As far as deleting the AC compressor, just remove the belt, however, the sound may be coming from the idler pulley and not the compressor.
You may want to do a tune up on it which would include new plugs (see sticky) and plug wires, change the air filter, cleaning the throttle body (see sticky), and run some injector cleaner through the next few tanks of gas.
You may want to clean the MAF sensor with MAF SENSOR CLEANER ONLY-not carb/throttle body cleaner. When you changed the oil in the transmission, did you change the oil and filter or did you flush the system?
If you are not having any CEL codes, the above should get things going pretty good.
Also read the sticky about the front locking hubs. You may want to check them out.

Finally, what don't you like about Kia's? You come in asking for help but say you don't like them...how many have you had to make this assessment? As with most cars, there is good and bad. Give it a go, and if you don't like it, give it to someone who does...because it was free anyway <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Everet <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />