fer problems with my 96 civic

Well everytime I come to a stop in my civic (ex 5spd) it idles reall low like it's about to stall. It has been doing this for a while and I figured it's just the pvc valve and I haven't had the chance to change yet. My question is could it be something else, because when I drive it with my headlights on or heater on it never does it (it idles normally) Could it be somekind of electric proplem. Now for problem number two. For about the past 2 years I have notice my civic loose a good bit of oil (it's not leaking it comes out of the exhaust) I was adding about 1/2 quart of oil every 400 miles. Well about 2 months ago I started driving my car a little different ( I wouden't rev it pas 4,200 rpms so the vtec wouden't kick in) and since I have driven it like that it has lost no oil. My theory is that there is something wrong with the vtec. Now how can I fix that can the vtec just be replaced or what should I do.

#1. where is exactly idle at? idle is steady and low or bounces?

#2. there are two ways to lose oil. (1) it is leaking somewhere. a visual inspection will do. (2) it is burning. a compression test will do.

Your car is trying to tell you that something's wrong- sounds like the VTEC is disabled due to a 'limp' mode in the ECU. I would take it to a decent shop or dealer and have them compression check the engine, check the ECU for what's up, and give it a good shakedown.

#1 it idles reall low like it's almost about to stall 100 rpms and it is a steady idle it doesen't bounce. (when I have my headlights on it itles normal like 700 rpms, steady)
#2 I had a visual inspection done by myself and a mechaninc and it's is not leaking. It is burning it there is all kind of black stuff on my rear bumper at all times.

So sounds like I should get a compressin test done then what. By the way no check engine light on and the car runs fine...

ah, misread what you said. i thought you said the vtec WASN'T engaging, not that you simply weren't revving high enough to engage it. my bad.

Whell when I used to rev it high enough for the vtec to engange, it would only do so certain times. (proprably because of the oil pressure being that I believe when the vtec kicks in I am burnig oil)

if oil burning followed by compression results are bad, then, its time to face the fact that you may need a new motor. if your having a mechanic look at it, then, they will know to follow with a leakdown test, spark plug inspection, and vacuum test. rip that sucker out and find out. uneven and low compression will lead to unsteady idling.