I have a few questions (which i'm sure have been asked before) for those of you who have owned both a 5th gen and a 6th gen:
1. I love the 5th gens engine at ALL rpms. I've heard that the v-tec has a weak spot in the midrange. True or false?
2. Are the newer vtec models (05+) better as far as engines are concerned than the older vtecs (02-04)?
3. How big of a difference in performance does removing the catalytic converter make on the 6th gens?
4. Will a set of 5th gen headers bolt right on to the 6th gen with little or no mods?
I appreciate the info.
[image: View Post]ECX585, on Mar 5 2009, 05:35 PM, said:
I have a few questions (which i'm sure have been asked before) for those of you who have owned both a 5th gen and a 6th gen:
Yes I have owned (ridden) both (father has one)
1. I love the 5th gens engine at ALL rpms. I've heard that the v-tec has a weak spot in the midrange. True or false?
It can be, but not really.
2. Are the newer vtec models (05+) better as far as engines are concerned than the older vtecs (02-04)?
The only difference is the Vtec on the 06+ kicks in at a lower RPM
3. How big of a difference in performance does removing the catalytic converter make on the 6th gens?
Ahh, kinda.
4. Will a set of 5th gen headers bolt right on to the 6th gen with little or no mods?
Yes
I appreciate the info.
[image: View Post]ECX585, on Mar 5 2009, 05:35 PM, said:
I have a few questions (which i'm sure have been asked before) for those of you who have owned both a 5th gen and a 6th gen:
1. I love the 5th gens engine at ALL rpms. I've heard that the v-tec has a weak spot in the midrange. True or false?
Really more of a power bump when vtec is engaged, the harder your on the gas the smoother the transition IMO.
2. Are the newer vtec models (05+) better as far as engines are concerned than the older vtecs (02-04)?
It's 06-up that has a lower vtec engagement point(6400 vs 7000rpm) people say it smoother, but I've never had an issue with my 02 over the last 65,000 miles.
3. How big of a difference in performance does removing the catalytic converter make on the 6th gens?
Not sure, but 5-10 hp gain is typical.
4. Will a set of 5th gen headers bolt right on to the 6th gen with little or no mods?
Yes!
I appreciate the info.
btw I still have both a 5th & 6th gen now and have put around 30k miles on 5th gens and 70k miles on 6th gens. :cool:
[image: View Post]ECX585, on Mar 6 2009, 12:35 AM, said:
I have a few questions (which i'm sure have been asked before) for those of you who have owned both a 5th gen and a 6th gen:
1. I love the 5th gens engine at ALL rpms. I've heard that the v-tec has a weak spot in the midrange. True or false?
You can notice the difference at lower RPMs, but you also notice the difference at higher RPMs... the VTEC kick in... etc. But it's basically the same down low... the 5th gen isn't all that grunty down low... both bikes like to cruise at 5000 RPM relaxed cruising that is. Fuel economy similar.
2. Are the newer vtec models (05+) better as far as engines are concerned than the older vtecs (02-04)?
Not better engine-wise. The same really. Just that the VTEC kicks in a little lower and drops out even lower than kick-in, to avoid the stutter (CPU indecision) when levelling out right on 6,800 on the 02-05 models. Can kick in and out and in, but using throttle roll-on etc you just get used to it, or know instinctively how to avoid it. No drama.
3. How big of a difference in performance does removing the catalytic converter make on the 6th gens?
NFI
4. Will a set of 5th gen headers bolt right on to the 6th gen with little or no mods?
NFI +1
I appreciate the info.
I have both and like both equally for their strong points and differences... I like the newness of the VTEC and the better condition mine is in compared to my 5th genner.
[image: View Post]ECX585, on Mar 6 2009, 10:05 AM, said:
I have a few questions (which i'm sure have been asked before) for those of you who have owned both a 5th gen and a 6th gen:
1. I love the 5th gens engine at ALL rpms. I've heard that the v-tec has a weak spot in the midrange. True or false?
Havent noticed any weak spots and have owned 02 and 07 models.
2. Are the newer vtec models (05+) better as far as engines are concerned than the older vtecs (02-04)?
I actually preferred the higher vtec engagement of the 02, the 07 kicks in a bit early IMO, but its not a big issue.
Hopefully they may have sorted out some minor bugs like crappy thermostats and wiring issues (which I never experienced, although I had a dud thermostat on the 02)
I am enjoying this bike a lot more, mainly because I know all the foibles, and have the PC3 which allows you to "play"with it a lot more.
3. How big of a difference in performance does removing the catalytic converter make on the 6th gens?
I think it makes a bit, but I dont know if its worth the effort and cost. Doing all the airbox mods does make a difference and gives the bike a lot more character, and is free and easy.
I personally couldnt live with standard pipes
4. Will a set of 5th gen headers bolt right on to the 6th gen with little or no mods?
Yes
I appreciate the info.
1. I love the 5th gens engine at ALL rpms. I've heard that the v-tec has a weak spot in the midrange. True or false?
Just before the Vtech hit, it seems a little animic. The gen 5 is more of a viseral experience.
2. Are the newer vtec models (05+) better as far as engines are concerned than the older vtecs (02-04)?
06+ has the Vech kick in lower and therefore in a less noticable spot when riding in the twisties.
3. How big of a difference in performance does removing the catalytic converter make on the 6th gens?
I wish I knew, my 5 had a nice exhaust, my 6 is stock... I think the exhaust made it a more fun ride.
4. Will a set of 5th gen headers bolt right on to the 6th gen with little or no mods?
Yes... but somewhat expensive.
After putting some miles on both bikes... I like the riding experience of the 5th better... but the 6th is nicer looking and you can get ABS.
I appreciate the info.
I've had 2 of each and I prefer the 5th Gen engine better, and why not? No vtec power bump, nice mid-range (better than the vtec's), great top end and a nice smooth rush to redline in any gear...
I own a vtec (at the moment) and I love the looks, feel, suspension, modern dash, brakes, handling, vtec sound... which are all better on the newer model.
Its a tough call and I've been swapping backwards and forwards for years now. As far as the Vtec thing is concerned, it can be as smooth to not even notice it when it kicks in to VERY abrupt and upsets the bike, trust me I know, it happened to me this morning (but then my t-stat is stuck open at the moment).
[image: View Post]ECX585, on Mar 5 2009, 05:35 PM, said:
I have a few questions (which i'm sure have been asked before) for those of you who have owned both a 5th gen and a 6th gen:
Seems like questions 1-4 have been answered.
So I'll add that I have significant mileage on both 5th and 6th gens. My brother own a 5th gen.
If you are happy with what you have... there is no reason to swap, in my opinion. They are both great bikes. My seat-of-the-pants-dyno says there is not a discernable difference between the two in dead-stock livery.
If you are just looking for something different, you will find that changing between 5th and 6th will feel very familiar and be more of the same.
My Brother and Me
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1339/602681139_c5f79fb57d_o.jpg
ohh I did forget to mention though that I think the 6th gens engines feel racier and a little smoother so overall when you add everything up, and once you accept the VTEC is what it is... it's the best VFR out the lot.
(disclaimer) ANY of the VFR clan are great bikes/years/model though :laugh:
[image: View Post]vfr_steve, on Mar 6 2009, 09:55 AM, said:
ohh I did forget to mention though that I think the 6th gens engines feel racier and a little smoother so overall when you add everything up, and once you accept the VTEC is what it is... it's the best VFR out the lot.
(disclaimer) ANY of the VFR clan are great bikes/years/model though :laugh:
Especially the faster red ones! :wheel: