Kia Stonic Tuning

"Cheers for reading this Kia Stonic tuning guide."

It was first introduced in 2017 and was designed to compete in the rapidly growing subcompact SUV market. The Stonic shares its platform with the Kia Rio and Hyundai Kona.

So you'll often find performance parts and upgrades for these are suitable on the Stonic.

We review and look at Kias urban crossover the Stonic and see what tuning mods work best and provide tips on the best modifications.

Kia Stonics great bases for a tuning project and with the right motorsport parts you can dramatically increase your driving opportunities.

The Stonic is a awesome car tuning project to do. If you do your homework then you can create an awesome Stonic but don't be fooled there are lots of tuning upgrades out there that will simply not suit it read our unbiased guides first.

This article gives a general overview of tuning and which mods you should be investigating.

Please let us have your tips and part recommendations in the comments below so I can make this article more helpful to our readers.

Handling/Suspension upgrades

Many Stonic owners uprate the handling of their cars with performance suspension mods as a priority, this will certainly increase your enjoyment of the car.

Fully adjustable suspension allows you to fine tune the handling of you Stonic greatly enhancing your drive.

We suggest that you fit modified suspension and lower the car by 25mm - 36 mm. Larger drops require arch work - especially on models already equipped with performance suspension.

The Eibach Pro-Kit seems a good option, and provides a 25mm drop in keeping with my preference of keeping some ground clearance, and it also firms up the ride and sharpens your handling over the stock factory setup.

LESJÖFORS, and Triscan offer a decent replacement Stonic coil spring, these are a better spec to OEM in terms of spring rate and ride height is about the same as the OEM.

The H&R springs are generally regarded as the best quality replacement options but they do cost a little more and still don't offer the adjustability which we crave but are certainly a little firmer than the stock ones.

Turning our attention to the Stonic's engine we need to get a bit more power out of the top end.

The best power gains come from larger engine sizes. The more you start with the bigger the return on investment so engine swaps are good value mods for small engined cars.

Power mods.

The following motorsport kits are usually fitted by our members, decide how far you wish to go in your tuning project before you get started.

Getting the right modified upgrades for your planned usage of the car is a time and money saver. Stage 3 competition upgrades just don't work well on the road and will make the car undrivable.

Please watch our video which covers the 5 principles of tuning your car. Be sure to keep up with our latest YouTube content and subscribe.

Best Engine Mods for your car

Please let me know if you find suitable parts which you can recommend, I do struggle sourcing parts and options for the Stonic, but thankfully the options are starting to grow as people realize the potential of this great platform.

1. Engine Tuning and Remapping: When it comes to maximizing performance gains while keeping costs in check, engine tuning or remapping is a popular and effective option. Modifying the electronic control unit (ECU) software allows you to optimize fuel and ignition timing, adjust turbocharger/supercharger boost levels, and fine-tune various parameters for increased power and efficiency.Aftermarket ECUs and piggyback ECUs are also alternatives that can provide greater control over engine management.Celtic tuning (based in the UK) will remap the 1.4 T-GDi and boost power by around 30hp and raise torque by 41hp. The 1.6 CRDi Diesel will however see gains of around 60hp and 56 hp from the 108hp base and the 114hp version gains around 50hp & 40lbft of torque.
2. Intake and Exhaust Modifications: Upgrading the intake and exhaust systems can improve airflow and overall engine efficiency.

   While these modifications might not directly add power on their own, they can complement other performance upgrades by reducing restrictions and allowing the engine to breathe more freely.Combining intake and exhaust enhancements with other modifications can lead to better overall gains.

3. Turbocharger and Supercharger Upgrades: Forced induction, achieved through turbocharger or supercharger upgrades, is a potent method for increasing air supply to the engine.This enables more efficient combustion and higher power output.While turbocharger and supercharger upgrades can be costly, they offer some of the most substantial performance gains available.It's essential to ensure proper supporting modifications, such as improved fuel delivery and cooling systems, to make the most of these upgrades.
4. Head Work and Porting: Porting and flowing the cylinder head involves reshaping and optimizing the intake and exhaust ports to improve airflow.This process aims to reduce restrictions and turbulence, allowing the engine to breathe more efficiently.
   Properly executed head work can enhance overall engine performance by optimizing the air/fuel mixture and exhaust gas evacuation.

Typical stage 1 mods often include: Panel air filter, Suspension upgrade (drop 25mm - 36 mm.), Engine Tunes/Remapping, Lighter flywheel, Sports exhaust, Alloy wheels.

Typical stage 2 mods often include: high flow fuel injector, Power/Sport clutch, Ported and polished head, fuel pump upgrades.

Typical stage 3 mods often include: Sports gearbox, Engine balancing, Competition cam, Internal engine upgrades (pistons/head/valves), Adding or upgrading forced induction (turbo/supercharger).

You need to keep as much low end torque as you can and aim to achieve a wide power band across the rev range rather than a narrow top end power hike.

In this article we shall give a limited introduction to the best modifications for your car, but we'd encourage you to spend some time on the site looking into the details of each type of performance upgrade.

You'd need to follow any mod or upgrade with a reflashed ECU to fully realise your gains.

When pushing up the power you will need to pay attention to the fuelling. More power needs more fuel.

Using high octane petrol is another option if you find you are suffering from pinking or premature ignition on your Kia project after fitting other tuning kits. Upgrading the injectors is another beneficial modification and will deliver sufficient fuel.

Uprate the fuel pump to cope with the extra fuel requirements of your tuned Stonic's uprated injectors.

Intake and Exhaust Tuning.

Let's dive into the world of optimizing your Stonic's performance, focusing on the crucial aspects of intake and exhaust modifications.

Ensuring proper airflow through the engine should be viewed as giving your Stonic a breath of fresh air, quite literally.

When it comes to air induction kits, their power-boosting potential kicks in when your car's air intake is restricted.

For stock engines, adding an induction kit might not yield low-end power gains especailly on diesels. However, if you've significantly modified your engine, creating a heightened demand for air, an induction kit becomes the hero, removing any lingering restrictions.

Now, induction kits aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. They particularly shine on turbo engines and larger ones, provided they come with a suitable cold air feed or airbox. But for Stonic engines, our recommendation leans towards a high-performance panel air filter, preferably crafted from cotton.

Let's talk about the harmonious dance of air and exhaust in your Stonic. Sports exhausts play a key role in balancing airflow, but there's a sweet spot. If your exhaust pipe is too large, exceeding a 2.5 inches bore, you risk losing much of the flow rate and, consequently, power and torque.

For a dramatic boost in airflow through the engine, consider professional head porting and polishing. These modifications should be tailored to complement other engine mods. And to ensure that newfound power is put to good use, a robust fast road upgraded clutch  is a must. Never underestimate the importance of a sturdy clutch  it's the unsung hero that keeps everything in check.

When it comes to the best modifications for your Stonic, our experience points to a tune/remap ( ECU Flashing), especially if you're dealing with a turbo. Add a sports exhaust into the mix, complemented by a top-notch air intake, and you've got a winning combination.

For turbo engines, flashing is the name of the game. A tune/remap can deliver massive power gains, making it one of the most cost-effective modifications. Some daring Stonic owners have even ventured into twin-charging applications, achieving remarkable power gains.

While forced induction can undoubtedly unleash significant power, it often comes with a hefty price tag. Superchargers are a more straightforward addition compared to turbo installations, where mapping complexities arise due to the exponential boost with rpm.

In the pursuit of optimal Stonic performance, carefully consider your engine's needs and your driving preferences. Remember, it's not just about adding power; it's about achieving a balanced and exhilarating driving experience. So, let the mods begin and enjoy the enhanced performance of your Stonic on the open road!

We've also come across some owners playing with twin charging applications and making some very high power gains.

Adding forced induction will see significant power gains but this is usually too expensive to be cost effective. It is often simpler to add a supercharger than it is to install a turbo. It is more challenging to map a turbo as the boost comes on exponentially with rpm.

The nice correlating boost and rpm characteristics of the supercharger make them simpler to map. To cope with forced induction you will usually need to decrease the engine compression ratio .

Alloy wheel upgrades.

Let's delve into the fascinating world of alloy wheels and how they can significantly impact your car's performance.

Alloy wheels, being lighter than their steel counterparts, bring a host of benefits to the table. First and foremost, their reduced weight contributes to improved overall performance. This is particularly noticeable in terms of acceleration and maneuverability, where the car's agility is enhanced due to the reduction in unsprung weight.

Now, let's unpack the term "unsprung weight." Unsprung weight refers to the mass of components not supported by the vehicle's suspension system, including wheels, tires, and brake assemblies.

When you reduce unsprung weight, as is the case with alloy wheels, you enhance the car's ability to respond to bumps and undulations in the road more effectively.

This translates to better handling, increased traction, and a more responsive ride.

Beyond the performance aspect, alloy wheels also play a role in cooling the brake disks.

Their design often incorporates vents and fins that facilitate better heat dissipation during braking, preventing the brakes from overheating and maintaining optimal performance.

Now, the choice of tires is a crucial factor in maximizing the benefits of alloy wheels.

Opting for tires with a good directional tread pattern can significantly enhance your car's handling.

This type of tread pattern is designed to channel water away from the tire, improving grip on wet surfaces and enhancing overall traction.

However, when it comes to the visually appealing but larger alloy wheels on the Stonic, there's a trade-off to consider.

While big wheels might look cool, they can have a counterintuitive effect on performance.

The larger the wheels, the lower your acceleration might be due to changes in the effective final drive ratio.

This is an important consideration, especially for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.

In light of this, we recommend sticking to a maximum wheel size of 18 inches.

While some members have experimented with larger wheels without encountering issues, it's a balance between aesthetics and performance.

Choosing the right wheel size ensures you enjoy the visual appeal of alloy wheels while maintaining optimal acceleration and handling characteristics for your Stonic. So, when it comes to wheels, think smart, drive smart!

If you would like to know more, or just get some friendly advice on Tuning your car please join us in our friendly forum where you can discuss Stonic options in more detail with our Stonic owners. It would also be worth reading our unbiased Kia tuning articles to get a full grasp of the benefits and drawbacks of each modification.

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This article is flagged for an update, so please pass on specific tips below that I can include. All articles, and content was written by me, Waynne Smith TorqueCars founder. Some outlines are just too general so I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. This entry was filed under Kia. You can leave a response below or join our forum to discuss this article and car modification in detail with our members.

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