I'm a newbie here - so go easy on me.
I hope someone can help. I've just purchased a '97 Lucino (import Pulsar) with the SR16VE engine...
This has NEO VVL - Nissan's equivalent of VTEC.

From what I have read online VVL is pretty much the same as VTEC and I have driven VTEC cars. I have felt that kick you get when you hit 5000RPM (or whatever it is).
I have felt that same kick in my car a couple of times - but not consistently.
It seems to happen only 1 time out of 10 or so.
I am quite dissapointed as the engine is supposed to produce 175Hp, but it sure doesn't feel like it.
I've read in these forums that oil pressure can affect the VTEC performance... this car had a service before i purchased it and they used 15W-40 oil. Personally I would have used a semi-synthetic at least, perhaps even fully synthetic oil. Could this be the problem?

I have read other comments about faulty VTEC solenoids...

Anyone no anything about my engine or what might be going wrong?
Thanks

I'm not sure what difference the oil type makes for that specific application, but i'd check the oil level, to be sure.....most "VTEC" activation systems have hydraulic components, meaning they operate off the engine's oil pressure, as you mentioned. If your car has an oil pressure gauge, i'd watch it carefully and see if it rises sufficiently with rpm. Check a manual and see what type of numbers you should be looking for. Also try to take notes on when and why it might "do its thing" sometimes and not others.

That's my 2 cents

Michael

three cents short of a nickel

I'll bet it's your solenoids. Nissan's VVL operates by using solenoids that kick the cams over to the larger lobes. If you bought it used, the previous probably never revved very high and let the solenoids go bad. All SR series motors should be revved up at least once a month to keep the "top-end" operable.

Also keep in mind that Nissan developed its NEO VVL to change inlet & exhaust camshaft phases at different rpm points to prvent that typical Honda lul in power delivery as the cams change. NEO VVL rock... I agree, the solenoids need servicing or replacement.