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Terms and Technologies

Terms & Technologies

VTEC Engineering (All)

What’s the Benefit?

Honda’s variable valve timing and lift electronic control (VTEC®) helps an engine make usable power throughout its entire rpm range, for satisfying throttle response in all situations. Fuel efficiency36 and emissions performance are enhanced as well.


The Feature:

VTEC is an elegant engineering solution that solves a problem inherent in internal combustion engines:

  • Intake and exhaust valve-opening characteristics (timing, duration and lift) that work well for low-speed power production are extremely inefficient at high engine speeds, and vice versa.
  • VTEC solves this by using two different sets of cam lobes to operate the valves.
  • The profiles of each type of cam lobe alter the timing, duration and lift of the valves to optimize engine breathing for its particular engine speed.
  • A hydraulic system switches between the different cam lobes, controlled by engine electronics.

 

 

VTEC Engineering (All)

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