The adventures of Hamster-GT. My 1st Korean car build.

53671 Views 556 Replies 28 Participants Last post by BlueStang, 17 d ago

Hamster-GT

Discussion Starter · Apr 8, 2020 (Edited)

Hi! My name is Don and I just purchased a 2020 Forte GT 6 speed in Fire Orange. I've owned it for about 3 weeks and i enjoy driving this car. My first Kia and my first Korean car. My background has mostly been AE86 Corollas back in the 90's and had a 2008 Subaru Impreza STI.

My Forte's mods so far is a K&N air filter, Whiteline lower engine mount bushings and DDM Tuning 9006 yellow fog light bulbs. My next mods I have next are:
1. Whiteline front sway bar adjustable endlinks
2. Energy Suspension front sway bar bushings
3. Synapse Engineering diverter valve

and more to come......

I've decided to do a light tune with this car. It seems that this engine responds well to mods and has more power to dollar ratio than a EJ257B Subaru engine.

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Hamster-GT

Discussion Starter · #541 · 3 mo ago

Ok. The roads are wet today, but it has been raining for most of last week. There is a difference on how the car absorbed bumps and the steering response is slightly improved. I would say it the steering now comparable to my Mazda 3(excellent steering) which has factory bracing in the same area where the Ultra Racing mid-brace is mounted on the Forte.

The Synapse Engineering Diverter valve configuration of pull mode and port B is the optimal set up. Boost recovery between shifts is noticably more quick on an already quick reacting valve. The engine feels more powerful while shifting gears.

Reactions: 2

2023BD

· #542 · 3 mo ago

Getting rid of the boost drop between shifts is probably the single best modification to the factory design in regards to daily driving a 6spd.

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Hamster-GT

Discussion Starter · #543 · 3 mo ago

2023BD said:
Getting rid of the boost drop between shifts is probably the single best modification to the factory design in regards to daily driving a 6spd.

It sure is! I had this same valve on my ultra laggy Subaru WRX STI. It made a huge difference in drivability, power and response.

Now with the quick response DV in this set up, pierburg solenoid, small turbine section, the spool and boost recovery is very quick.

Reactions: 1

Hamster-GT

Discussion Starter · #544 · 3 mo ago

Fresh oil change. Clocking over 52000 miles.

Reactions: 1

Hamster-GT

Discussion Starter · #545 · 3 mo ago

Getting new tires. The Yokohamas are done. i got over 24k miles with an aggressive wheel alignment. The tire I'm getting have mixed reviews. Tires are getting crazy expensive and I went a cheaper route, but staying with a known brand. Going with stock size Continental Sport Contact 5 tires this time.

Reactions: 1

2023BD

· #546 · 3 mo ago

You really can' go wrong with Continental and Michelin. They are easily the top tires for a daily driver. I love these DWS06 plus so far. Traction seems stronger in a straight line than the PS4

Reactions: 2

Hamster-GT

Discussion Starter · #547 · 3 mo ago

2023BD said:
You really can' go wrong with Continental and Michelin. They are easily the top tires for a daily driver. I love these DWS06 plus so far. Traction seems stronger in a straight line than the PS4

I really wanted the Yokohamas, but this tire jumped up an extra $40 since I last bought them. The Conti's were the closest to my Yoko's and was $30 cheaper. I'm sure I will like them.

Hamster-GT

Discussion Starter · #548 · 3 mo ago

The roads are dry leaving work today. The mid brace is quite good. Very stable and tight chassis. The bumps have less impact now that the suspension has taken more of it. This chassis needs a mid brace.

Reactions: 3

BlueStang

· #549 · 2 mo ago

2023BD said:
You really can' go wrong with Continental and Michelin. They are easily the top tires for a daily driver. I love these DWS06 plus so far. Traction seems stronger in a straight line than the PS4

Good to hear as this is most likely my next tire once I wear out my stock Kumhos.

Hamster-GT

Discussion Starter · #550 · 2 mo ago

I'm getting new tires right now. They are OEM Mercedes. I was hoping to get the VW spec tires, but there was only 2. OEM size Continental Sport Contact 5.

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Hamster-GT

Discussion Starter · #551 · 2 mo ago

Those Continental tires are more quiet, comfortable and wider than the Yokohamas. They fill the fenders better.

Reactions: 3

Hamster-GT

Discussion Starter · #552 · 2 mo ago

I took some measurements with my phone. Not accurate but at least something to go by. The Yokohamas I previously had measured lowest 67db and peaked at 73db. The Continentals measured at 61db and peaked at around 65db. Noticeably more quiet.

Reactions: 1

Steve g

· #553 · 2 mo ago

Yokohama is the only tire I buy.. but they do come in a tad undersize. That’s a good thing when you are not sure your new tire size will allow you to drive out of the tire shop.

Hamster-GT

Discussion Starter · #554 · 2 mo ago

Steve g said:
Yokohama is the only tire I buy.. but they do come in a tad undersize. That’s a good thing when you are not sure your new tire size will allow you to drive out of the tire shop.

They are a bit smaller, but at least they allow up to 9" for wheel mounting width on the stock size. Those Advan Apex V601s were awesome.

Hamster-GT

Discussion Starter · #555 · 2 mo ago

Yokohama Advan Apex V601 has better grip and steering response and would make a better track tire than the Continental Sport Contact 5. The comfort and being more quiet makes the Conti's a better street tire than the Yoko's. The grip and steering response is pretty good. Both are definitely not track tires. This is my 1st set of Continentals and I like my 1st impression. It gives my Kia a nice, luxury feel to it.

Reactions: 2

Hamster-GT

Discussion Starter · #556 · 17 d ago

Just replacing my old Escort Max 360 with the 360 MkII.

Mobile phone Gadget Communication Device Grey Portable communications device

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Reactions: 3

BlueStang

· #557 · 17 d ago

Yeah, I need to get a detector one day.

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