What would cause a loss in power when VTEC kicks in with boost at around 8 psi? VTEC does engage cuz we can hear it but there is no real gain in power and from the dyno graph we have it really starts to drop and af/s are everywhere! We have come up with some reasons but I'd like to see what others might suggest.
1. Cam timing
2. something wrong with the cams, valves, valve springs or retainers
3. ignition timing (although it is pretty much stock, manually retarded it a bit)
4. oil pressure. It's tapped into the side of the block and I'm using a barb fitting (1/8) and a rubber line, so my oil pressure is at around 40-60, it ranges.
5. Turbine wheel could be too small. I used to have a .48 housing and wheel (stage 3 I think) and I replaced the housing with a .63 housing but kept the same wheel. The .48 housing seemed to choke at higher revs and with vtec, so I'm wondering if it's more the wheel?
I've pretty much ruled out fuel cuz we're running around 11.5 or so, so it's pretty rich as it is but still, we're really wondering why VTEC is not bringing in the numbers like so many of you out there.