Oh! big names there... anyway: IMHO, just try to start at max torque, not at max hp. Try to reduce wheel spin, it's the extra power that we lose & increase time span & deceive the speedometer as well.
Talking about VTEC - at max torque, VTEC is just engaged i.e all valves are active & max lift is achieved. If you start below VTEC engagement, your engine wouldn't be in power mode. If you start above this, it will burn out extra power for nothing.
BTW, for stock 1.6 VTi
Max Troque: 5000 rpms
Max power: 6600 rpms
VTEC (3rd stage) : 4800 rpms