| Performance Mods ECU |
| The Kia has an engine management computer that can be upgraded with good results in power and torque gains through the rev range. The ECU is simply a removable chip which contains (amongst other things) a map of spark and fuel curves. Factory settings are generally quite conservative in order to strike a favourable balance toward outright economy to keep the masses happy. This means that the engine runs quite lean so as logic would say, add more fuel and the engine will produce more power. This is only one way in which the power and torque figures are improved by replacing the ECU. Better and more detailed mapping of fuel and spark advance curves allow better use of the available fuel going into the motor as factory settings aren't as detailed as a specialised aftermarket ECU supplier. In Australia 'Powerchip' is a well known and reputable manufacturer of aftermarket ECU's and are available nationwide. Different chips are available (bronze, silver, gold) depending on budget and whether or not you're prepared to run the more expensive 95 or 98 octane premium unleaded petrol (PULP). Australia has 3 types of approved pump petrol as far as we're concerned : 91 octane ULP (unleaded petrol) 95 octane PULP (premium unleaded petrol) 98 octane PULP (Shell Optimax or BP Ultimate only) The factory outputs of 94kW and 175Nm can be increased to 103kw and 192Nm respectively just by adding a basic Powerchip while the Gold 98 Powerchip claims peak outputs of 108kW and 203Nm. Thats a 14% power increase and 28% torque increase if running the Gold 98 chip - not bad considering every little bit helps in a 1600kg + vehicle. Add other modifications such as air filter and full exhaust and another 10% increase isn't an unreasonable expectation. Throttle response is also markedly improved. Another feature of Powerchip is that they can be reprogrammed and tuned to your specific vehicle. While they will drop straight in they can be further tuned to suit other changes eg cams, exhaust etc. Apparently these chips aren't detectable by the dealer so not problems at service tune up time and are fully guaranteed. Yes they do use a little more fuel but it also uses it more efficiently so increases aren't major. It'll also come down to how you drive the car obviously. For more information about these ECU's check out www.powerchip.com.au |
| Here is some information from the Powerchip site for the Sportage 1996 + (as at Jan 2002) Standard : 94kW / 175Nm peak outputs Bronze & Silver Powerchip : Suitable for regular 91 RON ULP : 103kW / 192Nm peak outputs Gold Powerchip : Suitable for 95+ RON PULP (all brands) : 105kW / 196Nm peak outputs Gold 98 Powerchip : Shell Optimax / BP Ultimate 98 RON PULP : 108kW / 203Nm peak outputs |
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