Honda Civic Coupe Forum : “VTEC 1.6L swap to std 1.6L P1259 Code, Engine light on sloppy shift and sudo rev...”

VTEC 1.6L swap to std 1.6L P1259 Code, Engine light on sloppy shift and sudo rev limiter symptom

Just picked up a 98 civic ex coupe, check engine light on, DTC code P1259 VTEC malfunction. Did some research, last owner downgraded to 1.6L no VTEC. My problems; Check engine light on, acts like rev limiter is being triggered at 4500-5000RPM while driving, (revs full throw from idle, if in park), automatic trans. feels soggy between shifts.

Local service tech. (swap king) says; engine light will be on until VTEC computer is switched for standard 1.6L computer, and says sloppy AT shift pattern and sudo rev limiter symptom are related to the failure of one or more components in the distributer.

any information on downgrade swap or solutions please!!!