i can hear mine kick in, it seems to be louder if i have the AC on for some reason, i took the resonator off, and now it sounds more like a civic when it engages. But yeah i know what you mean my freind has a civic, with all the intake/exhast mods, and iot ROARS when it comes on.

You may also want to check your oil, VTEC wont engage if you dont have sufficant oil.