it depends on the motor. My engine has vtec, but it's shitty SOHC vtec, not the balls to the walls DOHC vtec.
Same idea with i-vtec. On the K20a3 (rsx and civic si) the motor opens all of the valves, but barely opens one, so in essence under something like 2300 rpm, the engine is running on 3 valves. After the engagement point, all valves are fully open. If you ask me, that's more similar to the old school e-vtec.
The k20a2 is old school (rsx type-s), 3 cam profiles, righ revving, vtec around 5k. Nuthin like the old 5500rpm kick in the pants. I think it may also incoporate the other technology that the a3 has as well but i'm not sure.
so in a nutshell, i-vtec is good and bad depending on the motor. a2=bitchin a3=leaves something to be desired.
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