Replaced vtec solenoid with one I bought on ebay for $50 (+ $10 shipping) and the car runs great. Read in one thread that the vtec would not make a big difference..huh. Huge difference! Thanks for the help gentlemen!

 

can you ask the mechanic why the vtec solenoid needed to be replaced?

 

The solenoid is activated by oil pressure. Internally there is a "piston" with "rings". Apparently the "ring" was worn out and allowing oil to blow by instead of holding the pressure and causing the solenoid to actuate.