I dont' think there is any such tahing as 3-stage vtec, I think what you're reffering to are the IABs in a H22 or B18c1 motor.

Also, toyota's VVTL-i has both variable valve timing, and valve lift, it's 2 seperate components that engage seperately.
-PHiZ

 

having just driven 500 miles in my 2002 civic type R today, though, i still think the system is coarse and unrefined.

just personal oppinion, its the worst feature of the car, there is too much difference between the two cam profiles.

 

There is 3-stage, though I don't think it's been around in North America. But in Japan. May have been on some European models too, not sure.

Basically 'regular' VTEC + VTEC-E. At low RPM, only one intake valve opens (similar to VTEC-E on the HXs). At medium RPM, two intake valves open using a mild profile, and at high RPM, you get a more agressive profile.

Can't find a link right now, but if you dig around a bit you can find it.

 

my civic has two settings, dog slow, and vibration / noise city...

 

That's what we've been saying about an infinitely variable system. Ideally, you'd have a system wherein the lift and duration could be changed at much smaller intervals, which would provide a wider powerband and smoother operation, and no discernable 'changeover'.

Don't know if I'd call it the "worst feature" of the car though. If it weren't for that feature, you'd either (a) have absolutely NO low-end driveability and a car that idled like a diesel, or (b) a car that couldn't rev past 6000, like most others out there.

An infinite number of camshaft profiles would be ideal, for sure. But two is better than one. Be happy you got that.

 

Hmm... definitely not sure why you would call it the worst feature of the car. Considering it's the ONLY feature that allows your little engine to get a slight bit of low end torque, somewhat decent gas mileage, and good top end power at the same time. Exactly like DanM said.

 

i've just grown too used to the V8 in the Camaro, after that the type R just feels lethargic below 6000..

I dont think 'worst feature' was necisarily the right words, but i think that with all the hype surrounding the type R, i was expecting a more flexible engine...

 

compaired to conventional 2 liter engines, it has very little torque.

 

I just feel the system is a little over hyped, and still leans too much toward the 6000 - 8000 rpm band, thats all

 

This is not really correct. What you mean is that is has very little LOW END torque. If you look at the torque curve up around 5-8k, there's way more up there than just about any other 2.0L engine. In general, your torque curve in that car is much healthier than most, though it is a bit shorter at the bottom end.

If you're a V8 guy, I think you might just have bought the wrong car. Of COURSE the thing is biased toward the upper RPM band - it's supposed to be! That's the whole point of these cars, and is exactly why so many people like them! If you don't like or want to rev it that high, you should've bought a non-R version, or better yet, a V8. I own both, and I definitely appreciate a big torquey motor, but I also appreciate these too. You just have to remember what their design intent was.