New guy here from Texas - 2009 KIA Optima LX

Hello everyone!  I just recently purchased a 2009 KIA Optima LX and would love to get into the "VIP" scene.  Previous car was a 2002 Honda Civic Si with k20a2 motor swap [from rsx type s].

Found this pic searching google images which pointed me to this site.

[url]http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii167/jaesikyu29/mycar1220888457.jpg[/url]

curious as to anyone who has a KIA and has done something similar to this one pictured?

Well fellow VIP KDM user lol looks like a great platform. Just FYI there's little to no VIP guys in KIA so we are treading new waters. My suggestions is to do what I did and envision your car like you want it and start planning. I bought air first, because it was the biggest piece of the puzzle. Imo for u probably get wheels first, because that will ultimately show your car' s direction, until you figure if u want static or air. Welcome and I'll be tuned into this

[QUOTE=AKings_Heir;494221]Well fellow VIP KDM user lol looks like a great platform. Just FYI there's little to no VIP guys in KIA so we are treading new waters. My suggestions is to do what I did and envision your car like you want it and start planning. I bought air first, because it was the biggest piece of the puzzle. Imo for u probably get wheels first, because that will ultimately show your car' s direction, until you figure if u want static or air. Welcome and I'll be tuned into this[/QUOTE]

I was thinking first things first would be wheels.  As far as wheels go, could you point me in the right direction of some "VIP" style wheel companies that offer wheels for KIA?  Prior to working at KIA, I worked at Discount Tire Co. for 5years so every single wheel I bought for my civic was through discount.  I had two sets of "Rotas" and one set of "Drags".  Never really got into the crazy offset fitment sizes so I wouldn't know where to begin as far as looking for wheels for the KIA.

Exterior wise I don't want to go the "chrome" look.  I was thinking about "blacking" out the front grill and adding tinted window visors.  I would love to find a roof spoiler but haven't found one just yet.

Well for VIP, you might want look at the origin of where it comes from. Looking at their builds will give you great inspiration. Check stancenation VIP tags. Black will lil chrome is always elegant and perfect for the VIP style, you just have to fine the balance, because we have to create that vibe. Unlike with a VIP platform that already looks and feel luxurious. 

Vrwheels.com and forums are your best bet for wheels. Is your optima irs your torsion beam? That will help you decide wheels width and offset. Willtheyfit.com  and rimtuck.com Is perfect for tryng to figure out your fitment!

Not your model, but a lil inspiration [url]http://www.stancenation.com/2011/04/25/kia-x-weds-kranze/[/url]

[IMG] http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4714/kia1q.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=AKings_Heir;494225]Is your optima irs your torsion beam? That will help you decide wheels width and offset. Willtheyfit.com  and rimtuck.com Is perfect for tryng to figure out your fitment![/QUOTE]

Confused by the torsion bar question?  Could you go into details?  Rimtruck is really cool but only problem is they don't have an option to select "Optima" only options to choose from are the forte koup and sedan :(

Irs and torsion beam is the type of suspension you have (particularly rear) with irs you gain natural camber when lowering n torsion you don't. It's like a solid axle but is a free wheel like a trailer wheel. It's easier to fit wider wheels on a irs suspension. Google it to see the difference

[QUOTE=AKings_Heir;494235]Irs and torsion beam is the type of suspension you have (particularly rear) with irs you gain natural camber when lowering n torsion you don't. It's like a solid axle but is a free wheel like a trailer wheel. It's easier to fit wider wheels on a irs suspension. Google it to see the difference[/QUOTE]


Found this info from a simple google search

[COLOR=#333333][FONT=verdana][B]Suspension[/B][/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#333333][FONT=Verdana][/FONT][/COLOR]
[TABLE="class: items, width: 617"]
[TR]
[TD]
[LIST]
[*][FONT=arial]MacPherson strut front suspension[/FONT]
[/LIST]
[/TD]
[TD]
[LIST]
[*][FONT=arial]Multi-link rear suspension[/FONT]
[/LIST]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]
[LIST]
[*][FONT=arial]Four-wheel independent suspension[/FONT]
[/LIST]
[/TD]
[TD]
[LIST]
[*][FONT=arial]Front and rear stabilizer bar[/FONT]
[/LIST]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

Check out Thailand VIP builds. Those will be most relative to your platform.

[QUOTE=Schnitz;494240]Check out Thailand VIP builds. Those will be most relative to your platform.[/QUOTE]


Thanks Schnitz!  I'll check that out for sure!

Found an AWESOME korean site that offers tons and tons of aftermarket parts for the KIA Optima.

[URL]http://www.koreanautoimports.com/store/index.php?cPath=30_313[/URL]

Well, I purchased my first "aftermarket" accessories for my Optima.  Nothing crazy, taking this build slow and one thing at a time.  I rushed my the previous build on my k20a2 swapped civic si and I don't want to rush the Optima.

[URL]http://www.ebay.com/itm/181016631970?item=181016631970&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:L:OC:US:3160&vxp=mtr[/URL]

and  

[URL]http://www.ebay.com/itm/151063747309?item=151063747309&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:L:OC:US:3160&vxp=mtr[/URL]

Nothing crazy but I ordered some windows sun shades/visors along with side mirror sun shade/visors.

Nice I love seeing more Korean cars on here

Welcome to the boards, hope to see good stuff coming from this.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

Window shades/visors are on.  Actually got them from ebay (KIA Factory ones are $99) for a steal, $25.00.  Fitment was actually really good too, I was hesitant to get stuff from ebay but for $25 I can't really complain.

[IMG][URL]http://imgur.com/7UaPoUH[/URL][/IMG]

[QUOTE=jkalber87;494641]Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

Window shades/visors are on.  Actually got them from ebay (KIA Factory ones are $99) for a steal, $25.00.  Fitment was actually really good too, I was hesitant to get stuff from ebay but for $25 I can't really complain.

[IMG][URL]http://imgur.com/7UaPoUH[/URL][/IMG][/QUOTE]


Yeah, it does.. Can you do me a favor and measure the length of the front and rear those visors?

[QUOTE=AKings_Heir;494758]Yeah, it does.. Can you do me a favor and measure the length of the front and rear those visors?[/QUOTE]

Just measured using measuring tape

Front:  approx. 37inches
Rear:   approx. 28inches

I will upload some more pics.  Just got my mirror shades/visors in and installed them on lunch.

Here are some more installed pics of both the window visors and the side mirror visors!  I am very pleased with the fitment and quality of both products, especially for the price!

[URL]http://imgur.com/lepuC81[/URL]

[URL]http://imgur.com/AfAdNf1[/URL]

[URL]http://imgur.com/ccJqr4h[/URL]

[URL]http://imgur.com/kuyd1UE[/URL]

[URL]http://imgur.com/3hWTJIO[/URL]

[url]http://imgur.com/tRGzy9q[/url]

Here are some installed pics of the window shades and side mirror shades;

[IMG]http://imgur.com/tRGzy9q[/IMG]

[IMG]http://imgur.com/3D6Zg4b[/IMG]

[IMG]http://imgur.com/EJCZdgd[/IMG]

[IMG]http://imgur.com/wEWFPMT[/IMG]

[IMG]http://imgur.com/pjkMOfC[/IMG]

For some reason the pictures aren't loading correctly on this forum.  Just "right-click" the link and hit "open in new tab" to view/see the pictures.

Maybe this might help...

[URL]http://jordank87.imgur.com/all/[/URL]

What's going on everyone!  Just wanted to give everyone a little update.  I am purchasing a rear diffuser for my bumper with intentions to be running a quad muffler setup.

[ATTACH]4942[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]4943[/ATTACH]

I will be purchasing the exhaust (axle back) sometime in December.  It is a PICO E.V.C axle back exhaust.

[ATTACH]4944[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]4945[/ATTACH]

welcome to the forum man. DFW

Úp,đắt hàng nha! có nhậu bác ủng hộ vài ve [url=http://vietnamnet.vn/vn/dich-vu-truyen-thong/133184/bia-heineken--gia-tri-cua-mot-thuong-hieu-toan-cau.html]bia heineken gia[/url] vị cs*nha!TKS bác...

[QUOTE=isendoh;497695]welcome to the forum man. DFW[/QUOTE]

thanks bro!  what do you drive?

Turns out the "used" rear diffuser I was purchasing was pretty "banged up" and sequence didn't want to sell it the way it was and I didn't feel like doing any body work on the diffuser (other then painting it).

I did however install the new "K" badge set (front grill, steering wheel and rear trunk) over the weekend.

Also went ahead and de-badged the "Optima" and "LX" badges.  Overall, car looks ten times better.[ATTACH]5007[/ATTACH][ATTACH]5008[/ATTACH]

Update:  Just installed H&R Typ GE Lowering Springs.  Overall I am very pleased with the end results, looks wise & performance wise.

[url]http://imgur.com/LCInY2D[/url]

[url]http://imgur.com/M7bwkju[/url]