Honda developed the i-VTEC technology, also known as intelligent variable valve timing and lift electronic control, to reduce the amount of fuel used by Honda automobiles. The VTEC system switches between two camshaft profiles hydraulically.
The engine can effectively have numerous camshafts thanks to Honda i-VTEC. With this technology, however, the engine’s computer has the ability to vary the cam timing and activate different camshaft lobes as the engine passes through various RPM ranges.
The amazing aspect of this technology is that it allows for the simultaneous use of high- and low-speed camshafts in the same engine. The basic goal of Honda i-VTEC is to achieve maximum engine performance throughout the whole RPM range.
In This Article...
What is i-VTEC Honda?
VTEC and Honda’s VTC (Variable Timing Control), a continuously variable camshaft phasing technology used on the exhaust camshaft of DOHC VTEC engines, are combined in the Honda i-VTEC (intelligent-VTEC) system. In 2001, Honda’s K-series four-cylinder engine family debuted the technology. By the 2002 model year, all four-cylinder Honda or Acura vehicles marketed in the US used i-VTEC, with the 2002 Honda Accord being the sole exception.
The exhaust camshaft can now advance between 25 and 50 degrees, depending on the engine configuration, however the VTEC controls of valve lift and valve duration are still only available for distinct low- and high-RPM profiles. A computer-controlled, oil-driven, adjustable cam sprocket is used to implement phasing. VTEC is impacted by both engine load and RPM. At idle, the exhaust phase is completely retarded; at high throttle and low RPM, it is substantially advanced. Further torque output optimization results, particularly at low and middle RPM. Two distinct i-VTEC K series engine types are described in the next section.
The J-Series SOHC engines from Honda have a completely separate system that is also confusingly referred to as i-VTEC. To increase fuel efficiency when operating under light loads, Honda J-Series engines equipped with i-VTEC combine SOHC VTEC operation with Honda VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) variable displacement technology.
Do i-VTEC engines work well?
Depending on how you drive, yes and no. The majority of drivers won’t notice their VTEC kicking in, but Honda automobiles with VTEC technology tend to be more efficient throughout a wider rpm range than many comparable vehicles, and they’re a lot of fun to drive in the appropriate circumstances. It only becomes operational when the engine is working at relatively high revs, which is uncommon under regular driving circumstances, especially if your vehicle has an automatic transmission. However, if you prefer driving on winding roads and you can adjust your own gears, VTEC makes a big difference.
What makes VTEC and i-VTEC different from one another?
Honda added i-VTEC, which effectively stands for Intelligent VTEC, for you if variable valve timing wasn’t hard enough before. Since its introduction in Honda vehicles in 2001, almost all of their performance engines have utilised it.
The above-mentioned architecture is used in conventional VTEC engines. Only the lift and duration offered by the two distinct camshaft lobes or profiles can be controlled by this technique. In order to have better control over valve timing, Honda created and combined what is known as i-VTEC, or VTC with VTEC.
Variable timing control (VTC) allows the camshaft to be advanced or retracted in order to manage valve overlap. The exhaust valve never opened and closed simultaneously in conventional VTEC engines because the intake valve always opened first. With VTC, the camshaft lobe angles can be adjusted to allow the valves to overlap or open simultaneously. It can be altered at various RPM levels due to its changeable nature.
So, What’s the Difference Between VTEC and i-VTEC?
By allowing for camshaft angle modifications, i-VTEC adds more valve timing control. The valves must open and close differently for each RPM range in order to operate at their peak performance at both low and high RPMs. The main distinction between VTEC and i-VTEC is that the former does this.
In contrast to the conventional VTEC, i-VTEC offers a smoother power band and improved performance at both high and low RPMs.
What makes i-VTEC unique?
In essence, the VTEC system blends high-RPM performance with low-RPM fuel efficiency and stability. Additionally, the changeover happens smoothly, enabling consistent performance across the entire powerband. The engine computer manages the switching process between the two cam lobes.
VTEC: Does it use more fuel?
When Honda’s R&D team reached the first milestone with the REV (Revolution-modulated valve control) valve stopping mechanism, the enormous effort of creating a smarter engine officially began. The system was designed to be able to shut down several valves at once in order to maximize airflow, provide stable idling, and improve smoothness for low- to medium-powered engine operation. The Honda CBR400F motorcycle used this brand-new advancement for the first time in 1983. Honda then set out to innovate the four-wheel drive after greatly improving the 2-wheelers.
Honda created the DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) VTEC system for autos from the REV used in motorcycle engines. A four-stroke internal combustion engine’s volumetric efficiency was increased by the DOHC VTEC, leading to stronger performance at high RPM and decreased fuel consumption at low RPM. The VTEC technology has completely altered the way the world views engines since it was originally introduced in 1989.
The VTEC engine made its debut in India in 2000 and has since established a legacy. The VTEC system had numerous upgrades over the years, with i-VTEC being the most significant (where “i stood for intelligent). The VTC (Variable Timing Control) and VTEC processes were combined in this technology to offer a very effective and excellent performance.
Is Honda i-VTEC trustworthy?
Honda claims that they aim for a quality level of 120% when building their vehicles. For them, it is intolerable if even one out of 10,000 or 20,000 customers receives a subpar or damaged product. Honda merely aims for dependability. Honda vehicles are renowned for their excellent construction and dependable operation. Some vehicles have a limited lifespan after which they become worthless. However, this period seems to have no bounds for Honda automobiles.
VVT vs CVT: Which is superior?
In response to your query, VVT can undoubtedly provide efficiency advantages. Since CVTs experience more drivetrain losses than manual gearboxes, they can’t actually be regarded as efficient.
Is I-DTEC a reliable motor?
Honda’s i-DTEC engines have radically changed how the world used to view diesel burners as one of India’s most fuel-efficient engines. Honda has accomplished what no other manufacturer has: a diesel engine that is both powerful and efficient. This was made possible by Honda’s ingenuity and Earth Dream Technology. A fundamental understanding of how a diesel engine works and how it differs from a petrol engine is necessary to fully appreciate the true nature of Honda’s breakthrough.
In a diesel engine, the fuel is sprayed into the combustion chambers through fuel injector nozzles just as the air in each chamber is put under such intense pressure that it is hot enough to spontaneously ignite the fuel. This is the fundamental distinction between a diesel engine and a petrol engine. Diesel engines compress air at a considerably higher level than petrol engines, and this air is then spontaneously ignited using fuel injectors. Depending on how much power the driver requires, a certain amount of gasoline is injected. Now that we are aware of the fundamental differences between diesel and gasoline engines, it is time to examine what gives Honda’s i-DTEC engines their cutting-edge positioning.
Is Honda DTEC reliable?
The Civic’s brand-new 1.6-liter diesel engine is fantastic. It is refined, torquey, quiet, and cost-effective. The best real-world economy statistic we’ve ever obtained with any vehicle is 61.6 mpg (excluding eco-driving events). The Civic is a superbly capable vehicle for highway cruising, but it also performs admirably on B-roads and in populated areas. Fleet managers ought to give this vehicle some serious thought.
The car’s dashboard presents us with the most difficulties. Some of the controls are too complicated, and the whole thing just feels a little too gimmicky.
The car’s exterior is fairly different, so whether you like it or not likely depends on your personal taste. This year’s Geneva Motor Show featured a Civic Tourer Concept, and it looked fantastic—much better than the hatchback. In the meantime, we hope Honda looks at the dashboard of a BMW 3 Series and applies some lessons learned there to the inside of the Tourer, making it less eccentric. We look forward to testing the production version of that Concept. The Civic hatchback 1.6 i-DTEC continues to be a very outstanding and cost-effective vehicle overall, earning a score of 9 out of 10 on the Green Car Guide.
Does Honda outperform Toyota?
Toyota has more automobiles, better costs, and higher reliability in the categories we looked at, making it the superior brand. When deciding between Honda and Toyota, Honda isn’t a slouch either thanks to its comparable dependability ratings, reasonable costs, and even higher safety ratings.
How long does the Honda City engine last?
In general, all engines have a lifespan of about 2 lakh kilometers with proper maintenance. With the right maintenance, a Honda City can also be driven up to 2 lakh kilometers. The minimum mileage would be roughly 2.25 lac km if the car is maintained in accordance with the service manual and the engine oil and air filter are changed on schedule.
VTEC—is it a turbo?
Under any circumstance, from city driving with frequent stopping and starting to highway travel, the VTEC TURBO engine is fuel-efficient. A 2.4L normally aspirated engine has a lot of torque for city driving due of its size. Due to its turbo, the VTEC TURBO engine has higher torque than the 2.4L normally aspirated engine. A 1.5L engine may perform on par with a 2.4L engine thanks to the VTEC TURBO technology.
Summary
Utilizing a turbocharger, direct injection system, and variable valve timing mechanism, Honda’s VTEC TURBO technology efficiently utilises every last drop of fuel.
Honda aims to mix driving pleasure with environmental performance with VTEC TURBO and hybrid technologies.
What VTEC engine is the best?
The B18C6 is one of the best-rated Honda VTEC engines. This 1.8L 4-cylinder engine was installed in Honda Integra and Acura Integra Type R models sold worldwide from 1999 to 2001. For a car that was so light, its 195 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque were excellent. Additionally, it had a redline of 8400 RPM, while VTEC began to operate at 5700 RPM.
Because it was simple to alter and had that distinctive DOHC VTEC sound when you approached the VTEC engagement point, the B18C platform rose to great popularity. This results in a lot of power in the higher RPM ranges, making the cars they are in feel sportier and more enjoyable.
The B18C is still recognized as one of the best VTEC motors ever made, and it continues to be in high demand all over the world. If you’re looking for an excellent, low-mileage B18C, be prepared to pay more.