What octane gas are you running for the 1.6 T engine?
The Kona comes set to 12PSI, and produces 195whp to the front wheels at that boost level. It is a 10:1 compression variant of the Gamma 1.6L, and it has a different turbo than the older veloster and elantra sport.
The boost pressure is lower than on the 2013-2015 Veloster Turbo, Forte Koup, Forte5 and 2015 Elantra Sport.
This info coming from a reputable Hyundai tuner in Puerto Rico who put the Kona onto a Dynojet with stock everything and did three back to back runs that averaged 195whp. He also read the Kona ECU files, but could not write (tune) the files.
P.S. the runs were done using 93 octane.
Best answer from a dealer yet... From everything I read and techs I spoke to, These engines are setup to run on regular and DO NOT take advantage of premium by allowing more timing.. The Genesis is the only car that has the programming to take advantage of premium by allowing more timing for more power..Dealer told me to run 87. I tried a 2 tanks of premium and lost fuel mileage.
Pay attention to how much methanol you utilize, unless you've increased the actual boost levels. Too much methanol isn't good for the motor.
The DTE doesn't raise boost levels, it modifies the signals from the manifold pressure, boost pressure, camshaft position and fuel injection sensors signals after the ECU. You also need to employ a BOV and larger intercooler eventually. Water is ok by itself but make sure you are utilizing distilled water only.
I am running ethanol free 87 mixed with 91. I mix it 50/50 and I am getting really good fuel economy. The power is also always there since it should come out to about 89 and less than 5% ethanol.
Since ethanol has less energy per volume you should get better fuel economy without it.
I have a scan gauge that I use for IAT, Throttle and Boost and I have noticed that this engine makes a ton of boost at mid throttle.
I would personally only run 89 or higher in this thing even if you never floor it. This morning I saw 17psi at 55% TPS and about 3500rpm.
Kona (Hyundai Kona) | Fuelly
Has your scan gauge shown any knock detection? if not, the KONA ECU programming does not take advantage of premium fuel..I have a scan gauge that I use for IAT, Throttle and Boost and I have noticed that this engine makes a ton of boost at mid throttle.
I would personally only run 89 or higher in this thing even if you never floor it. This morning I saw 17psi at 55% TPS and about 3500rpm.
Kona (Hyundai Kona) | Fuelly
The only reason that is the case is because they are flooding the cylinder with an "over the top" fuel to air ratio of gas to prevent detonation and include non-aggressive timing advance. Add to that, another % more fuel when they found out about LSPI. No wonder the tail pipes of DI turbos have soot in them and an oil sump full of gas.Has your scan gauge shown any knock detection? if not, the KONA ECU programming does not take advantage of premium fuel..
So you won’t see any benefits. DI has the ability to run high boost levels safely without retarding timing or causing detonation..