Now, a simple and rather cool method to know whether an engine is VTEC-E or simple VTEC is to install a VTEC light. Its not really some rocket science, more simple than you thought. Just go ahead and install one if youāre so concerned. Its also good to recognize whether the ECU is allowing VTEC to work or is it some other problem. If the light works but thereās no VTEC than it could be a clogged solenoid (yes they do get clogged some time), low oil pressure, bad sensor or whatever.
If it turns on at some 3Kish RPMs than it has to be an eco-VTEC, if you have to rev it to some 5K range than its a simple VTEC.
Another thing: VTEC-E engines usually have a bit lowered rev limit, say 6500 to 7000 - and don't really like to be revved, so if your engine is a bit sluggish above higher RPMs 5500 or so than most probably its VTEC-E.
And finally the kick: NO you wonāt feel a noticeable kick in D series. There is a slight difference in revs and sound (I reckon its easier to recognize with the sound) but not everyone could tell that. Its really hard for me to tell difference with my D16W9 motor.
In my experience: D15B being strongest and one of the best D series motor however makes a better note, its always there when I rev it. But still not enough to be called a 'kick'
The Kick is usually associated with performance oriented DOHC VTECs: B, H, F and K seires and not D series SOHC. I used to have H22 and the kick was enough to be felt by the passengers aswell.
D16Y8 is single VTEC engine that came in 6th gen Vti. D16W9 is 3-Stage VTEC that was shipped in local 7th gen Vti.
Yes! Many people donāt know that like the D15B, it also has a three stage head. But it couples with distributor-less ignition.
