VCT got bought in with the S1 R33s and from thereonwards was standard. easy way to tell whether or not it has VCT is whether it has a buldge on the lefthand side of your timing belt cover.
the only RB25DEs without VCT were the ones from the R32s, VL owners usually use them on RB30DE builds as they dont have to modify the block as much.
Luke, i had the same problem that your having. just launch it at about 4-5k RPM and you should be alright if youv got grippy tires, cos thats where the torque band is. i gained heaps of bottom end go when i turboed mine, cos of the high-comp motor.