DOFZO ! You've got sick info! and you're right.
And, if you cold start and take off, you don't lean burn. you operate in 12v mode, unless you run beyond the low / high rpm crossover point, as DOFZO already mentioned. check out my lean burn vid:
Lean burn - YouTube
I have a lean burn "econo" light or "happy light" if you watch the video. With this econo light, I show in the video how the pedal position affects lean burn operation. You will also notice that it generally doesn't come on until I'm at or above 25 mph / 3rd gear. Don't ask me how, but that's how and when my econo light comes on.
As far as hearing or feeling the vtec kick in, you're thinking about the wrong motor, dude. go find a "B" series or "K" series motor. They've got all the vtec kick you're looking for, none of the economy.
With that said, this motor is all about economy. The vtec switches to a more efficient cam / intake valve profile to better suit the given rpm's and load, NOT FOR POWER.
