VTEC's not a big deal. I suppose if you had to compare it to a turbo, it's similar to being boosted by 2-3 lbs. with lots of turbo lag (5700 rpms worth) ITR's speed lies not in the engine so much as a stiff chassis, shorter than short gear ratios, limited-slip differential, good aerodynamics and tenacious grip assuming you don't use POS tires