RaceChip USA Kia Stinger Tuning

[RaceChip]

Why Racechip doesn't want to present clear information is beyond me. Hopefully this quick summarization will help everyone.


87 Octane Fuel
Please DO NOT Use

91 Octane Fuel

• Sport Mode - Mapping 5 (Max)
• Gap 0.024-0.028 will improve performance and security (from stock 0.034-0.036).
• If you have 91 octane, you can't get the full power potential without replacing or re-gapping your spark plugs.
• Get a RaceChip RS or GTS, which do not unleash the full power potential.
• Or get the GTS Black and use Mapping 5.

93-98 Octane Fuel

• Race Mode - Mapping 6 or Mapping 7.
• With 93 octane fuel, you can use every mode.
• According to present knowledge, regapping the stock plugs helps to prevent the misfire.
• According to present knowledge, I have not heard of any issues (with or without chip) with 93 octane with Kia Stinger spark plugs in stock condition.

Thank you very much for trying to sum the last posts up.

Apparently, I am not capable of communicating clearly enough. I guess, a native American English speaker would do this much better. This is one of the reasons why we will open an office in California and hire Americans. We are currently searching for a Sales & Marketing Representative a Technical Support Specialist and will soon search for Admin & Customer Support Assistant.
More information: RaceChip USA Jobs
Feel free to share these job postings or apply at jobs@racechip.com

So, back to the fuel and spark plug recommendations. According to present knowledge, I suggest following:

In General:

Kia Stinger spark plugs have quality issues. Some already in stock condition.
Thus, it is recommended to re-gap or change the plugs. Gap 0.024-0.028 will improve performance and security (from stock 0.034-0.036).
This is no must for operating a RaceChip, but it is beneficial​

87 Octane Fuel

Please DO NOT use. Not with RaceChip and also not in stock condition.​

91 Octane Fuel

Please choose one of the following possibilities:

1. Re-gap or replace your spark plugs:
   
   This improves security and performance. You can now drive in all modes (or mappings).
   In rare cases the highest mode might be too aggressive for 91 octane (the engine just does not run as smooth as it should). In this case, please lower the mapping.​
2. NOT re-gap or replace the spark plug:
   • Use only low mappings of the GTS Black
     
     Please DO NOT use the Race mode (if you don't have the app, please DO NOT use mapping 6 or 7).
     The maximum mode is Sport (or 5).​
   • Buy the RaceChip RS
     
     The RS adds less boost and less power. You can use it in all modes.​

93-98 Octane Fuel

You can use all modes/mappings.
Re-gapping is no must.
​

According to present knowledge, I have not heard of issues (with or without chip) with 93 octane with Kia Stinger spark plugs in stock condition. However, I am not omniscient. Though, I know that there never has been an issue with a RaceChip in combination with 93 octane.
There also has not been any issue with RaceChip used with a maximum mode of 5 or Sport in combination with 91 octane.

Please be aware of following:
There have been issues with cars in stock condition, too.
This means, it is a matter of time that there will be another spark plug issue with a RaceChip installed, because a certain percentage of Kias will just have it. As far as I know, Kia replaces the spark plugs hassle-free.

Once again, you will benefit from re-gapping or replacing your spark plugs in terms of performance and security.

 

[RwYeAsNt]

Thank you very much for trying to sum the last posts up.

Apparently, I am not capable of communicating clearly enough. I guess, a native American English speaker would do this much better. This is one of the reasons why we will open an office in California and hire Americans. We are currently searching for a Sales & Marketing Representative a Technical Support Specialist and will soon search for Admin & Customer Support Assistant.
More information: RaceChip USA Jobs
Feel free to share these job postings or apply at jobs@racechip.com

So, back to the fuel and spark plug recommendations. According to present knowledge, I suggest following:

In General:

Kia Stinger spark plugs have quality issues. Some already in stock condition.
Thus, it is recommended to re-gap or change the plugs. Gap 0.024-0.028 will improve performance and security (from stock 0.034-0.036).
This is no must for operating a RaceChip, but it is beneficial​

87 Octane Fuel

Please DO NOT use. Not with RaceChip and also not in stock condition.​

91 Octane Fuel

Please choose one of the following possibilities:

1. Re-gap or replace your spark plugs:
   
   This improves security and performance. You can now drive in all modes (or mappings).
   In rare cases the highest mode might be too aggressive for 91 octane (the engine just does not run as smooth as it should). In this case, please lower the mapping.​
2. NOT re-gap or replace the spark plug:
   • Use only low mappings of the GTS Black
     
     Please DO NOT use the Race mode (if you don't have the app, please DO NOT use mapping 6 or 7).
     The maximum mode is Sport (or 5).​
   • Buy the RaceChip RS
     
     The RS adds less boost and less power. You can use it in all modes.​

93-98 Octane Fuel

You can use all modes/mappings.
Re-gapping is no must.
​

According to present knowledge, I have not heard of issues (with or without chip) with 93 octane with Kia Stinger spark plugs in stock condition. However, I am not omniscient. Though, I know that there never has been an issue with a RaceChip in combination with 93 octane.
There also has not been any issue with RaceChip used with a maximum mode of 5 or Sport in combination with 91 octane.

Please be aware of following:
There have been issues with cars in stock condition, too.
This means, it is a matter of time that there will be another spark plug issue with a RaceChip installed, because a certain percentage of Kias will just have it. As far as I know, Kia replaces the spark plugs hassle-free.

Once again, you will benefit from re-gapping or replacing your spark plugs in terms of performance and security.

Thank you very much for this clarification. This will really help people.

 

[DBurd]

[MENTION=444]RaceChip[/MENTION] Thank you, that was thorough and well explained!

Do you feel 100% comfortable advising customers that 91 octane with properly(re) gapped spark plugs, is sufficient to run race chip in all settings without fear of engine damage? I am not of course asking you to promise there will never be a problem, what I?m asking is, can a car running 91 octane, with properly gapped spark plugs, expect the same overall performance, and engine stress as it is the chip is designed to produce?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DBurd]

Okay [MENTION=430]DBurd[/MENTION], here's what I have and what I know...

The engineers told me that it was rated at and run with a recommended RON95 (91 octane US) or higher. That's what their ratings were tested at for highest power output.

I also know that Kia gave Stingers to the press here in the US for almost an entire year before the public could own it. They were giving the cars out with 91 but I would bet my life that, as the press was beating the CRAP out of this car for a year, many refilled with standard 87. ZERO problems. Not one review or video or write up anywhere with a note of plug failure or misfire. None. I also know that many techs and salesmen fill the cars with 87 at PDI or time of sale.

Here's the final point; I have sitting in front of me the most current owners manual on the newest Stinger I have in stock. The updated sticker in the manual still says "For the OPTIMAL engine performance, we RECOMMEND you use..." RON95/91 octane or higher.

Again, not required. Recommended.

Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk

Do you think they change the recommendation from 87 to 91, because they realized the spark plugs werent properly gapped, and it was easier to recommend different fuel, then to have all of the cars ripped apart and the plugs changed?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MurlinatoR]

Do you think they change the recommendation from 87 to 91, because they realized the spark plugs werent properly gapped, and it was easier to recommend different fuel, then to have all of the cars ripped apart and the plugs changed?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Definitely not. They are very proactive with potential concerns. I could give a dozen examples of parts that Kia replaces on cars when customers tell me that they were working just fine all in an effort to cover their bases.

I have yet to see a single Stinger with spark plug or coil issues that wasn't chipped.

That aside, the manual doesn't say premium required, only recommended. You can run 87 octane and your warranty is perfectly valid. Here's what I think happened. The owners manuals are still printed in and imported from South Korea. I believe that the first manuals stated that 87 was recommended but that's NOT the fuel that gets the rated power ratings. I believe that they changed the manual so that it matched the octane necessary for the power advertised.

Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk

 

[JonYYZ]

I just ordered the racechip black- I run 94 so hopefully it will work without issues

 

[Kazz]

I just ordered the racechip black- I run 94 so hopefully it will work without issues

Please give us a review!

 

[Mini305]

Am guessing all these problems with gapping plugs or changing plugs was with the 2017 model is there anyone here with a 2018 model that has reported any issues? Looking to place an order for the black version with the app and just want to make sure no surprises come up. Thank you.

 

[DesertStinger]

Please give us a review!

This +1

 

[DesertStinger]

Am guessing all these problems with gapping plugs or changing plugs was with the 2017 model is there anyone here with a 2018 model that has reported any issues? Looking to place an order for the black version with the app and just want to make sure no surprises come up. Thank you.

It's all 2018, there wasn't any 2017 as far as I know. The issue was related to low fuel octane.

 

[MurlinatoR]

Am guessing all these problems with gapping plugs or changing plugs was with the 2017 model is there anyone here with a 2018 model that has reported any issues? Looking to place an order for the black version with the app and just want to make sure no surprises come up. Thank you.

No 2017 Kia Stingers here in the US. Released as a 2018. The issues with the plugs are that the chip is pushing the car harder than the plugs like with lower octane fuel.

 

[DBurd]

[MENTION=444]RaceChip[/MENTION] Thank you, that was thorough and well explained!

Do you feel 100% comfortable advising customers that 91 octane with properly(re) gapped spark plugs, is sufficient to run race chip in all settings without fear of engine damage? I am not of course asking you to promise there will never be a problem, what I?m asking is, can a car running 91 octane, with properly gapped spark plugs, expect the same overall performance, and engine stress as it is the chip is designed to produce?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MENTION=444]RaceChip[/MENTION] I am making a buying decision soon, and I am still waiting on your answer. Can I run in MAP 6/7 with 91 octane as long as I re-gap or replace my spark plugs? Thx.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Chi-Guy]

[MENTION=444]RaceChip[/MENTION] I am making a buying decision soon, and I am still waiting on your answer. Can I run in MAP 6/7 with 91 octane as long as I re-gap or replace my spark plugs? Thx.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MENTION=430]DBurd[/MENTION] you're probably waiting to hear from Racechip again but they answered that earlier in the thread https://www.kiastinger.org/forum/th...a-Stinger-Tuning?p=16587&viewfull=1#post16587

Regaping on 91 octane lets you drive all all mappings. If your engine doesn't drive smooth then go to the lower mapping.

Re-gap or replace your spark plugs:
This improves security and performance. You can now drive in all modes (or mappings).
In rare cases the highest mode might be too aggressive for 91 octane (the engine just does not run as smooth as it should). In this case, please lower the mapping.

 

[DBurd]

[MENTION=430]DBurd[/MENTION] you're probably waiting to hear from Racechip again but they answered that earlier in the thread https://www.kiastinger.org/forum/th...a-Stinger-Tuning?p=16587&viewfull=1#post16587

Regaping on 91 octane lets you drive all all mappings. If your engine doesn't drive smooth then go to the lower mapping.

I did miss that, thx.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RaceChip]

[MENTION=444]RaceChip[/MENTION] I am making a buying decision soon, and I am still waiting on your answer. Can I run in MAP 6/7 with 91 octane as long as I re-gap or replace my spark plugs? Thx.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, you can run 91 octane in mapping 6/7 (or Sport mode if you have the app) if you replace your spark plugs.

 

[VegasStinger]

Yes, you can run 91 octane in mapping 6/7 (or Sport mode if you have the app) if you replace your spark plugs.

Wait so now you need to replace the plugs, not just re-gap on 91 octane for map 6/7? I know there might be a language barrier but I think it's important to clarify. What plugs do your company recommend?

 

[DBurd]

Wait so now you need to replace the plugs, not just re-gap on 91 octane for map 6/7? I know there might be a language barrier but I think it's important to clarify. What plugs do your company recommend?

This? Can you imagine if there were no internet and we were trying to communicate through this language barrier in sending letters back-and-forth...lol

But that is now my question too...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ihatecats78]

This? Can you imagine if there were no internet and we were trying to communicate through this language barrier in sending letters back-and-forth...lol

But that is now my question too...



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think this is a miscommunication.. We just need to re-gap our stock plugs to run 91 octane on map 6-7 or Race mode. RaceChip has stated that a couple times here and on another forum.

 

[RaceChip]

Okay, please let me quote myself:

Thank you very much for trying to sum the last posts up.

Apparently, I am not capable of communicating clearly enough. I guess, a native American English speaker would do this much better. This is one of the reasons why we will open an office in California and hire Americans. We are currently searching for a Sales & Marketing Representative a Technical Support Specialist and will soon search for Admin & Customer Support Assistant.
More information: RaceChip USA Jobs
Feel free to share these job postings or apply at jobs@racechip.com

So, back to the fuel and spark plug recommendations. According to present knowledge, I suggest following:

In General:

Kia Stinger spark plugs have quality issues. Some already in stock condition.
Thus, it is recommended to re-gap or change the plugs. Gap 0.024-0.028 will improve performance and security (from stock 0.034-0.036).
This is no must for operating a RaceChip, but it is beneficial​

87 Octane Fuel

Please DO NOT use. Not with RaceChip and also not in stock condition.​

91 Octane Fuel

Please choose one of the following possibilities:

1. Re-gap or replace your spark plugs:
   
   This improves security and performance. You can now drive in all modes (or mappings).
   In rare cases the highest mode might be too aggressive for 91 octane (the engine just does not run as smooth as it should). In this case, please lower the mapping.​

1. NOT re-gap or replace the spark plug:
   • Use only low mappings of the GTS Black
     
     Please DO NOT use the Race mode (if you don't have the app, please DO NOT use mapping 6 or 7).
     The maximum mode is Sport (or 5).​
   • Buy the RaceChip RS
     
     The RS adds less boost and less power. You can use it in all modes.​

93-98 Octane Fuel

You can use all modes/mappings.
Re-gapping is no must.
​

According to present knowledge, I have not heard of issues (with or without chip) with 93 octane with Kia Stinger spark plugs in stock condition. However, I am not omniscient. Though, I know that there never has been an issue with a RaceChip in combination with 93 octane.
There also has not been any issue with RaceChip used with a maximum mode of 5 or Sport in combination with 91 octane.

Please be aware of following:
There have been issues with cars in stock condition, too.
This means, it is a matter of time that there will be another spark plug issue with a RaceChip installed, because a certain percentage of Kias will just have it. As far as I know, Kia replaces the spark plugs hassle-free.

Once again, you will benefit from re-gapping or replacing your spark plugs in terms of performance and security.

I really want to be clear, so please help me and tell me what is unclear in the post I quoted and what needs to be improved. Thanks.

 

[RaceChip]

Wait so now you need to replace the plugs, not just re-gap on 91 octane for map 6/7? I know there might be a language barrier but I think it's important to clarify. What plugs do your company recommend?

Sorry, it should be "replace or re-gap" in this sentence.

We do not recommend specific brands.
The physical specifications of the OEM plugs are as follows
Hex Size: 16mm
Thread Size 14mm
Thread Reach : 26.5mm
Seat type: Gasket