I'm not sure for certain, but I think that if the VTEC isn't hooked up or fails at any point it throws a CEL and the motor will be sluggish above 3000 rmp - ish. I may not be correct though, that's just what I've read.
It's a mixed bag, I've read it both ways. Bet if we were talking B series there'd be a plethora of info. LOL