i agree.....VTEC is overrated. I just can't stand people that brag about VTEC like it's god's gift to them. I mean, let's face it....one of the biggest reasons VTEC was invented was to save gas.

I like to think of VTEC like this:
before VTEC = econo mode
in VTEC = normal mode

(and I have a b20vtec in my car )

But back to the original question, there are a few conditions that have to be met in order for VTEC to activate (i might be missing one, so feel free to add):
1. to be going over 20km/h
2. proper Oil pressure
3. proper engine temp
4. proper RPM

Now...my question is could you feel VTEC before? or is this just something you noticed recently?

it could also be a case of you hearing too many stories about how great VTEC is and having high expectations for it and only to get disappointed.