Dunno abt the new vtec but should kick in abt >5000rpm.
For turbo should kick in at abt >3000rpm.
Vtec kicks in b4 turbo??? Unless the vtec cross over pt is modified
but who will want to vtec < 3000rpm???
May I know where your friend tested the evo8 n from which PI??
Quite a new car in S'pore. Very difficult to test this car. When I
bought my car EVO TM, I also can't test drive, untill the day I
drove it home.