Kia Forte Forum banner
Cancel

2023BD's Build

2223 Views 42 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  2023BD, 
2023BD
I have spent way too much time looking into what I want to do to my 2023 Forte GT 6spd and can never find the info I want a month later. Because of this I am just going to put all the info in this one place. Everything I am going to list is my personal taste in how I want my vehicle. Since I am over 50 I don't want something low that sucks to get in and out of or that can't handle a pothole. I also don't want to draw the attention of police with too much noise. I want everything I do to be easily reversible in case I need to use the 10/100 powertrain warranty.

Spark Plugs - stock 18849-08080 (NGK 97080 - SILZKR8E8G) heat range 8. Gap .031(stock)

AFE closed intake 56-70005R - This keeps intake charge as cool as possible and sound quiet. - Done
Takeda Momentum Cold Air Intake System w/Pro 5R Filter | aFe POWER

Racechip GTS - with app for map setting and XLR throttle controller - Done
Racechip XLR - throttle controller - Removed
Performance chips – Chip tuning by RaceChip for Kia Forte III 1.6T 2019-2023 (150KW) | RaceChip

Evilla Midpipe with resonator - lets me keep second cat safe in garage and sounds perfect - Done
Kia Forte GT Midpipe Exhaust 2020-2022 – Evilla Motor Sports

GFB T9111 - Recirculating blow off valve, not loud since it's not vented to atmosphere.- Done
Pierburg BOV solenoid - 7.28197.16.0 - Removed
GFB MACH 2 TMS RECIRCULATING VALVE - Forte GT — Panda Motorworks
Product Search - GFB Performance turbo tuning products
Amazon.com: Turbocharger Boost Control Valve - 7 28197 16 0 : Automotive
N75 Race Valve BOV Solenoid Valve Upgrade Kit (Pierburg) – N75 MotorSports
Amazon.com: Ucreative 5FT High Temperature Silicone Vacuum Tubing Hose Black (5/32" (4mm)) : Automotive

Amazon catch can without bronze micron filter - I am only going to go between the pcv and intake manifold. Cheap option I plan to test this summer - Future
Amazon.com: RULLINE Universal 350ml Oil Catch Can Tank 0046 Aluminum Polish Baffled Reservoir Black : Automotive
Add W1 V3 catch can - more expensive version with better baffle design, might get if Amazon can does not work good. - Future
For Kia Forte Baffled Oil Catch Can Kit V3 2019-Up – ADD W1 or Baffled Oil Catch Can V3 custom configuration-Universal – ADD W1
10 feet of NBR fuel line - Amazon can comes with garbage hose - Future

Lower mount bushings - helps with wheel hop. I have one of the Whiteline KDT970 in the rear spot and one of the yellow Powerflex PFF26-120 in the front position. Using both Whiteline creates too much vibration for me and both Powerflex are not durable enough. - Done
KDT970 Trans mount insert – Whiteline USA (whitelineperformance.com)
Hyundai Veloster N, I30N, ELANTRA N (2017+) Engine Lower Torque Arm Bushings | PowerflexUSA
Upper engine mount bushing insert - No additional vibration - Done
Hyundai Veloster Upper Engine Mount Insert | PowerflexUSA
Upper trans mount insert (metal plate requires trimming)- Done
Hyundai Veloster Transmission Mount Insert | PowerflexUSA

Wagner tuning intercooler - new design with shields 10hp stock up to 20 tuned - Future
Wagner Tuning Intercooler 1.6T – N75 MotorSports
WAGNER TUNING Competition Intercooler Kit Kia Forte GT — Panda Motorworks

Hot pipe resonator delete - Future
Hot Pipe Resonator Delete – N75 MotorSports

Eibach 22mm rear swaybar E40-42-046-01-01 - simple upgrade that transforms most fwd cars - Done
REAR ANTI-ROLL Kit (Rear Sway Bar Only) (eibach.com)

235/45/17 Michelin PS4S, Continental ECS02, Continental DWS06 Plus - I don't like the short sidewall on the stock 225/40/18 plus this size is slightly wider - Done
17x8 48mm offset wheels under 20lbs - Done

Veloster N Short shifter - I want the tall height but shorter throws - Done
2019-up Veloster N Short shifter adapter ADD W1
JBR 2019+ Veloster N Short Shift Adapter - JBR - Aftermarket Parts & Accessories (jamesbaroneracing.com)
Cable bushings and shifter base bushings - just tightens it up - Base done
Bushings Hyundai Elantra GT, GT sport / Veloster Turbo - ADD W1™

Porterfield front pads AP1855 R4-S - Future
Porterfield Brakes AP1855 - Porterfield Brakes Official Site (porterfield-brakes.com)
Porterfield rear pads AP1813 R4-S - Future
Porterfield Brakes AP1813 - Porterfield Brakes Official Site (porterfield-brakes.com)
Brembo high carbon front rotors 09.D428.11 - Future
09D42811 – Brembo Store USA
Wheel Tire Car Vehicle Automotive tire
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 4
1 - 20 of 43 Posts
2023BD
Plant Tire Road surface Wheel Asphalt
Tire Land vehicle Wheel Car Vehicle
Tire Wheel Automotive tire Vehicle Tread
See less See more
3
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
2023BD
Vehicle Hood Car Automotive design Automotive lighting
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
2023BD
Wheel Tire Automotive tire Tread Vehicle
Tire Wheel Automotive tire Tread Synthetic rubber
See less See more
2
Reply
Save
Like
2023BD
noturbonoproblem said:
Nice! I should really make a build thread for mine too. Keep having to go back through a bunch of threads gets annoying.
Since your car is a 6 speed, I'd highly consider the Powerflex engine and transmission bushing inserts, Powerflex PFF26-125 and PFF26-123. Completely transforms the clutch feel and doesn't add any vibration.
Click to expand...
I have the Whiteline black lower bushings now and I get slight vibration at idle. I am going to swap to the yellow Powerflex next month to see if that helps. I am worried that adding more bushings will increase the NVH that gets into the cabin at idle. Thoughts?
Reply
Save
Like
2023BD
Hamster-GT said:
Well thought out. I need a quickjack in my life.
Click to expand...
Priceless. Since a new garage with a lift is not in the near future this was the next best thing.
Reply
Save
Like
2023BD
noturbonoproblem said:
Nice! I should really make a build thread for mine too. Keep having to go back through a bunch of threads gets annoying.
Since your car is a 6 speed, I'd highly consider the Powerflex engine and transmission bushing inserts, Powerflex PFF26-125 and PFF26-123. Completely transforms the clutch feel and doesn't add any vibration.
Click to expand...
Added to my list of things to do. I think these sound like I should give them a try. They are not a ton of money. You should do a build thread for yours. Be nice to look one place for things.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
2023BD
After seeing a few issues with Whiteline rear sway bars and Whiteline endlinks breaking I decided I should stick with what I know - Eibach REAR ANTI-ROLL Kit (Rear Sway Bar Only) - HYUNDAI Elantra GT 1.6L Turbo Hatchback (eibach.com) I am going to go with the Eibach 22mm rear sway bar for that reason along with a couple others. I am not a fan of the stress the second set of mounting holes cause on adjustable bars and I do not like the clamps that have to be added to some to keep the sway bar centered. The Eibach design has the stops formed with the bar and is not adjustable. Here is a picture of a 22mm Whiteline bar that snapped on Veloster.
Automotive tire Motor vehicle Bumper Vehicle Automotive exterior
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
2023BD
I have some work to do. Spring needs to hurry up and get here.
Green Font Electric blue Jewellery Fashion accessory
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
2023BD
Eibach sway bar came in today. It is a little pricey but I am willing to pay it for a high quality product. I love that this only has the one hole in each end which I feel is stronger than the ones with two holes. I also really like the collars that are part of the bar to keep the bar centered. I am not a fan of the clamps like Whiteline uses. The hold downs to the subframe are also a stronger design since some of the steel flat stock design can break over time. And the last thing is how the Eibach bar is formed with the curves like the oem bar.
Cable Hand tool Wire Fashion accessory Tool


Hood Recreation Musical instrument Flooring Wood
See less See more
2
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 3
2023BD
Look up a 2018 Elantra Sport or a 2020 Veloster turbo. REAR ANTI-ROLL Kit (Rear Sway Bar Only) - HYUNDAI Veloster 1.6L Turbo (eibach.com)
I bought mine from Tirerack.com E40-42-046-01-01
Reply
Save
Like
2023BD
Forecast for Saturday is sunny and 50. Looks like it is time to do more installs. This weekend I will try to do the wheels and tires, Eibach rear sway bar, motor/trans mount inserts, GFB BOV and solenoid, and catch can. I am also going to replace the front half of the Whiteline lower mount bushings with a yellow Powerflex to see if the NVH is reduced at idle.

Last weekend went great with the Veloster short shifter and Racechip XLR installs. The shifter feel with the Veloster short shifter and base bushings makes it feel like a higher end vehicle with a much more solid and positive feeling. Kia should make this design standard since it feels that good. The XLR I seem to have settled on sport setting for day to day use. Race setting is nice but a little touchy in stop and go, great for open road fun however.
$76 Veloster N Short Shifter Fits | Kia Forte Forum (forteforums.com)
Racechip XLR installed | Kia Forte Forum (forteforums.com)

On a side note... I am accepting donations to buy a Wagner intercooler for a financially challenged Forte GT :)
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
2023BD
Hamster-GT said:
The easiest way is putting it on a lift and remove the undertray.
Click to expand...
That is my plan
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
2023BD
I wish I knew what the internal differences are on all these solenoid valves. The oem valve is the identical design to Pierburg and I am almost positive Pierburg makes them for Kia/Hyundai. The VW, Ford, Volvo and Kia valve (all Pierburg) are identical body with slight inlet/outlet diameter differences. The internal diameter of the inlet/outlets look to be identical however. So my question would be is there internal differences that make one better than another or do the original solenoids get tired and a replacement of any kind wakes things back up. I am considering trying my new BOV with stock solenoid for a week, then Volvo the next week and Ford the week after. The Ford one should be almost exact match with inlet/outlet diameters vs oem. N75 claims the VW solenoid has been redesigned several times to meet the needs of VW which makes it the best one to have. I really don't know what the best answer is.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
2023BD
My car is ready for summer. New wheels and tires went on, Eibach 22mm rear sway bar, upper engine mount, GFB Mach 2 and solenoid were all installed. The only thing left is the catch can. Since everyone loves the QuickJack I will post that too :).
GFB Mach 2 BOV | Kia Forte Forum (forteforums.com)
Eibach 22mm Rear Sway Bar | Kia Forte Forum (forteforums.com)
Tire Wheel Car Vehicle Window

Bicycle handlebar Automotive tire Bicycle part Bicycle fork Bicycle accessory
See less See more
2
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: 4
2023BD
Meliel1 said:
Let me know how the BOV install goes. Got mine today. I’ve seen it’s kind of annoying as the best way to do it is from the bottom.
Click to expand...
Ending up doing it from the top and the bottom. It is so easy to take out the AFE airbox and the lower splash panel. Getting the BOV screws on and off is tight but having access from the top and bottom makes it easier.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
2023BD
First day of Spring - Had to wash all the salt off.

These are the 235/45/17 Continental DWS06 plus on 17x8 with 48mm offset. I love this stance. I dislike the 225/40 series on 18" wheels, not enough sidewall for me.
Wheel Tire Car Vehicle Window
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 5
2023BD
I found the sweet spot for my car. I LOVE the way if drives and sounds now. Since I prefer power over sound I actually went back to stock on the exhaust, best decision I could make for my personal preference. I don't plan to do anything else now that I have hit the perfect balance of power for available traction with no extra sound. I run the Racechip on 5 all the time and it makes the engine feel like it can breath in the mid and upper rpm range. The suspension is just right as well with the Eibach 22mm rear sway bar. The Continental 235/45/17 on a 17x8 with 48mm offset is exactly the size I wanted and the tires are perfectly flush. The stock 225/40/18 PS4 is tucked in too far, has too small of a sidewall and look too narrow for my liking. The Veloster N short shifter and shifter base bushings now has a solid mechanical feel instead of mushy and the throws are perfect.

Here is what I have on my car and how I plan to stay at this point. I can't stress enough how perfect this combo feels. Stock the car is already so good that these little enhancements really pull it all together.
AFE closed intake
Racechip GTS on level 5
Lower transmission mount inserts Whiteline and Powerflex combo
Eibach 22mm rear sway bar
Veloster N short shifter and shifter base bushings

So for $1200 (less wheels and tires) you can totally change the feel of an already excellent car. And you really don't loose any of the qualities the stock car already has. Sound, vibration and comfort are still the same and power and handling are increased with no bad tradeoffs.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
2023BD
Steve g said:
Are you actually saying you are done? As in the only thing you will add from now on is a coat of wax? nah I call BS on this sorry.. :ROFLMAO:
Click to expand...
The ONLY thing I would consider someday is the Wagner intercooler. But for now that $1000 needs to be spent on a few home upgrades and maintenence (paint house, kitchen stove, bathroom renovation)
Reply
Save
Like
2023BD
Update on the 235/45/17 Continental DWS06 plus tires. Now that the weather is warming up the Continentals are getting better grip. I no longer have tire spin and wheel hop in second gear like I did with the 225/40/18 Michelin PS4 last fall. I am getting more torque steer than before since the tires are actually gripping instead of breaking loose. One disclaimer, I am using the Racechip on 5 but have not switched back to 93 octane like I was using last year since I am being cheap.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 20 of 43 Posts
Kia Forte Forum
Forte Forums are where you can talk about the latest Kia sedans including the Kia Forte5 and Kia Forte Koup.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Koup General Discussion New Member Introductions Sedan General Discussion Forte Audio, Video and Electronics Forte Wheels & Tires
Top