I got 2004 Civic VP. I tried M1 5W-20 with VSOT. It did quiet noises a lot. Now I am using GC 0W-30 and I haven't added any additive into the oil. It performs the job greatly. No loud noise... even when cold start, I would say it quiets better than 5W-20 + VSOT.
2004 Civic VP 1.7L I-4 26900 mi.
Nippon Filter/Wix Filter/Bosch
GC 0W-30/M1 5W-20
Aggressive delivery driver.
Will report if my engine breaks.
P.S. One of a driver at the restaurant use the 2002 Civic LX, his engine is noisier but he didn't care about the noise that much. He uses dino 5W-20(Proline.) He let the auto repair next to the restaurant changed it. So far so OK! just noisier. His mileage is approaching 92K..