Originally Posted by cloudedjudgement,Apr 12 2007, 10:01 PM

OK WTF? Kia parts..........has anyone been running these gears for a little bit to comment on the quality and if they have lasted?

Originally Posted by Eddie J,Apr 12 2007, 10:34 AM

What a coincidence. My car has just been dropped off with these same gears, as we speak, to be installed.

Here's what I did:

--Bought gears from local Kia dealer (pricematched kiaparts.com + local tax): I did this in case there were any problems with the order...

--Purchased an install kit from HardTopGuy here ($150):

http://www.hardtopguy.com/store/product.ph...4&cat=56&page=2

--You'll probably want one of these as well to correct your speedo ($55) (Yellow Jacket , which is different and cheaper than the Yellow Box!):

http://www.hardtopguy.com/store/product.ph...&cat=145&page=1

--And then you'll want to top off the diff with this ($15/qt) (LE607): Get a couple quarts since you'll want to change the fluid after breaking in the gears (about 500 miles per Rearend Specialties, my local diff shop)

http://www.hardtopguy.com/store/product.ph...2&cat=56&page=1

--Add some washers while you're at it...($2)
http://www.hardtopguy.com/store/product.ph...9&cat=56&page=1

Then I took all of this to the diff shop. Find one that specializes in domestics and trucks. They're usually quite comfortable with these kinds of installs. They replace rear ends and do gear swaps all the time. Import shops are *usually* more familiar with FWD cars...YMMV.

My quote for LABOR ONLY (I bring car in, they take diff off, install gears, put diff back on) was: $450.

I hope this helps...

Break in procedures to follow if anyone is interested.


Eddie.

p.s. Some of the same/similar products are available through www.ricks2k.com as well. If you're concerned about getting the best price, check shipping rates through both. They're pretty close I think. The only difference is that Rick's sells the YELLOW BOX and not the YELLOW JACKET. Also, www.modifry.com sells the YELLOW JACKET direct to consumers.

Originally Posted by Eddie J,Apr 12 2007, 11:14 PM

Here's my total cost:

Gears: $285

Labor: $450

YJ: $55

Install Parts: $175 (I decided to get side seals in addition to the OEM install parts)

LE 607 : $30 (2 quarts; one for initial break-in, one for next 10-15k miles)




TOTAL $995

Yes, you're right. It's about a grand for lots and lots of smiles

I just got my car back this afternoon and it has NO GEAR WHINE whatsoever. Granted, there is a gentle break-in procedure (lower RPMs, keep it under 55mph for first 100 miles; under 65 mph for next 400 miles). I haven't been WOT yet, so I can't comment on that...but there isn't any difference from stock on deceleration in any gear, especially first. I understand that if there is any gear whine, the most pronounced occurs in first (although I don't exactly understand why).

Anyway, I'm completely satisfied with this mod. It remains to be seen what acceleration will be like in addition to increased revs on the highway. We'll see....

Eddie.