Honda: Vtec faulty, k20a2, rev limiter

Question
I dont have the S2K, but my vehicle is a Vtec, my engine is a K20A2, found in the RSX-S. A couple of weeks ago I noticed my car back fired at around 5xRPM, I,ve since not tried to engage the Vtec. But to try and figure if there was a possible problem w/ my engine. In 2nd gear I brought the engine up to around 5500 RPM there was loss of power and backfiring or sputtering. It would seem to be a fuel or air intake problem, if it a compression problem or a floated in take valve i'm in trouble. Let me know what you think. Thanks, Mike

Answer
I think you may have tried to drive too fast while the engine was still cold.  If you try to engage VTEC when the engine is cold, then the rev limiter will kick in and temporarily shut off the engine. If this doesn't help, I don't know what will.

Good Luck,
Barrett.