Kia Stinger GTStage 1 to Stage 4 tuning guide

What we'd do

On the Stinger GT we would run Stage 1 with the gearbox side sorted, and stop there. LAP3's Stage 1.0 claims 380–460 whp on US 91, about our 95, and its Stage 1.5 410–480 whp on US 93, about our 98. Stock is 310–330 whp. That is a large gain from software and plugs alone, and none of it needs a part that requires approval.

Israeli cars came from Kia's importer, Talcar, so they are not US-market cars. LAP3 supports 2018–2024 cars but asks buyers outside the US and Canada to contact it first. Burger's JB4 ($799 for the V1) covers 2018–2023 cars, needs no flash and comes off again. BR-Performance (€780) writes files for the European 366 PS car. Ask any tuner to confirm your car's computer before you pay.

Buy in this order: plugs first (LAP3 asks for HKS M45iL gapped to 0.026–0.028 inch), then the tune, then a gearbox (TCU) tune and a transmission cooler. Burger “strongly suggests” the cooler for hot climates. Expect about $650–$2,750 for the tune and TCU file, plus plugs and the cooler, before shipping and tax. Add the BMS intercooler ($779) if you drive hard in summer.

What we would skip: Stage 2 on Israeli fuel. LAP3's Stage 2.0 needs US 95+ octane, which is race fuel by our scale, or methanol injection. Without one of them the downpipes and intake don't unlock a file you can run. Skip catless downpipes too, which won't pass the test. Above about 480–500 whp the head bolts become the weak point, so Stage 3 means head studs as well.

Tuning it in Israel

New price in Israel

No longer sold new. Talcar launched the Stinger in 2018 with the 370 hp 3.3 Turbo GT from ₪379,900, rising to ₪389,900 on the 2020 price list (Cartube, 3 September 2018, with the 2020 update). A current car listing says the model is no longer sold new in Israel (cmotors, updated October 2026). We found no dated used-price source.

Parts from abroad

At the Bank of Israel representative rate of 26 October 2026 ($1 = ₪3.078), with the Tax Authority's combined 40.66% for car parts and car electrical devices above $75 (see importing parts):

• Burger JB4 $799 × 3.078 = ₪2,459, plus 40.66% = about ₪3,459 (₪1,000 tax).
• BMS intercooler $779 × 3.078 = ₪2,398, plus 40.66% = about ₪3,373 (₪975 tax).

Add shipping before the 40.66%. A set of six plugs may stay under $75, which is tax-free if shipping is charged separately. A flash tune file has no import tax, but some tuners want the computer sent to them.

Fuel

US 91 is about Israeli 95, and US 93 about 98. On 95, LAP3's Stage 1.0 is the file; on 98, its Stage 1.5. LAP3 says Stage 1.0 on 91 needs the stock primary downpipes. Its Stage 2.0 needs US 95+ and Stage 2.5 US 98+, both race fuel by our scale, unless you add methanol injection. The JB4 needs at least US 91. Methanol and E85 aren't sold at Israeli stations. See 95 vs 98.

Regulation 380 and the test

Under Regulation 380 a special exhaust and accessories the maker didn't design are a change of structure. Downpipes, an intercooler or a cat-back need a certified part, a licensed installer and the change recorded in the licence. The 3.3 has primary and secondary downpipes, so check which catalysts a kit removes; catless pipes won't pass the annual test. Kia's warranty also excludes alteration and tampering.

Where to get it done

Our list of Israeli dealers comes from the brands' own dealer pages. It has no entry for the tuners and parts makers in this guide (LAP3, Burger, SleepyTuned, Tork, BMS and others). Work with them remotely, or with a shop that knows the 3.3 V6. See tuning in Israel.

Prices and rules checked 2026-11-01.

Also useful: tuning shops in Israel, the import tax calculator and the annual test checklist.

What owners ask

JB4 or a flash tune?

A new owner asked this on the Kia Stinger forum. A staff member who ran a JB4 for eight months, then switched to a flash tune, said he prefers the flash. He still called the JB4 plug-and-play and the easiest tune to remove. He added that the flash he used voids the warranty. Burger offers up to 100 whp and 100 lb-ft from the JB4 on a stock car, with a 5-year warranty on the unit. On a car you may want to return to stock, the JB4 is the simpler choice.

Sources: Kia Stinger forum: JB4 (July 2021), Burger Motorsports: Stinger 3.3 JB4

Do I need new plugs, and what gap?

Yes. An early Stinger forum guide tells owners to check whether the tune needs colder plugs or a smaller gap. Its author closed his to 0.025 inch for a JB4. If the car misfires, take the tune off, inspect the plugs, then the coils. LAP3 asks for HKS M45iL plugs gapped to 0.026–0.028 inch. Burger says these engines are prone to spark blow-out even at stock boost, and suggests new plugs if yours have more than 25,000 miles.

Sources: Kia Stinger forum: helpful pointers for installing tunes (2018), LAP3: Stinger 3.3T ECU tune

Should I fit a catch can?

Owners on the Kia Stinger forum disagree. Those in favour point out that the 3.3 is direct-injection, so fuel never washes the intake valves and oil vapour can build up on them. A former service manager argued against it, citing Kia's long powertrain warranty and its own fuel additive, and warned of warranty and emissions questions. Nobody measured anything. Burger's 450 whp package includes a catch can with the JB4, intake and plugs. We would treat it as maintenance, not power.

Sources: Kia Stinger forum: oil catch can or no? (2017–2018), Burger Motorsports: 450 whp package

Can I run Stage 2 on pump fuel?

Not on Israeli pump fuel, going by LAP3's own table. Its Stage 2.0 claims 430–500 whp on US 95+ octane, and 460–530 whp with methanol injection. Stage 2.5 needs US 98+ or methanol, and LAP3 lists the exact nozzle and methanol mix. US 95 is well above Israeli 98. So the Stage 2 parts are only worth buying here if you are willing to run and refill a methanol kit.

Sources: LAP3: Stinger 3.3T ECU tune