New member here - 2009 KIA Optima LX

[jkalber87]

Hello everyone

I recently purchased a 2009 KIA Optima LX and looking at getting into the whole Stance/VIP scene. Previous car was a 2002 Honda Civic Si with k20a2 motor swap

[cereal black]

Welcome and very nice choice. I always liked that body style optima, not as much as the brand new ones, but none the less, welcome from another KIA owner. 2013 Sorento over here.

[jkalber87]

Welcome and very nice choice. I always liked that body style optima, not as much as the brand new ones, but none the less, welcome from another KIA owner. 2013 Sorento over here.

I used to work at KIA Motors Inc. I LOVED the new Sorento's, all around awesome SUV.

Went ahead and ordered some exterior accessories for the Optima. Nothing crazy, taking this build one thing at a time.

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

and

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

[96CD7]

dont do eet...

[244Brick]

Those are minor so its ok. IDK about mirror visors, but its a step.

I think you are on vsc too right? Have you decided on suspension yet?

[jasonklee]

Pics of car?

Welcome to StanceWorks

[jkalber87]

Those are minor so its ok. IDK about mirror visors, but its a step.

I think you are on vsc too right? Have you decided on suspension yet?

Yeah, I was weary on the mirror visors but decided to go ahead with the buy. It was raining all day yesterday and my mirror did get water droplets all over them so If this visor does its main purpose, I'll be happy with the $11 purchase

As far as vsc, I don't quite know what you mean by that abbreviation

Still not sure as far as suspension goes. I wouldn't even know where to look to be honest with you. My previous car was a 2002 Honda Civic Si and there wasn't really ever a problem for me finding suspension/coilovers etc for the civic. This KIA on the other hand though, I'm having a hard time finding a legit company that offers a good suspension setup for my car. If you have any recommendations for me, please share.

[jkalber87]

Pics of car?

Welcome to StanceWorks

Here you go. Nothing special, just a bone stock KIA Optima LX.

http://imgur.com/DhBpMMf

[244Brick]

[jkalber87]

thanks for embedding the image like that

[rice4life]

http://www.kspec.com/list.php?ac_id=180&ai_id=2466

They are pricey for coilovers.

Maybe look into a bag setup with schrader valves to keep it cheap.

Here is some inspiration, this is a pre update Lotze/Optima.

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

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii167/jaesikyu29/mycar1220888458.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii167/jaesikyu29/mycar1220888459.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii167/jaesikyu29/mycar1220888460.jpg

[jkalber87]

http://www.kspec.com/list.php?ac_id=180&ai_id=2466
They are pricey for coilovers.

Maybe look into a bag setup with schrader valves to keep it cheap.

Here is some inspiration, this is a pre update Lotze/Optima.

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

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii167/jaesikyu29/mycar1220888458.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii167/jaesikyu29/mycar1220888459.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...1220888460.jpg

How much will your typical bag setup run? I mean if coilovers are going to run me $1,600...I might as well pay extra and get it bagged right?

[rice4life]

IDK, there are many people who can help you here about bags though. Bags + schrader valves are the cheapest way to go for a bag setup, but you have to let out air to lower it, and manually fill it to raise it.

http://accuairsuspension.com/

http://www.bagriders.com/modlab/

you can check these guys out too.

[jkalber87]

Here is a couple pics of the window and side mirror visors/shades installed. Really happy with these purchases.

http://imgur.com/a/pJkdI

[rice4life]

Looks good man, now lower it!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KDM-RED-K-FRONT-EMBLEM-LOGO-REAR-TRUNK-BADGE-WHEEL-CAPS-STEERING-WHEEL-7PC-COMBO-/221206895993?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2009|Make%3AKia|Model%3AOptima&hash=item3380f55d79&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Trunk-LOTZE-Lettering-Logo-Emblem-Badge-For-07-08-Kia-Optima-Magentis-/171046068303?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27d323e04f&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kspeed-ArtX-LuxuryA-Grille-Fits-Kia-09-10-Optima-Lotze-/111064353404?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19dbf38a7c&vxp=mtr

Check out these things, I always thought that that generation optima's grille screamed economy sedan, and by debadging the KIA badges and throwing on the Korean evolution KIA badge with the KDM lotze badges will make people think it's not made by KIA.

Do you have any idea on what wheels you are going to go with?