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Smiti's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
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2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
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So, I thought it best to finally post a build thread. It helps to not have to answer the same questions about my car again and again.
![]() First a little background, huh? I worked as a tech for Boch KIA in Norwood, MA until poor sales caused them to close the store. I now work at the Boch Toyota (North) store. I attended UMASS Dartmouth, majoring in computer engineering. I work on bikes too, buying them and restore/modifying them. I currently have 9 bikes (WAY too many!) including my newest, this 2010 XR1200. ![]() I bought my 07 LX base, (power nothing, no A/C, manual trans) a few months before it closed, here are the mods so far... First priotity should always be a set of stiffer springs. I bought the KIA accessory "sport spring" set, which has Eibach part numbers on it adjacent to the KIA part numbers. It seems to be an Eibach pro-kit, lowering the car about 1". ![]() ![]() Installed the Spec5 M/T OEM strut tower brace, very short money for the 3 pieces and 4 bolts. ![]() ![]() Also purchased a set of TSW Kyalami 17x7" wheels that were on the shelf when we closed, as a pre-mounted wheel package briefly offered by KIA. A 19mm Tiburon rear sway bar rounded out my handling concerns. ![]() ![]() I have since sold them to switch the look to something darker. I got these Focal F-05 17x7.5" wheels from AndyBob, I run 44 psi front and 40 psi rear. I applied blackout tape to the chrome trunk lip and removed the extra badges. I installed this APC N1-type titanium muffer to replace the stock 45-ish pound piece. The rear bumper cover was swapped to an SX cover when my car got hit while parked in front of my house. ![]() I installed a K&N SRI and removed the extra weight of the old intake parts in the fender. I upgraded the flimsy couplers that were suppied, and didn't install the crappy, ineffective heat shield. Removed the MAF screens, and notice the breather fitting is capped off, this is a trick I use to keep the engine oil-leak-free. When I bought the couplers, I got the black OBX radiator hoses as well. ![]() ![]() Also installed a System Upgrade 70mm bored throttle body. ![]() I bought this Stainless GK 2.0L Tiburon header from Ebay, shortened to fit, and moved the rear O2 sensor. ![]() I bought the 07-09 LX/EX KDM fog lights, not availible in US markets. I love the Ixion grille bought color-matched from Korean Auto Imports. Also shown are the black-bezel headlights I swapped on to help with the darker theme. ![]() I installed this Pioneer AVH-P3300BT to enable me to take all the music I own with me all the time on a 32gB SD card, along with bluetooth and navigation capability. ![]() I found a less-conspicuous place to install the bluetooth mic, hardly noticable. ![]() I have also installed the sport pedal set, and shortened the factory shifter afer finding the OBX short throw fits too loosely in the pivot. ![]() After my 2nd gear syncro failed, I bought some hard parts to put in at the same time. I'm changing the FDR from the tallest-availible 3.650 we get in the LD to the lowest-availible 4.294 that Mobis makes for this transmission. I don't know the application, it's a Korean-market car. Since the car doesn't put down 1st gear as it is, I decided to change that out also. I bought the GK 1st gear of 3.462 to replace the 3.615 I currently have, but could have gone with the HD 1st gear of 3.308. The idea is to not have the big RPM drop between 1st and 2nd, and not give 1st too much more gearing, which this picture plainly proves isn't needed. ![]() I also bought an XTD stage 2 clutch and steel 11 pound flywheel. ![]() I run 0W20 in my engine all the time, with either an OEM filter or K&N. I have recently switched from Penzoil synthetic to Mobil 1, as that is what I'm supplied at work. ![]() Other mods not shown: OBX underdrive crank pulley OBX adjustable exhaust cam gear, retarded 4 degrees Delrin shifter bushings 19mm GK rear sway bar YAYA poly sway bar bushings Spec5/SX 16" alloys for winter use with Hankook Icebear 205/55R16s Hankook Z214 slicks for autocross use, wheels not determined yet, in 205/50R16. Bosch Fusion Iridium plugs On the to-buy list: GK Ultrasport struts Carbon hood Over sized valves 1.8L pistons Shark racing thermostat GK radiator GK steering rack Parts not installed: Greddy Emanage blue/gold Spare intake and head for porting ...but it's coming! ![]()
Posted on: 2011/7/15 14:42
Edited by smiti99 on 2011/7/30 13:19:19
Edited by smiti99 on 2011/8/30 21:47:08 Edited by smiti99 on 2011/10/14 10:50:54 Edited by smiti99 on 2011/10/14 10:55:12 Edited by smiti99 on 2011/10/14 10:58:42 Edited by smiti99 on 2011/12/1 9:03:07 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/3/2 11:39:15 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/5/30 21:25:13 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/7/10 21:13:17 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/10/24 17:23:02 |
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Re: Smiti99's angry Spec LX |
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SK Founder
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2005/3/30 9:50 From Central New York
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Great looking start to a build thread smiti. ![]()
Posted on: 2011/7/15 16:00
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Re: Smiti99's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
![]() Joined:
2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
Posts:
4320
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Thanks guys! I just got the call from Central KIA telling me my parts are in. They're doing the fuel tank strap recall and taking my transmission out for me. The 2nd gear syncro has been junk for a long time. I'm dropping it off with GM syncromesh fluid, new Tibby 1st gears, 4.294 final drive gears, XTD stage 2 clutch and 11 lb steel flywheel. I know the tech working on the car from my days at Boch KIA, he'll put them in for a nice dinner. Do you think it would be pushing it to drop the car off with medium slicks on the front for the test drive afterward? Also, I just added links to my how-tos in the original post in case you want more info on those mods.
Posted on: 2011/7/30 13:26
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:15:40
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:16:21 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:16:52 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:21:30 |
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Re: Smiti99's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
![]() Joined:
2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
Posts:
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Thanks - and you're right, I do need to lay out a base line before I go too far. I'd like to pick up some of those ECM connectors I saw someone found before trying to install the Emanage. It's important that I be able to revert back to stock wiring in case the unit fails. I take long road trips by myself alot, I don't need to break down @ 3am somewhere and be stuck there. Quote:
Indeed I am.
Posted on: 2011/7/30 14:13
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:19:39
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:20:17 |
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Re: Smiti99's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
![]() Joined:
2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
Posts:
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I drove the car yesterday with the new gears and clutch. Well worth the money and wait. I had to give it back to the dealership because it had no reverse (the whole story here.)
Before: 3000 RPM @ 70 MPH Spins street tires through 1st and momentarily into 2nd Spins DOT slicks momentarily in 1st, chirps second Full throttle downshift into too high a gear resulted in the clutch slipping to redline Some wheel hop at times After: 3400 RPM @ 70 MPH Spins street tires through 1st, more than momentarily in 2nd, chirps 3rd Spins DOT slicks through 1st, momentarily in 2nd VERY grabby clutch Sometimes REALLY BAD WHEEL HOP with the slicks - you can feel the motor mounts bottom out on snap accel. They won't last long like this. Surprisingly, the stage 2 clutch from XTD had a little LESS pedal effort than the OEM clutch.
Posted on: 2011/8/23 13:25
Edited by smiti99 on 2011/10/13 19:47:17
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Re: Smiti99's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
![]() Joined:
2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
Posts:
4320
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Possible electric power steering swap from an 07-up Elantra HD, any thoughts?
Need for swap: HD steering column (availible in black!) HD donor wiring harness Modify: Possible(?) sport ratio swap from Tibby GK rack Possible column-to-intrument panel brace fitment change 8/10 ga power cable for EPS supply Add CAN high and low to communicate with the EPS ECU Benefits: Throw away P/S pump, resevoir and hoses One less belt to spin Maybe 2-4 MPG Cleaner engine bay Hardcore mod wow factor. Quote:
Your system sounds like a conventional hydraulic system being driven by an electric motor. Everyone else in the world ditches the hydraulic system completely. The HD steering column has the electric motor built in. Newer Rav4 and Corollas are built the same way. Hybrid Camry, Prius and Highlanders have the motor built into the steering rack. Here's the column I want to use, the motor is visible at the bottom. The EPS ECU is built in also. ![]() Quote:
I need to put that on hold anyway. I need to replace my struts, the left front is making a ton of noise all the sudden. Ultrasports and maybe another .5" lower. Buying new strut mounts and sway bar links while I'm at it, maybe larger front sway bar if financing allows. The engine mounts looking like they need attention too.
Posted on: 2011/8/30 21:44
Edited by smiti99 on 2011/8/31 6:49:54
Edited by smiti99 on 2011/11/23 20:46:04 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:23:25 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:24:32 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:25:55 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:26:59 |
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Re: Smiti's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
![]() Joined:
2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
Posts:
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Time for some new pics, and since I cleaned the car for Carlisle...
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ...and then got it filthy, there you go. Roll call installed, flat black vinyl on the hood, tires ruined.
Posted on: 2012/5/13 22:06
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/5/15 20:57:24
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Re: Smiti's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
![]() Joined:
2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
Posts:
4320
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I see no reason to go forced induction, I have a lot of throttle-induced understeer already. Quote:
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All the big things I have done is the I/H/E, BBTB, underdrive pulley, and final drive ratio swap. The gearing is the major factor. No oil there, just some wet pavement. Quote:
Replaced that pair of tires, was only $250 this time. ![]() Quote:
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I feel like now I should be douchy, LOL. You guys are great, thank you, really. Stay tuned - I just spent $700 on brake parts and I'm going to spend at least another $1000 in suspension this week.
Posted on: 2012/5/15 20:39
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:28:14
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:28:57 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:29:34 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:32:09 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:33:28 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:35:07 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:38:13 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:42:32 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 13:39:33 Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 16:08:39 |
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Re: Smiti's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
![]() Joined:
2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
Posts:
4320
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XD arms installed, can't use XD links for them if you have the stock sway bar. The MOOG problem solver part numers for the required Acura RSX links are K90454 and K90455. This really just helps reduce understeer by making the front bar act like it's smaller.
![]() ![]() Here's the old links, arms and brakes- ![]() Here are the Tiburon SE calipers and 4-lug Optima rotors with EBC yellow stuff pads installed- ![]() They look much better and the brakes feel great. ![]()
Posted on: 2012/5/29 15:26
Edited by smiti99 on 2013/3/27 19:44:23
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Re: Smiti's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
![]() Joined:
2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
Posts:
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No spindle swap, keeping the 4-lug pattern. The pad size is the same, but the rotor diameter is about an inch larger. There is two ways to look at the benefit. You could say the radius is longer, so brake torque is increased. You could also say the surface speed of the rotor for the same wheel speed is increased, which in turn increases brake power. Personally, I like the idea of less likely warping of those rotors. You could do the 12" Amani brakes, or the aftermarket stuff from out near Brain.
Posted on: 2012/5/29 20:28
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:48:29
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:49:46 |
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Re: Smiti's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
![]() Joined:
2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
Posts:
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You would think getting the money together for a build would be the hard part...
The front bar I ordered just got cancelled, they're saying they can't get one. I just found a place that sells the front and rear Eibach set. I placed an order there, we'll see if that works out. The springs I ordered are going a similar way, they have to order them from Eibach, although they stated they had them in stock. I still have to pull the trigger on the ultrasports, that'll be around $750. When I installed the XD front control arms, I had XD sway bar links, which didn't fit. I had to go back to the parts store with the sway bar disconnected to return them and thumb through the paper catalogue to find some that looked likely to fit. I test fitted them on my back in the parking lot before I left. I have to take down the rear subframe to install the 2nd set of adjustable lateral links becasue the bolts hit the gas tank when trying to remove them. Then I have to align the car on another alignment rack because the one I use at work shows the wrong camber. I still have to install the emanage and try to tune-out that P0171 I've had since installing the throttle body, which is crazy because it shouldn't cause that type of issue at all (sorry Greg.) I'm guessing there's some next-level ECM logic that doesn't like the MAF change at tip-in, probably there for no good reason too. It just goes to show you that pushing the 'add to cart' button isn't the hard part, like, ever. It's a mad dash to get this all done by August for the drive to Texas. In good news, I ordered some of these parts based on price, and I was pleasently surprised to see some of the parts I ordered from aftermarket suppliers came in as genuine Hyundai parts. Go figure. Quote:
Thank you sir. Let me know what you think.
Posted on: 2012/5/30 10:23
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 13:00:56
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Re: Smiti's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
![]() Joined:
2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
Posts:
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I know, I wrote the LD suspension thread by reading the entire contents of the Spectra/Cerato subforum's suspension threads, along with additional research. It's stickied there, maybe look it over. Compression damping is still improved with the ultrasports, the improved rebound damping is more important to me, as is not having silver struts with rust streaking off them. Quote:
The stiff ride is kind of the point. If you're really concerned about that aspect of it, you could get adjustables and dial in exactly what you want. The KYBs are probably still ok until around 60K or so, unless one starts leaking. Maybe move this conversation over to this thread.
Posted on: 2012/5/30 22:10
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 12:58:29
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Re: Smiti's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
![]() Joined:
2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
Posts:
4320
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YAYA GK sway bar bushings installed from KSpec. They aren't red like the pics, but clear with a green-ish tint. They are VERY stiff and hard to put over the sway bars. I used a dab of high-density silicone grease under them to keep them from squeaking.
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I'm lazy, I'll show you a little later. I have $850 to spend on suspension parts at my new favorite Hyundai dealer.
Posted on: 2012/7/10 22:39
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 13:01:37
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 13:11:15 |
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Re: Smiti's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
![]() Joined:
2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
Posts:
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Oo... Someone spent some money again! Wait for it....
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Some clues to what kind of surgery has taken place... ![]() Quote:
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I already had a lightweight underdrive pulley, and yes, Spectras came with drum brakes in the LX base without ABS.
Posted on: 2012/8/8 19:43
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 13:08:53
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 13:13:14 |
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Re: Smiti's angry Spec LX |
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Tech Skillz
![]() Joined:
2008/2/15 19:26 From Brockton, MA
Posts:
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As some of you have guessed, I have added rear disc brakes. The suspension bolts are miserable to remove, corroded in place, despite looking very clean. I also had trouble using the Elantra spindles I bought because they have a slightly different wheel bearing depth, and I had to find a 1" ID washer for each side to get the bearings tight.
![]() I also installed an additional set of adjustable lateral arms while I had the suspension apart, where there used to be one adjustable and one solid for each side. This allowed me to adjust the rear toe and camber without those awful camber bolts. ![]() ![]() Quote:
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Thanks! These are centric rotors that are CNC'd by a place here in MA. They sell them on eBay for $85/pair. I have EBC yellow stuff in front and temporary OEM pads out back. Quote:
They have front rotors, they can get whatever you need. Quote:
The adjustable arms are factory equipped, but you only have one on each side, the other isn't adjustable. Just buy another pair. Quote:
I have -1.5 degrees dialed in the back right now and theres more room, not sure how far you can go. Quote:
Posted on: 2012/8/16 21:39
Edited by smiti99 on 2012/12/31 13:27:07
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