Sounds like you have an RS Tuner map. I have matched inlets, decat/RS192, Intake and RS Tuner 98 RON map. My car does not so much have a "kick" at 5k as the feeling of the engine slightly "freeing up". Plenty of power lower but absolutely screams in the upper RPM ranges. Do not rev your motor out when cold, horrible for it and no need.
The K20 in the EP3 (I swapped one for my current 182) was boring below the Vtec crossover, then it screamed! (open intakes sound amazing on them) Very smooth running motor. Rest of the car was meh, but I LOVED the pre facelift seats.