you're probably thinking about when it's fully engaged.

 

vtec on your engine changes over at 5000
since you have no real method of telling when it's actually changing over, i'm just going to have to say you're wrong when you said yours is changing over at 5500. If you want to know for sure, install a VTEC light. The light will turn on when VTEC engages, and you can know for sure what RPM it's engaging at.

Can you take video of what you are describing? and then host it on photobucket and embed it in a post

 

The VTEC engagement point is different on every engine, but basically, it should be a smooth transition when it engages. If it is a sudden JOLT of power when VTEC engages, then it is engaging too late, but if it is a sudden LOSS of power, then it is engaging too early. A Dyno run would yield the answers.

Basically, just leave it where it is, unless there is a serious problem with it, like only engaging at 7000 RPM, or always engaged. Either setup isn't optimal.

Not enough power down below? Launch higher, I guess...

 

If you think a single cam VTEC engagement feels like a turbo, then you have never ridden in a turbo'd car. It's freakin 15hp, not anything to brag about.

 

I really wouldn't even waste time trying to make that car fast with minimal parts. Learn to drive in the twisties and stop trying to drag race people. You're probably making close to 110 at the wheels. You're not going to win very many races.