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Performance Parts??

26K views 30 replies 12 participants last post by  steelwindmachine 
#1 ·
I have a 15' SXL Sorento. I've been looking around online quite a bit since I purchased the vehicle back in July 2014. Not coming up with much aside from floor mats, lighting, etc. Was wondering if anyone has come across any other aftermarket parts for the 15 sorento 3.3l ? I see that there's talk of hyundai 3.3L with a TURBO. Maybe we will see a turbo kit for the sorento...doubtfull.

Thanks
 
#2 · (Edited)
Not too many people looking to hot-rod their Sorentos. They're good just the way they are. No demand, no market. Besides, with the long warranty KIA gives with their vehicles, and the fact that anything other than OEM parts would invalidate that warranty, people aren't so likely to give that up.
 
#26 ·
Good. But not great. I'm looking for great. And that shouldn't elicit a response like "well if you want more power then look elswhere," either.

I haven't looked at compression but many new cars are maxed or near it. Still, I want a great intake, headers, exhaust and either turbo or SC

There is always a market for a turbo charger system for any vehicle with an owner who demands more from his car.

With a decent engine management system to control the usual suspects and a tuner shop that will stand behind their work...I'm going to see about a single or a twin turbo solution with a moderate 18lbs of boost.
 
#3 ·
I'm also wanting to upgrade my SX - but after driving a 2016, I don't think I'd ever be happy. The improvement in "pick-up" on the new model is significant. I wish I could have waited to buy my 2015, but my totaled 2011 had to be replaced.

I would like - better brakes, slightly stiffer suspension, and better throttle response. The 2016 has the last two.
 
#4 ·
Coming from a '12 SX, in my opinion, I think it only has the first one you mentioned. The moment I test drove the '15 SX I immediately noticed the stronger brakes on them. The better throttle response, I'd say if you keep the Eco mode on, you'd be getting less on the '15. But I keep them off all the time and it revs higher in the rpm range before it upshifts compared to the '12 MY.
 
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#5 ·
Brakes on my 2015 are slightly better than my 2011, agreed. Could be so much better, though.

By "pick up" I mean getting the car moving from a standstill or accelerating suddenly when needed. My daughter's (v6) challenger seems to get going so effortlessly (very similar power/torque numbers and weight) - and the 2016 Sorento felt very similar. Given the fact that it's a mid-size SUV and not a "sports car:, it's not surprising that the Sorento doesn't lurch off the line or pull hard the instant you give it more throttle. They have, however, improved this significantly in the 2016 model.

Use ECO to switch from "normal" to sport. Better yet, tie throttle response to the steering modes (comfort, normal or sport).

Going back to suspension, I loved how the 2011 drove. The 2015 is fantastic in comparison, but the 2016 is better yet.

I know this is all a pipe dream. I think I should buy a Jeep SRT8 and leave the Sorento unmolested.. :)
 
#7 ·
I don't know, but, I can break all tires free on a bit of gravel they spread on my community roads between storms up here, usually it's even by accident, when I take off. With The low, low, 1st & 2nd gears, mine takes off like it's shot out of a cannon! I've surprised a lot of vehicles between traffic lights, sometimes even smaller "fart cars"! Maybe you need a new "Wicks" air filter? And, or, "To do the pipe thru the resonator trick" My Sori still seems louder & faster since I did both! Even though I took the pipe back out after a coupla days, months ago. Remember I did each one, at separate times, with the engine warmed up, and right onto the Freeway, to go though the gears and reset the O2 sensors, & ECM I definitely lost a few mpg's. But, I also use "Sport" mode most of the time, until I need to save gas, then into ECO mode.
That Beautiful SR-8 will probably eat even more gas though :(
 
#8 ·
I'm not saying it's slow once it's moving, but there is a definite lag between advancing the throttle and the vehicle responding.

Since my post above, I put on new tires - MICHELIN PREMIER LTX 235/55R19 101H BSW ALL SEASON - very happy with them. My 2011 I put on Toyos and was not happy at all. These are better than the OEM tires by a good margin.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Ok, I'll give you that, when riding along over the many hills, & curves up here, on occasion I've noticed a slight lag in the throttle, (like a dead spot?) on acceleration. It's annoying to have to push down the pedal more then you should! Because the next thing you know, it's downshifting, and you're going faster then intended! :eek: I wish that somebody would understand this issue, and fix it :( My EX has 235/60/18" but I'm on the lookout for a good 55 series, I'll check them out, thanks!
 
#13 ·
When my Sorento was new, and for the 1st few thousand miles, I had to be very careful stepping on the gas pedal, it responded immediately! I usually let my girlfriend drive, because she didn't push it hard, like I would. I needed to get used to the vehicle. Then, over time till the present, it started with that "Flat spot" on acceleration, sometimes not responding till I am 1/2 way down on the pedal! Then suddenly automatically dropping into "passing gear!" At the Wrong time! on a hill, or in a curve! Instead of just responding to minor throttle variations!

I've tweaked the engine for more power with the new (seems less restrictive) Wicks air filter, and "Resonator pipe bypass trick" to actually get it to deliver more sound, & power, at the expense of gas mileage, but the "Flat spot" is still there! :( When I brought it to the dealer for regular service, & an oil change, and mentioned this issue, they blew it off, saying they couldn't find anything Wrong?

This really bugs me, because I don't live on flat Long Island any more!

In fact, I used to have someone hold the throttle full open inside while off, & check the under hood Accelerator linkage on all my cars, to make sure it was fully Open!
Now, I can't even do that! Damn computers! :mad:
 
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#14 ·
I know, the lack of Performance parts, The 1st thing I usually do is get a K&N low restriction air filter. If you have a vehicle that's running okay! I've been holding off on this because of the acceleration "flat spot" issues! So for the time being I picked up a Wix filter, which seems to be less restrictive then stock IMO. Next, I usually get a low restriction muffler, no "Cherry Bomb's", been there, done that, on a New 69' Charger R/T 440 auto. :eek: But, something like a Flowmaster 40, or Flow Delta 40 series, the Delta has less drone. These items will boost your performance. I used to jet out my carbs, and add stainless core suppression plug wires, a performance coil, & distributor cap, then set up the timing a bit advanced, & run high test gas. I also discovered IMO, over the yrs, with synthetic oil there's less friction, more power, it runs cooler, and your engine runs smoother. Also, I found there's a bit more protection in an engine mishap, like overheating, or whatever? Good Luck!
 
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#15 ·
Mike, sounds like you need to go to another dealer to get another opinion. They should be able to run a diagnostic on the throttle pedal and make sure it is operating correctly and not flat-spotting and/or make sure the software is up to date.

Making substantial intake and/or exhaust changes on these vehicles isn't as easy or effective as older cars due to the myriad of sensors and computer integration that to my knowledge, can't be modified by the end user. I don't think any sort of Hypertech or equivalent aftermarket chip/programmer exists for these vehicles either.

Without extensive modified or the use of an aftermarket EFI system, that I'm not even sure is possible, most "mods" to these engines seem to be more superficial than anything else. Of course you can experiment with different filters, spark plugs and maybe even a DIY cold-air kit, but I wouldn't expect much in the way of gains.

There are big-brake kits and some suspension upgrades from Korean auto parts importers, but I haven't seen much else that would more substantially improve the engine performance. Maybe something is available to the Korean domestic market, but so haven't seen anything here in the USA.

If you wanted more performance upgrade options, going with a Jeep Grand Cherokee would have been a better bet since the Jeep's have a much more diverse and deep aftermarket.
 
#17 ·
Sorry I temp. forgot my login code! I picked up a "Resonator" eliminator pipe apprx 2' long x 2-1/8" o.d. snug fit, stuck it into the exhaust tip till the flared end was in the exhaust tip. Took it out for a ride, & All I go was more Drone, no rap/pulse like I wanted. But, the Sori got noticebly faster! Didn't like the sound, so took it out, but surprisingly the Sori stayed a bit faster for awhile afterward!
 
#18 ·
Since then I have put a new Flowmaster Delta 50 muffler in it's place! It has a mild motorboat sound now, and is a bit faster as well!
 
#19 ·
I recently pulled the AWD fuse on my car, and it scared the bejusus out of me, powering fast up from a dead stop, front wheels spinning, lost all traction momentarily! :eek: It's back in place now!
 
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#20 ·
H&R makes lowering springs

Luxon makes suspension/handling upgrades: sway bars, strut tower brace and chassis braces - see them on ebay

I sorta upgraded my brakes using BrakeMotive's full brake kit. It's just ceramic pads and drilled/slotted factory size rotors. $160 for the full front/rear kit.

Lately, I'm trying to figure out how I want to go about finishing my audio upgrade.
 
#21 ·
IMO my SX FWD throttle response coupled with winding up to high RPM's and low gear selection when it throttle finally kicks in is a PITA. My wife is always asking why I'm tearing out of intersections and chirping the tires. Problem is you see an opening in traffic, start merging in and the darn throttle is slow, apply more pedal as your front end is now sticking out into traffic. Then the darn thing kicks in full blast in 1st gear. I have a modified Camaro Z28 that I custom tuned. And had my GMC Envoy tuner set it up per my input. Those vehicles both respond as they should in tight situations, no surprises. However the Sorento has a mind of it's own and I have to constantly be aware to drive it a bit differently than my other vehicles.
 
#22 ·
I know what you mean, All these Hyundai/Kia's have a slight delay to throttle response, it's still there, but my Sori is even smoother, faster, & more powerful now, no flat spots atall. I dare not to pull the awd fuse again. The Delta 50 helped make a difference as well. It sounds like a motorboat now too ;) Originally the Sori wouldn't idle, (too slow to keep running :eek:) and was a dog on acceleration off the line to about 50mph when I put the Delta 50 on! :( I had to stick a doubled up "resonator eliminator" in through the resonator to fix it! reducing exhaust pipe size down to 2". Immediately when I started it, the idle rpm jumped to 600rpm, from a low of 500rpm, and it has been fine ever since! This is what you have to deal with when modifying these computer vehicles. Gas mileage, & power is better, with no backfiring, or even a hiccup since! (y) I even had it to a different then my normal Kia dealer afterward, and it's not showing any codes.
 
#24 ·
New air filter recently, and the old wasn't too bad. Breaks traction easily - just meant how it "gets going." Of course my daughters challenger is RWD, which probably helps..

In any case, I'm expecting to get a Stinger, and will almost certainly trade/sell my Sorento at that time..
 
#27 ·
Has anyone tried one of these Innovate Motorsports® - OT-2/LC-2 OBD-II and Wideband AFR WiFi Interface? More details on - https://www.carid.com/innovate-moto...i-interface-mpn-3832.html?singleid=1963478922
I am betting that this would be one of the best performance mods available right now. Should be able to dial in the perfect setting for what ever performance you want. I used to own an 04 Grand Prix GTP and really needed a wide band due to the way bigger injectors and MAF sensor.
 
#28 ·
Seems Kia has their code locked up pretty tight and lack of a market to hack it has resulted in just about no tuning opportunities or products. As an example GMC uses 'Torque Management' on my Envoy, its well documented and retards timing when you hit the gas to reduce engine/transmission stress, and I can feel some similar engine/transmission restraints on the Sorento, also it drops into low gear way to fast for a V6 (most likely to meet fuel standards). Tuning torque management, shift points and activating Performance Mode to fit my driving expectations was my first Envoy mod. Sadly this is not possible on a Sorento as the code is encrypted and basically top secret. Also IMO it was not designed to be a modified sports performance product, crawling under it, the suspension is not designed for track/strip operation, it's just a crossover SUV at heart.
A wideband is a must have tool for tuning performance mode or PE Mode (performance enrichment) fueling. And as you know any injector updates requires knowledge of the current injector duration and flow, along with tuning ability for the new injectors. GM, Ford, etc performance forums all have a base of very knowledgeable people with a wealth of this type of information. Heck there are shops playing with Corvettes and Mustangs just out of the showroom. But as far as I can see because Sorento is a basic driver with long warranties, little if any, info is available for any performance mods. Would be nice to tweak to turbos !!
 
#29 ·
Ever since I put in the Wicks air filter, and replaced the original collapsed muffler with a Flowmaster Delta 50 muffler on my Sori, it's faster, and has had an instant response to the pedal. I could almost break all 4 tires free from a dead stop on blacktop. I'd guess it was about a 25hp boost, for a few yrs now! Lately though it seems to be sluggish all around, even the exhaust note sounds lazy? I put a new (cheap air filter in it recently, (even though the old one still looked good?) Thinking that might fix it, but no difference. Recently I took it to a local repair shop, who tested it all out, even the Cat converter, and found nothing wrong? I've been using the same BP gas station about 10miles away for yrs. All my vehicles seem to run better then other brands, and each time with a fresh fillup, they run even peppier with the fresh gas!? But even that didn't solve my present issues :( But, I did read recently that BP changed their gas, I think for better emissions, but I'm not sure if that's the issue?
 
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