What motor has VTEC?
VTEC is Honda’s variable valve timing and lift electronic control system, found on many Honda and Acura engines—from early B-series performance mills to modern K- and F-series powerplants. It enables two cam profiles to improve both efficiency at low speeds and peak power at high RPM.
What VTEC is and how it works
VTEC, short for Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control, uses hydraulic pressure and an electronic control unit to switch between a low-RPM cam profile and a high-RPM cam profile. At lower revs, the engine uses a smaller cam profile for smoother operation and better fuel economy; as revs rise, the system engages a higher-lift, longer-duration cam profile for more airflow and power. The evolution of the system, known as i-VTEC, adds electronic timing adjustments and, in many engines, allows variable timing on the intake and exhaust sides for improved efficiency and performance across a broader RPM range.
Engines that use VTEC
The following engine families are known to feature VTEC or i-VTEC variants, spanning several generations of Honda/Acura vehicles. Each family has its own history of performance applications and refinements.
- B-series engines (for example, B16A, B18C) – classic early VTEC platforms used in many Civics, Integras, and Type R models
- D-series engines with VTEC variants (such as D16Z6) – earlier economy-oriented VTECs that demonstrated VTEC’s performance potential
- H-series engines (H22A) – used in Prelude and related models with DOHC VTEC on higher-output versions
- K-series engines (K20A, K24A, and variants) – modern, widely used VTEC/i-VTEC powerplants in Civics, RSXs, Accords, and more
- F-series engines (notably F20C in the S2000) – high-revving VTEC-powered sports cars with i-VTEC in later iterations
- i-VTEC family across several generations – includes a broad range of K- and F-series engines, with electronic timing control for both intake and exhaust in many designs
These engines illustrate VTEC’s reach across Honda’s lineup, from rev-happy sport variants to everyday drivers, and show how the system has evolved into a more integrated electronic control approach in recent years.
Notable models with VTEC
Several iconic Honda/Acura models popularized VTEC through their performance-oriented variants, showcasing how the technology was implemented across generations.
- Civic Type R (EK9) – B16B VTEC engine delivering high-revving performance
- Integra Type R (DC2) – B18C VTEC engine known for its championship-grade form
- RSX / Integra Type S (DC5) – K-series VTEC with high-rev capabilities
- S2000 – F20C i-VTEC engine pairing lightweight chassis with a ferocious redline
- Prelude – H-series VTEC variants offering a balance of everyday usability and sporty potential
As Honda refined VTEC, newer models tended to use i-VTEC, expanding variable timing control to more engines and creating hybrids of efficiency and performance across the lineup.
Summary
VTEC represents Honda’s approach to variable valve control, enabling engines to perform efficiently at low speeds and aggressively at high RPM. It has appeared across multiple engine families—B, D, H, K, and F series—evolving from simple two-cam profiles to sophisticated i-VTEC systems that manage timing and lift electronically. Whether you’re eyeing a classic Civic Type R or a modern RSX or S2000, VTEC has left its mark on Honda/Acura performance history.
