[Hamster-GT]

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.

 

[2023BD]

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.

 

[Hamster-GT]

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.

 

[Hamster-GT]

Fresh oil change. Clocking over 52000 miles.

 

[Hamster-GT]

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.

 

[2023BD]

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

 

[Hamster-GT]

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]

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.

 

[BlueStang]

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]

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.

 

[Hamster-GT]

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

 

[Hamster-GT]

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.

 

[Steve g]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Hamster-GT]

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

 

[BlueStang]

Yeah, I need to get a detector one day.

 

[Hamster-GT]

I added a small Kenwood 4ch amp KAC-M1814 Class D. No need to run wires all over the car. It's fused with a 15 amp fuse only. With all the sound deadening and efficient JBL speakers, it's sound loud and clear. It actually sounds more powerful than it's 45 watt rms per channel

 

[22GT2]

Did you just wire that in to all of the factory wiring?

 

[Hamster-GT]

Did you just wire that in to all of the factory wiring?

Yes. I used JL Audio speaker wire adapters to get speaker level signal to the amp inputs, wire tapped the power wire, chassis ground, and the rest to the speakers. It senses audio input for amp turn on when you use speaker level inputs. Audio works like stock, especially when you shut off the ignition. It took me 45 minutes to complete.