Forget about hearing VTEC with the JRSC.
It still works, I have a JRSC VTEC controller that indicates
that mine works. I don't know much about ECUs but I think you
should use the OBDII that the motor is made to work with??
For the "lean" issue..Are you using a fuel regulator and higher fuel pump?
Traditionally, b18c5 never generated more power than b18c with the JRSC
so I think your numbers may be right.