I kept it basic and brief; for the sake of posting without
A) Confusing members, easy to distinguish what is VTEC and VVT. Verses something like MIVEC
and Double-VANOS.
or
B) a length of off-topic discussion
You are correct. i-AVLS is similar to VTEC-E, in which number of valves actuated is decreased at low rpm. While the system is similar, its application to engine performance [fuel economy/drivability] is on a much different note.
Well you can look at it two ways. It makes sense considering sale period. When comparing engine/drivetrain I tend to to make leeway on this in favour of something more precise [Displacement, Gear Ratios etc].
I got into pissing match once that engine for engine the 2ZZ-GE shouldn't be compared to a B18C1 or B18C5, but rather a K20A2. [Sarcastic
Clap]
It's actually better to have the switch point lower, the consequence is less kick. Power is accessible towards the end of the midrange. So I respect your opinion Mitch that it's detuned (with you owning a 8th Gen Si), however I believe it's just less abrupt then the past non cam-phasing Honda engines (B series).
I don't land on my high cam even with redline shifts because it's set [stock] at a silly 6700rpm. The tuners that use the Apexi-PFC always decrease it to 5800-6200rpm on this engine, trading the "kick" for better performance and land on upshift. It gives a hell of jolt and noise in 1st and 2nd stock though.
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And that's all the off topic from me today...