Got started on the project tonight. Some of my parts aren't arriving until later in the week so I'll need to wait until next weekend to continue. But the main thing, the linchpin of the whole operation for my fussy -23 arrived today, this little honey right here
This installed without drama and it's nice being programmed with the same
VIN, no issues with the Kia Access app.
Next moved on to the
HKS spark plugs. Everything went fine and with some prior research, plug #5 or #4 whichever it's correctly called under the intake wasn't hard at all.
I found the secret to the boot removal is to spin it 180° from where it bolts down and then it will pull out with no drama:
I then used two wobble sockets and some extensions taped with electrical tape (thanks for the tip) to easily get to the spark plug:
After everything was back together I took the car out for a spin. I put in premium and a boostane shot which should increase octane by 3 full points to 94. (I am at high elevation so the best we get here is 91)
First impressions were that the LAP3 1.5 tune in sport mode is whole lot of fun with the car seeming to want to rip at the slightest nudge of the throttle. I had bought a Roar Pedal but after experiencing the LAP3 throttle input on sport, I may not need to reconnect that RP at all.
Later today I'll be re-installing my aFe intakes to hear that lovely turbo sound. I had the aFe installed previously but my -23 would go into immediate limp mode and told me to go fk myself.
My
snorkels are delayed in shipping so that will be next weekend's project along with the mishimoto fmic.