Does it?

i drove around on ECO mode this past weekend. During hard acceleration merging onto freeway, my car was felt quieter than normal. I hated the loud engine noise when car wasn't going anywhere fast.

Seems like ECO mode sound levels match the lack of thrust. I loved it.

is it all in my head?

I prefer the LS460 type of noise/acceleration. Quiet but goes fast/smoothly.

my VTEC days are over

 

No, it doesn't turn off in eco.

 

Darn.. so it is my head

 

Also, regardless of which mode you may be in, the engine performs exactly the same at WOT...