Engine remapping is a computerised process which ultimately allows your car’s engine to produce more power and more torque.
It’s a great way of getting some more performance out of your vehicle without making any major mechanical changes.
Not all cars will receive the same benefits from remapping however; some Kia models will receive a greater boost in power than others.
The main factor to think about is the engine itself.
ECU remapping works by increasing the fuel and airflow into the engine, but this cannot be altered much with a naturally aspirated engine.
Gains in power are usually very small with these powerplants. Turbocharged engines however, are ideal for making alterations to, and torque gains of up to 30% are not unheard of.
Fortunately, many Kia models are fitted with a turbocharger, which means that they are prime candidates for remapping.
This includes things like the CRDi engines, and the Pro_cee’d GT’s engine with the twin-scroll turbochargers.
Of course, remapping the smaller city cars such as the Picanto is unlikely to be popular.
Buyers don’t tend to choose them for their performance, and a remap won’t make a hugely noticeable difference on smaller engines. Sportier models, and cars designed for off-road such as the Sorento, are far more likely to be remapped.
As an example, remapping the 2.5 CRDi in the Sorento is likely to boost bhp from 140 to 164, and torque from 314Nm to a hefty 355Nm. This is great for a little extra acceleration, or if you need to tow things often.
It will be very interesting to see what kind of figures can be had from the new turbocharged Kia GT model.
If economy is your thing, then you’ll find that many companies also offer remaps that cut down on fuel consumption.
This is done by a combination of lowering the overall power output, and increasing the torque lower down, which means less throttle is needed to get the car moving around at lower speeds.
This might not be for everyone, but it does open up options, especially if you do a lot of city driving.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to get some more power out of your Kia, then a remap could be a great way to go.
It doesn’t require any mechanical alterations, and can be really effective on a great number of models.
A lot of providers will be able to give you an idea of how much additional power you’ll get out of the car with a remap, which is a good idea before you spend any money.
