WHAT DOES VTEC MEAN?

Probably almost everybody has heard what VTEC is...everyone knows its found in HONDAS. I'll explain what it stands for and how it works..

VTEC STANDS FOR = Variable-valve Timing and Electronic lift Control

How VTEC works....

In every cylinder within the engine, there are intake and exhaust valves. In a normal car, when you rev it to lets say about 6000rpm, the engine runs out of breath because the intake valves cannot take in enough air cause they open and close too fast, thats why reving a car to 7000rpm instead of 6000rpm often makes no difference, because the fuel cannot combust without oxygen.

In HONDAS, the intake and exhaust valves open wider as you rev the car higher..so lets say when you rev it to 6000rpm, the valves actually open to let in more air and fuel in and the exhaust valves open wider to pump out more fumes, thats why HONDAS can rev much higher than normal cars. As such they deliever alot more power than a normal engine of the same size. Some HONDAS rev to 9000rpm.

This manupilation of the valves are actually run by the camshafts, TYPE-R Hondas often have a high compression rate and special cams to ensure the timing of the intake and exhaust valves don't go wrong..

WHY PEOPLE BUY HONDAS

HONDAS deliever more power, without being totally insensible in terms of fuel consumption, in everyday driving, you won't be driving like schumacher. Thats why you can drive around normally in low REVS to conserve petrol, but if you push the REVS high, you get a reasonable amount of power. Its the best of both worlds. Turbo cars are often unable to be this efficient and will burn a hole in your wallet cause of fuel consumption..

Hope this post wasn't too boring

Chris