not to thread jack, but....
i've been meaning to post this for a while. I am quite familiar with vvti and vtec, and variable valve timing systems in general. i know it is said that, our vvti does not "kick in" like vtec. While it is true, vvti is a progressive system as opposed to "on/off" functionality of vtec, where separate/specific cam lobes are actuated at a certain rpm....
i've noticed that while its not an "on/off" function, our vvti certainly does "pick up" or "kick in" (if you want to call it that) right around 3000-3500.
eg. one of my favorite things to do (and best aspects of the car imo) is to cruise at hiway speeds in 5th... pull even with cars, at about 3000rpms, then gun it and pull away pretty easily (for top gear acceleration, its pretty quick) what i notice is that, at 2900, i can barely hear the engine's intake tone at all. Once the tach hits 3000, i can start to hear a soft "whur" of the intake. As the rpms climb from 3000-4000 a very distintive throaty intake tone is head, and the motor really starts to pull significantly harder.
if i let off the throttle a bit, the engine tone quiets back down to be totally inobtrusive again.
this is one of the few features i like about the dbw, when coasting at a steady rpm, you are able to make such slight throttle % changes, so you can really control your engine speed, and thus, have better control over your acceleration/deceleration and MPGs.
but i really get great enjoyment from both the tone and feel of the engine once it hits 3000. for a 4 banger, its certainly a peppy motor. I am so giddy to find out what it will do with some hi compression JE pistons and 93 octane in there!
btw, i have a modified custom intake system, removed silencer, removed charcoal filter element, K&N drop in, heat coated intake tract, Cool air fender extension-fake grill inlet. imo, my engine intake tone sounds EVo-ish (kindof, like an evo's little brother) around 3000-4500
it'd be great to get a vvti controller and have the agressive timing start even earlier, as i feel the power is a bit lacking below 3000. anyone do this???