post? Problem wasn't MDS related. But yes, some did override it just because they didn't like the idea or it screwed with their exhaust note with straight pipes.

I don't think many would care unless it caused a problem. But I do remember assorted things being bypassed on cars for similar reasons. Don't get me wrong, I ran across a few others too mentioning MDS but nothing the magnitude of displeased Honda owners.

 

[rollinhonda]

It seems Honda is investing less these days in what has always been their forte, excellent engineering. I am sure it is expensive, but the returns can be very lucrative over time. Accords and Civcs did not survive so long because they were band-aided over the years. They were well designed, and built to last.

 

[rollinhonda]

And as life goes on our needs change with regards to vehicles. You line up the candidates and maybe see where a Honda fits in. If it does not there are always alternatives.

A Honda N600 coupe, a 2002 MDX, a 2003 CRV, were 3 very reliable and useful vehicles at the time. Many, many non-Honda cars and trucks filled the gaps between those. But the RL has always stood out as a treasure on it's own merits.

 

[rollinhonda]

Let's hear from 'Eco' owners! I doubt it myself. ...too easy.

 

[rollinhonda]

Funny thing is, if it was that seamless from the beginning probably few would consider VCM an issue. Of course that could be a bad thing if VCM turns out to shorten engine life over the long haul.

 

[rollinhonda]

Keep in mind, most improvements in mpg come with a cost. You might say VCM is a 'demo' to prove Honda can meet specific fuel economy requirements.
The fact it may induce some driveability issues is a secondary concern for them.