depends on your setup. setting vtec too low w/o the proper mods can actually cause a pretty large loss in hp/tq from that point until the point in which the hicam catches up. i tuned one cust w/ a b20vtec that actually benefitted from having vtec down that low and never lost any power and actually jumped pretty well at that point. it made it's most total hp/tq across the entire rev range that low.

most cars it doesn't benefit to place vtec that low. it may feel faster because power drops off quick and then kicks back in. setting it too high can also lose power as well. the best way to set vtec is on the dyno so you can visually see where the best place to set vtec is.