So over the winter I installed a power commander V to try to improve 1) throttle jerkiness and 2) jerky VTEC transition.
I've just had my first test ride and while the throttle jerkiness has gone totally the VTEC transition is worse than ever.
At 10% or 100% throttle it's smooth, but at 50% (where you spend most time in the real world) it's super jerky. Feels like there's a complete cut for about what feels like a whole second before it comes back in.
I've already done the PAIR, snorkle and flapper mods and have a standard exhaust with the baffle mod done for more sound.
I installed the 'European 2002-2005 model, Stock exhaust, Stock or aftermarket air filter, Airbox valve disabled' map.
Anyone had a similar experience or have any suggestions as I've just spent over £300 and made my bike worse!
This really intrigues me. Throttle jerkiness, jerky VTEC transition, does the 6gen come out of the factory with these traits? Well, the three six gens I've owned never had these symptoms OTHER than the normal Starter Valve Synching that might be required once in a blue moon. I also had aftermarket pipes on all three with no ill effects.
VTEC transition has always been effected (as far as "jerkiness" is concerned) by throttle rate, slow rpm creep up is smoother than solid wide open throttle approach. The VTEC Spool Valve is simply an On/Off valve controlled by the ECM, does a Power Commander interfere with the ECM controlling the Spool Valve?
Later versions of VTEC also include ignition timing and fuelling changes at the VTEC transition point, maybe your PC V is interfering with this?
Perhaps Starter Valve Synching might be what's needed to solve your throttle jerkiness at small throttle openings, rather than all the mods you've done. Maybe I'm missing something here? :wacko: .
Tom, no way is that normal. I added a PCV to my 07, and it made a huge difference. The VTEC transition is now like wind filling the sail - totally predictable and no way like the toggle it was before. I'd definitely check to ensure you have the unit installed right and that your o2 eliminators are working properly. Along with that, you may possibly need to go with a different map. Power commanders are absolutely excellent - this is not normal what you are describing. Double check and verify everything.
Tom, just wanted to confirm, the easy 3 mods you made, you did those all before the PC yes? And you had no issues when you did so, as described prior to the install? I ask as I have only done the snorkel mod, not the pair. I tried the flapper mod and found I had at times a simlar behaviour off throttle, slight settings etc. Put it back and no issues. Just sharing fwiw.
This really intrigues me. Throttle jerkiness, jerky VTEC transition, does the 6gen come out of the factory with these traits? Well, the three six gens I've owned never had these symptoms OTHER than the normal Starter Valve Synching that might be required once in a blue moon. I also had aftermarket pipes on all three with no ill effects.
VTEC transition has always been effected (as far as "jerkiness" is concerned) by throttle rate, slow rpm creep up is smoother than solid wide open throttle approach. The VTEC Spool Valve is simply an On/Off valve controlled by the ECM, does a Power Commander interfere with the ECM controlling the Spool Valve?
Later versions of VTEC also include ignition timing and fuelling changes at the VTEC transition point, maybe your PC V is interfering with this?
Perhaps Starter Valve Synching might be what's needed to solve your throttle jerkiness at small throttle openings, rather than all the mods you've done. Maybe I'm missing something here? :wacko: .
Cheers.
I think starter valve synchronisation is definitely worth doing as you suggest. Out of interest, what years were the VTEC's you have owned?
Tom, no way is that normal. I added a PCV to my 07, and it made a huge difference. The VTEC transition is now like wind filling the sail - totally predictable and no way like the toggle it was before. I'd definitely check to ensure you have the unit installed right and that your o2 eliminators are working properly. Along with that, you may possibly need to go with a different map. Power commanders are absolutely excellent - this is not normal what you are describing. Double check and verify everything.
Dave
Thanks for your thoughts Dave, any ideas on how I would go about double-checking my setup?
Tom, just wanted to confirm, the easy 3 mods you made, you did those all before the PC yes? And you had no issues when you did so, as described prior to the install? I ask as I have only done the snorkel mod, not the pair. I tried the flapper mod and found I had at times a simlar behaviour off throttle, slight settings etc. Put it back and no issues. Just sharing fwiw.
I did do all those way before I installed the PCV, correct. The bike has always had a jerky transition (2002 bike, I bought 2 years ago with 42k on the clock). You think it could be worth testing out reversing these mods?
I just read a day or 2 ago about a guy that installed his pcv and the bike ran like crap until he hooked back up his snorkel, flapper, and pair valve. He said it totally fixed it and was quite impressed with the preloaded tune that he was using. Then maybe redo one at a time while tweaking it until you get all three back............I wouldn't do the snorkel. its 5 inches long.....what can that possibly be doing to help output...and the louder intake sucking sound doesn't appeal to me either. I hooked back up my flapper because I thought it may be running lean at low rpm without it and I cringe at the thought of my bike running lean. That is why when I do finally do a full exhaust I will wait until I can do the PCV a the same time. With the heli-bars too!
I just read a day or 2 ago about a guy that installed his pcv and the bike ran like crap until he hooked back up his snorkel, flapper, and pair valve. He said it totally fixed it and was quite impressed with the preloaded tune that he was using. Then maybe redo one at a time while tweaking it until you get all three back............I wouldn't do the snorkel. its 5 inches long.....what can that possibly be doing to help output...and the louder intake sucking sound doesn't appeal to me either. I hooked back up my flapper because I thought it may be running lean at low rpm without it and I cringe at the thought of my bike running lean. That is why when I do finally do a full exhaust I will wait until I can do the PCV a the same time. With the heli-bars too!
good luck.
I've never understood the fascination with removing / disabling the flapper & snorkel. Both exist to tune the intake air velocity at various RPMs. Honda spent a lot of money to develop and tune the airbox for the best performance from low revs up to redline - a drill and Dremel tool are not likely to improve on that.
End of thread · 16 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 14 Feb 2026