Okay, so maybe this is a dumb question, but here goes:

A fellow Lancer owner and I were talking today about MIVEC and when it kicks in on the 4B12 (09+) engine. From the research I've done, my understanding is that in the 4B11/4B12 engines, MIVEC is designed not to kick in at a specific RPM, but be able to create variable valve timing at any RPM, so you can't really say that "it kicks in at XX,000 RPM..."

If this is true, then what's best way to see how the engine performance improves? Is a dyno run the best (only) way? I'm sure the dyno chart will show steady gains in power depending on the throttle pressure, but my experience with engine tech and dyno tech is minimal at best. As for feeling it kick in while I'm driving my car, I guess I can, but I never really thought about it, I just attributed the speed increase as a result of normal acceleration, although I can feel the engine pull at higher RPM in pretty much every gear, so I'm guessing that's MIVEC. I don't imagine it to be a major performance increaser like a turbo or SC would be, but if that's what I'm feeling then I'm okay with it.

Also, is there any good way to test and see if MIVEC is working as advertised? I would imagine that unless the car is putting out engine codes, everything is kosher, but is there any way to really test it out? I know Hondas that have a "VTEC light," which I imagine work as they claim them to. Is there any way (minus a dyno run) to really test MIVEC and see when it kicks in? Does anyone have a dyno sheet/numbers from a 2008+ Lancer dyno run?

 

mivec kicks in at 4k rpm, you know because thats when the car pulls (alittle) haha.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIVEC

Actually MIVEC is a type of VVT... variable valve timing. as is on most cars these days. Originally these just kicked in at a set moment. Vtec kicked in yo! But newer technologies are allowing the intake cam to advance allowing for a smoother feel. So no it no longer kicks in at a certain rpm, but yes the ability of the VVT systems are still very limited.