Tried to check vvt by taking plug off solenoid on top of engine didnt seem to make any differance to performance even though i later checked across pins 1 and 2 when engine started 12v perminently on.I understand it advances inlet cam timing from 85 to 145 degrees using oil pressure.

Research so far seems to be 2 camps : vvt is mostly for economy and emmissions OR for extra power.
Can someone tell me which it is?

Can someone also tell me how best to check it?

 

accelerate hard in second gear, if vvt is working you'll feel the revs surge about 5k rpm. The idea is to try and get some economy low down, some power up top. if you run a lot of advance you get the power at the top end but the motor idles rough. VVt is Fords attempt at solving this

 

The VVT is progressive on the ST170, it does not suddenly switch cam timing so you will not feel it, the kick you feel at 5000rpm is the manifold runner switching over.
The VVT gives you good low down and top end tourqe

 

ohhhhh ok, my bad

 

Cheers for info, am running it in a kitcar and couldnt keep up with a tiger which is similar weight and alleged 140bhp. i know st170 dont put out 170 normally but should have killed this car at least in straight line.

Probably didnt notice loss of tourqe as car sub 600kg

Need to take it to rolling roaded anyway