K-Tec Racing launches ‘163’ enginetuning package for Renaultsport Twingo 133

• UK based Renault tuner adds a feisty 32 bhp to smallest Renaultsport model
• 22 lb.ft hike in mid-range torque makes Twingo 133 easier and quicker to drive

Verwood, Dorset, 29^thJuly 2013

Responding to road test observations thatthe Twingo 133’s excellent chassis could benefit from more power, Dorset basedRenaultsport tuning specialist K-Tec Racing has created a performance tuningpackage that really lets the 1050 kilo warm hatch punch above its weight. Itincreases peak power to over 160 bhp, thus meeting the needs of the fast roadand trackday enthusiast driver market.

The results of months of development work by K-Tec’sengineers on the firm’s in-house dyno, the ‘163’ conversion unleashes the extrapower from the Twingo’s 133 bhp by combining exclusive upgrades that deliverextra power from the 16-valve, 1.6-litre VVT K4M motor right across theoperating range, whilst retaining the addictive, free-revving nature of thestandard engine.

By combining a high performance tubular exhaustmanifold and system, Cat Cams Stage 1 cams and a well developed ECU remap, theend results are impressive. Back to back dyno testing has proven that peakpower increases from stock 131 bhp at 6500 rpm to 163 bhp at just over 7000rpm, making the ‘163’ keen and responsive at high revs. However, the quality ofK-Tec Racing’s work on the Twingo’s K4M engine is apparent because power gainsstart from just 3250 rpm, with over 20 bhp extra available at just 4250 rpm,highlighting the flexibility of the conversion. 

The Twingo’s torque output is similarlytransformed. The standard 133 produces 120 lb.ft (160 Nm) at 3500 rpm, but theK-Tec ‘163’ package offers a much broader spread of performance across the revrange, with over 18 lb.ft extra at just 3750 rpm, culminating in a peak figureof 142 lb.ft (192 Nm) at 4250 rpm. This means that the ‘163’ converted Twingooffers greatly improved response at low to medium engine speeds, making the carboth quicker and easier to drive.

No performance road testing figures areyet available, but the K-Tec Racing 163 equipped Twingo looks set to better thestandard 133’s 8.7 seconds 0-60mph dash and 125 mph maximum speed.

K-Tec Racing ‘163’ Upgrade Package Technical Details 

A key factor in the performance of the ‘163’conversion is K-Tec’s exclusively designed tubular exhaust manifold and sportsexhaust system. Analysis of the OEM Twingo exhaust manifold revealed numerousrestrictions, so K-Tec Racing replaces this with a tubular 4 into 1 item using1.5-inch diameter pipework. This feeds into a 2.5-inch sports exhaust system,complete with a 3.5-inch slash cut tailpipe, designed to sit in the standardTwingo 133 bumper aperture.

Exclusively produced for K-Tec Racing, both theexhaust manifold and system are manufactured from high grade stainless steeland feature a lifetime warranty. Great emphasis has been placed on producing alow resonance exhaust system with a subtly enhanced tone without causingoccupant discomfort. Indeed, noise meter testing has confirmed that the K-TecRacing ‘163’ Twingo exhaust system produces just 84 Db at 4500 rpm, meaningit’s well under the 95 Db limit demanded by the most rigourous trackdayscrutineer.

Clever design by K-Tec Racing means that the Twingo‘163’s’ exhaust manifold and system are ‘modular’ in design and can beinstalled in stages, should customers wish. A 200 cells per square inch sportscatalyst is also available as an optional extra.

The second major component used in K-Tec Racing’sTwingo ‘163’ package is a pair of ‘Stage One’ Cat Cams profiles. Developed inconjunction with the Belgian performance valvetrain specialist, they are CNCmachined from top quality steel billets and are a direct swap for the originalRenault K4M items.

The ‘Stage One’ cams deliver significant increases inlift and outright duration compared to the original items, with careful designby Cat Cams ensuring that these profiles deliver noticeable power gains whilstretaining a factory style tickover.

The final, crucial addition to the K-Tec RacingTwingo ‘163’ package is an ECU remap, which enhances fuelling, ignition andthrottle calibrations to suit the new mechanical specification. 

K-Tec Racing Renaultsport Twingo ‘163’ Package Pricing

On a ‘drive in, drive out’ basis, the complete K-TecRacing Renaultsport Twingo ‘163’ upgrade package is priced at £2625.60including parts, ECU mapping and labour and is covered by a 12 month warranty.It’s on sale now, suitable for any Renaultsport Twingo 133 model from 2008onwards.

K-Tec Racing also offers Twingo 133owners the opportunity to spread the cost by splitting the ‘163’ upgradepackage. For example the full ‘163’ exhaust system and manifold can be suppliedand fitted for £1186.80 including parts, labour and VAT, while the Cat Camssupplied and fitted with a new cambelt and ECU mapping is priced at £1438.80,including parts and labour.

All quoted prices include VAT.