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Auto Talk => Head to Head => Topic started by: 12,000 RPM on June 11, 2018, 01:03:22 PM

Title: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 11, 2018, 01:03:22 PM
I'm really confused. Am I getting old? Am I not connecting with this car?

Both halves of me want to pay the Optima off ASAP so I can get into something more luxurious. Really feeling the Q50S Hybrid

One half of me is saying "leave it alone", other half is saying "you know the protocol... coilovers and wheels"

It would look better with my treatment but it's no sport sedan. It doesn't drive badly but coils + wheels would be strictly for looks. To that end not sure the endeavor is worth it. Only quasi justification is the iMove tires they put on it are truly awful, even just for tooling around once the weather gets bad.

I'm guessing the consensus will be "leave it the hell alone"... but coils + wheels would make it nicer to look at. What to do???
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: 93JC on June 11, 2018, 01:05:28 PM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 11, 2018, 01:03:22 PM
I'm guessing the consensus will be "leave it the hell alone"

[/thread]
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: 2o6 on June 11, 2018, 01:12:35 PM
You've had it like a fucking week


Also there are plenty of budget lowering kits that aren't coil overs.


This just seems fucking silly
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: GoCougs on June 11, 2018, 01:18:14 PM
Coils + wheels were major contributors to your last issue - such things radically alter how a cars handles, and 90+% of the time it makes it worse - tending toward unpredictability and imbalance such as snap oversteer, narrower breakaway and compromised wheel travel.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: SJ_GTI on June 11, 2018, 01:18:16 PM
Coilovers seem like overkill.

Lowering springs are relatively cheap and easy. They will probaly make your car look "sportier" but potentially (probably?) drive worse.

Some aftermarket wheels could be nice. If you go relatively lightweight but still inexpensive you might be able to improve both the looks and the handling.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Xer0 on June 11, 2018, 01:20:51 PM
Quote from: 2o6 on June 11, 2018, 01:12:35 PM
You've had it like a fucking week


Honestly, I'm surprised this thread didn't come sooner.

I think your big issue is that you buy a car thats cheapish, then put money into making it look/drive better but it'll never be exactly what you want, so you end up spending more while not being happy then rinse and repeat for the last 6 cars.  No idea what your ideal car is, but I would leave the Optima alone, save up for that one, then when ready buy it and be happy from the get go.  I know the Germans are really really good at wheel/tire fitment that just look amazing with the right package. 
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: shp4man on June 11, 2018, 01:20:54 PM
You should only kimchi it if you're.in deep kimchi. Ha, a little Korean War era reference.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 11, 2018, 01:37:37 PM
Quote from: Xer0 on June 11, 2018, 01:20:51 PM
Honestly, I'm surprised this thread didn't come sooner.

I think your big issue is that you buy a car thats cheapish, then put money into making it look/drive better but it'll never be exactly what you want, so you end up spending more while not being happy then rinse and repeat for the last 6 cars.  No idea what your ideal car is, but I would leave the Optima alone, save up for that one, then when ready buy it and be happy from the get go.  I know the Germans are really really good at wheel/tire fitment that just look amazing with the right package.
G was very close to exactly what I want, I just totalled it. Only car I didn't fuck with was the Z, and the G basically handled and rode like it. So anything I'd be in long term would be like that, which would mean modifications for anything south of something like an M3.

Quote from: SJ_GTI on June 11, 2018, 01:18:16 PM
Coilovers seem like overkill.

Lowering springs are relatively cheap and easy. They will probaly make your car look "sportier" but potentially (probably?) drive worse.

Some aftermarket wheels could be nice. If you go relatively lightweight but still inexpensive you might be able to improve both the looks and the handling.
Putting lowering springs on stock shocks is bad business.... they do make upgraded shocks, but you're still limited in travel and adjustability. Coilovers would be like another $100. The coils on my G were only like $500 shipped and they were good. Could have used more low speed damping but otherwise good for the street

Quote from: GoCougs on June 11, 2018, 01:18:14 PM
Coils + wheels were major contributors to your last issue - such things radically alter how a cars handles, and 90+% of the time it makes it worse - tending toward unpredictability and imbalance such as snap oversteer, narrower breakaway and compromised wheel travel.
My setup was fine for the street. I never came close to its limits there. It was the combo of me having the bright idea to track my DD w/o coverage + the stability control failing (I'm guessing due to boiled brake fluid) and the course having walls that did me in. G did ride "worse" but it handled and looked better so to me the benefit was worth it.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on June 11, 2018, 02:24:57 PM
Quote from: 2o6 on June 11, 2018, 01:12:35 PM
You've had it like a fucking week
:popcorn: I'm just here for the comments........
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: SJ_GTI on June 11, 2018, 02:36:24 PM
Not sure I get the derisive comments.

When I bought my last two cars I knew from day -1 (ie: before I even bought it) that I was going to be getting aftermarket wheels. On the car before that (a GTI) I knew from day -1 that I was going with an aftermarket suspension (did shocks, springs, and rear swaybar).
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Speed_Racer on June 11, 2018, 02:44:52 PM
I vote leave it alone. Use the money you would spend on Kia parts to fund an inexpensive weekend project/track toy, especially since it sounds like the Ninja is on its way out too.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: giant_mtb on June 11, 2018, 02:49:49 PM
if ur gonna mawd it, i'd jus start wit weels and c how it looks n not fuc with dienamics yet.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Tave on June 11, 2018, 03:03:06 PM
You should do what makes you happy in the long run. :huh:

One small point—anything that improves the "looks" isn't going to make a lick of difference from behind the wheel, and there's nothing stopping you from upgrading just the tires for now if that's your main gripe with it...
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: r0tor on June 11, 2018, 03:10:56 PM
Damn... At least with normal buyers remorse you don't sink even more money into the poor decision
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: giant_mtb on June 11, 2018, 03:18:46 PM
Quote from: r0tor on June 11, 2018, 03:10:56 PM
Damn... At least with normal buyers remorse you don't sink even more money into the poor decision

:popcorn:
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: MexicoCityM3 on June 11, 2018, 04:52:52 PM
That Optima is nice - but you got it as a sort of subliminal self-punishment after the accident. You want a fun, fast car - the accident remorse wears off and now you miss it. Just embrace yourself and get something fun instead of trying to make a non-fun car fun with pointless mods.

Now on this point:

Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 11, 2018, 01:37:37 PM
It was the combo of me having the bright idea to track my DD w/o coverage + the stability control failing (I'm guessing due to boiled brake fluid) and the course having walls that did me in. G did ride "worse" but it handled and looked better so to me the benefit was worth it.

You fail to mention your driving skills there. Get fucking lessons. It wasn't the walls, the fluid, the stability control or the decision to track that did you in. It was a single car accident. No shame in that but for the love of god do learn from it.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Soup DeVille on June 11, 2018, 05:24:20 PM
Why do I remember some complaints about the G37 tending to snap oversteer on the street?
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 11, 2018, 05:29:17 PM
Quote from: Soup DeVille on June 11, 2018, 05:24:20 PM
Why do I remember some complaints about the G37 tending to snap oversteer on the street?
The tires that came with it went bald fast. The shocks it came with were also shot. That went away with new tires and the coilovers

Quote from: giant_mtb on June 11, 2018, 02:49:49 PM
if ur gonna mawd it, i'd jus start wit weels and c how it looks n not fuc with dienamics yet.
I am going to put the G wheels on and see how it looks. That might be the answer
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on June 11, 2018, 04:52:52 PM

Now on this point:

You fail to mention your driving skills there. Get fucking lessons. It wasn't the walls, the fluid, the stability control or the decision to track that did you in. It was a single car accident. No shame in that but for the love of god do learn from it.
You are right, a better driver could have saved it. If I go back to the track I will get with an instructor then.

Quote from: r0tor on June 11, 2018, 03:10:56 PM
Damn... At least with normal buyers remorse you don't sink even more money into the poor decision
Not bad, you are like 1 for 30 million now.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Laconian on June 11, 2018, 05:34:17 PM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 11, 2018, 05:29:17 PM
The tires that came with it went bald fast. The shocks it came with were also shot. That went away with new tires and the coilovers

The G37 OEM Pole Position RE050s are trash.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: FoMoJo on June 11, 2018, 05:52:20 PM
Did you crash the G?  Guess I missed that too.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 11, 2018, 06:06:28 PM
Quote from: Laconian on June 11, 2018, 05:34:17 PM
The G37 OEM Pole Position RE050s are trash.
It was on Nexen N5000 Pluses. Dealer inspection passing garbage. Like $70 a corner for stock G Sport sizes :wtf:
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: MrH on June 11, 2018, 06:09:09 PM
Quote from: 93JC on June 11, 2018, 01:05:28 PM
[/thread]

+1 Yep.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 12, 2018, 10:18:22 AM
Give me some credit guys... I went full speed ahead with the G

I think I will just replace the shit tires with something stock sized and serve my sentence peacefully.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: MrH on June 12, 2018, 10:41:36 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 12, 2018, 10:18:22 AM
Give me some credit guys... I went full speed ahead with the G
Into a wall, we know. That's why this thread exists. :lol:
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Lebowski on June 12, 2018, 11:31:51 AM
If the tires are crap I'd replace those and otherwise leave it alone. Save your money and take a driving school at some point.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Laconian on June 12, 2018, 11:44:48 AM
Don't even bother, it's just more pointless running on the hedonic treadmill. ;)

Kind of serious about that. You'll grow accustomed to the mods and then you'll be back to baseline levels and noticing all the nits and flaws in your Kia in no time.

Save the money and hassle for a car that benefit more from $mods, one that's closer to your ideal than an admittedly sexy FWD grocery getter.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 12, 2018, 12:25:24 PM
Yea I'm going to leave it alone. New tires and spend mod money on paying it down + ending my sentence early. Maybe do one of those BMW driving events :devil:

Just very strange for me to buy a car and leave it alone. But I don't mind driving it as is, which is probably a good thing. I did change the radio, and one of the headlight bowls is burnt, but that's really it. Very strange
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Laconian on June 12, 2018, 12:25:59 PM
YER GETTIN OLD
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on June 12, 2018, 09:28:44 PM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 12, 2018, 12:25:24 PM
Yea I'm going to leave it alone. New tires and spend mod money on paying it down + ending my sentence early. Maybe do one of those BMW driving events :devil:

Just very strange for me to buy a car and leave it alone. But I don't mind driving it as is, which is probably a good thing. I did change the radio, and one of the headlight bowls is burnt, but that's really it. Very strange
Slap some light tint on it and add a nice Sub Woofer. That'll hold you over till I'm ready to sell the GS!  :mask:
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 13, 2018, 06:00:19 AM
C6 won't work with 2 kids in daycare :zzz:

Came with tint which is nice. Never had it but I think I'm gonna get it on everything going forward.

Stock stereo is OK, could use some amps to fix the balance with the new HU (long story). Besides that, tires and fixing the headlights I'm really struggling to justify any other expenditures, which is new for me. Car gets to and from work fine
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Laconian on June 13, 2018, 11:22:28 AM
LED retrofit lights?

A light bar?
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: CaminoRacer on June 13, 2018, 12:16:36 PM
TWO lightbars.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: RomanChariot on June 13, 2018, 02:06:59 PM
Quote from: CaminoRacer on June 13, 2018, 12:16:36 PM
TWO lightbars.

I'll see your 2 and raise you a lightbar. Grill, hood and roof.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: MexicoCityM3 on June 13, 2018, 03:26:54 PM
(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQhYe5Hie8U_Yfr-zjajSMZY-SWKGcecUAVhO_ubc19vZxiFj_a)
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: CaminoRacer on June 13, 2018, 05:46:24 PM
I'd like to tint my windows but I'm not sure it's worth it on a car with 160k
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: SVT_Power on June 14, 2018, 10:36:17 AM
Reporting this thread for racist title
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: veeman on June 14, 2018, 03:59:59 PM
I think you should modify the Optima however you like and not wait it out till you get a more sporty car. 

The safety issue and modifying cars are related but mostly separate.  You tracked your G and crashed.  Then you felt bad for taking unnecessary risk. So you decided to get a mainstreamer car, give up tracking, and maybe get rid of the motorcycle.

  You've always really enjoyed modding your cars so I see no reason you shouldn't modify the Optima however you wish.  Why put it off? 
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 14, 2018, 05:12:55 PM
I think me and my bank account need a break. I was really happy with the mods on the G, but while I am OK with the Optima I don't feel the same urge to mod it. Once I get out of this hole and pay it off I already have some ideas on what the next ride will be... and that's definitely getting the treatment. I think riding stock will be a good exercise in discipline for me.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on June 14, 2018, 05:15:55 PM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on June 13, 2018, 06:00:19 AM
C6 won't work with 2 kids in daycare :zzz:

Came with tint which is nice. Never had it but I think I'm gonna get it on everything going forward.

Stock stereo is OK, could use some amps to fix the balance with the new HU (long story). Besides that, tires and fixing the headlights I'm really struggling to justify any other expenditures, which is new for me. Car gets to and from work fine
Yeah! I can drive a car without (a light tint! Non of that Limo tint crap) tint. I feel naked!

Quote from: CaminoRacer on June 13, 2018, 05:46:24 PM
I'd like to tint my windows but I'm not sure it's worth it on a car with 160k
I tinted the 'Rolla and it had 280K.......

Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Submariner on June 16, 2018, 09:28:21 AM
Get another G37S.

The new ones already look gimmicky and poorly styled.  Yours was one of the best looking sedans on the market...still is. 
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: MX793 on June 16, 2018, 10:23:49 AM
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-C6 on June 14, 2018, 05:15:55 PM
I tinted the 'Rolla and it had 280K.......


Corolla miles aren't same as normal miles.  It's like 4 Corolla miles for every normal mile in another vehicle.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on June 16, 2018, 09:27:47 PM
Quote from: MX793 on June 16, 2018, 10:23:49 AM
Corolla miles aren't same as normal miles.  It's like 4 Corolla miles for every normal mile in another vehicle.
LOL!! You might be right!
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Laconian on June 16, 2018, 10:30:59 PM
My dad's 'rolla has 280k.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on June 17, 2018, 01:07:04 AM
Quote from: Laconian on June 16, 2018, 10:30:59 PM
My dad's 'rolla has 280k.
Mines too! 283k!! What year is his?
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Laconian on June 17, 2018, 11:33:10 AM
1996.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 17, 2018, 01:27:25 PM
There may be a compromise. Going to see how the old wheels fit
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: Onslaught on June 17, 2018, 07:53:23 PM
Why did you buy a car unless it was what you wanted? I know it wasn't something you had looked at for a long time because of the accident.
Title: Re: Should I kimchi the Optima
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 17, 2018, 08:03:38 PM
I just needed a basic cheap car I could live with