Ya, the new L-series do have variable valve timing. So does the NB chassis Miata. I'd be able to use that on my car if I wanted. (what you have to remember about VTEC, is that it doesn't create more power up top like people think it does. It just allows Honda to use an ultra small low-rpm cam lobe keep the engine efficient at low rpm. When you're going for all out power, you only want the big cams. First thing a road racer does with an ITR is lose the VTEC system)
Spicey, you're right. The FS AND the BP are crap for NA, although the BP was a bit more engineered, and the heads aren't that bad. But that's just the point. Take an engine what WASN'T designed for high RPM, high hp without forced induction, MAKE it more powerful, and be happy. It's the challenge that's so much fun.
I fully agree with Install. I consider turbo cheating. I could make 300 reliable wheel hp for my BP for $5000, or I can spend $10,000 and get 170. I'm choosing the latter BECAUSE it's harder. I have no respect for a turbo car, because the guy driving it probably had nothing to do with engineering it, buidling it, fabricating it or tuning it. Us NA guys have to use custom parts, custom machine work, ingenuitive problem solving thrown in with a bit of luck. One of the Miata guys tried 6 different cams before settling on his Web Cams. One guy is getting 180whp in his BP, and says to get that extra 5-10whp, he'll have to spend another $5000. We do it because it's hard, not because it's easy. I have infinite amount more respect for a guy who got 30% more power naturally aspirated, than 50% by turbo.
How about this. Mazdaspeeds dyno around 150-155 at the wheels. What cammands more respect, a 1.8NA getting 170whp, or a turbocharged 2.0 getting 155whp?