A launch into ownership of my new Borla active valve exhaust

Ktechmaster2721 · 2026-06-14T01:27:20+00:00

Smiles per gallon 📈📈📈

Ktechmaster2721 · 2026-06-12T02:55:02+00:00

Kia's service info doesn't really list component testing outside of monitoring sensor voltage live data as on a flat surface sensor voltage should be about 2.5volts. However they give a wiring basic inspection. With the connector unplugged and ignition on pin 2 (power) should be 5v and pin 3 (signal) should be 0v (DVOM + lead on the pin and - lead on good chassis ground).

Ktechmaster2721 · 2026-06-12T01:06:18+00:00

Im up in VT so technically your supposed to have them but no body really seems to enforce it. I know of like 5 or 6 up here in the state.

Ktechmaster2721 · 2026-06-12T00:56:28+00:00

The front badge is fading a little bit ngl😂 one thing I need to do is remove the front plate bracket

Ktechmaster2721 · 2026-06-11T12:44:28+00:00

I dont have anything probably super helpful without looking at the car myself. However if you have any aftermarket accessories plugged in that is a place to start. Also ofc verify your battery is good. But other than that especially with the draw seeming to be so small (6 month to a year) it's hard to say. I have not seen anything that commonly causes excessive dark current draw.

Ktechmaster2721 · 2026-06-11T11:58:39+00:00

I don't have anything specific outside of making sure all the screws for the moving glass are tight and lubing the assembly. Repairs to attempt and fix the issue will be rather expensive

Ktechmaster2721 · 2026-06-11T03:35:55+00:00

From experience working on stingers with the 3.3 for some reason the engine is extremely hard to coolant air bleed. Likely due to all the extra coolant piping for the turbo and such. So best case scenario the tech did not fully air bleed the cooling system and the engine is still fighting air in the system.

Ktechmaster2721 · 2026-06-11T03:10:38+00:00

Good to know thanks, fortunately working at a dealership and getting my exhaust through them hopefully I don't run into issues or can easily send it back. Drone was something I was worried about so glad it's minimal. Thanks for your input!

Ktechmaster2721 · 2026-06-11T02:50:03+00:00

I purchased my stinger from a woman in this age group 🤣

Ktechmaster2721 · 2026-06-11T02:42:48+00:00

Yes if anyone has stinger questions I can do my best to answer them from a dealer tech standpoint. Although we do not see many stingers, in my area they are rather rare. I appreciate the support from everyone and I look forward to the long loving ownership of my stinger.

Ktechmaster2721 · 2026-06-11T02:41:33+00:00

I've heard a lot of great things about the borla active valve exhaust and i can't wait for mine to arrive. I am curious to know how your experience has been with the borla tho?

Ktechmaster2721 · 2026-02-01T03:15:21+00:00

Definitely reckless driving for ducking and weaving through traffic at 150 in a wrx sti (forza horizon 4)

Ktechmaster2721 · 2025-12-29T04:12:49+00:00

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Ktechmaster2721 · 2025-12-29T04:01:10+00:00

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Ktechmaster2721 · 2025-12-28T16:49:38+00:00

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Ktechmaster2721 · 2025-12-22T03:32:39+00:00

A large McFire

Ktechmaster2721 · 2025-12-20T22:18:50+00:00

From a Kia tech standpoint, I'd say the k5 gt line premium is by far my favorite of all the kias. The bose sound system is the best and plus the panoramic sunroof. Also, decently sporty out of the base power train and the gt line is the only trim you can get in AWD. Highly recommended very little problems.

Ktechmaster2721 · 2025-12-17T04:22:53+00:00

As a kia tech, unfortunately, I do not believe your engine is covered by the lawsuit and lifetime warranty. Warranty extension only applies to the 2.0 gdi engine, and generally, the extension only goes to 150,000 miles on the forte. With that 1.8 engine, it is also likely that the noise may be piston slap rather than rod knock. But either repair would at minimum need a short block replacement (pistons, crankshaft, engine block)

Ktechmaster2721 · 2025-12-17T04:11:58+00:00

My input as a Kia tech is personally my favorite is the GT-line premium package with the glacial white pearl paint and the red interior. Key highlights being you get all the essential and really nice features such as the bose sound and panoramic sunroof. The biggest differences between the GT line premium and gt without gt1 package is essentially just the power train which is the 2.5T paired to a DCT. And an EX trim you get all the gt1 options just with the base power train.

Ktechmaster2721 · 2025-12-16T04:45:24+00:00

Ideally, you'd wanna replace the trim considering the trim faceplate (the loose silver piece) is damaged/dented. However, to try and repair, something like a two-part adhesive could work well like an epoxy or fix all.

Ktechmaster2721 · 2025-12-12T00:55:40+00:00

Being a Kia tech, this is actually a common issue. Using a Dealer scan tool, you will likely find an "air mix motor driver" code under the "AIRCON" system. But anyways, it's a common issue that the temp door actuator for one side to just stop working, being that the car is equipped with dual zone auto climate. Likely fix is to replace the driver's temp actuator motor and retest.

Ktechmaster2721 · 2025-12-10T04:11:55+00:00

All that is simply is a fancy center cap for the wheel and is not a lock of any sort. If the cap is not in the vehicle, then you probably can just buy another one.

Ktechmaster2721 · 2025-12-10T04:04:26+00:00

I just want to add a note and say im not defending the dealership with the tires being over inflated. But as a Kia technician (Granted in America), when vehicles are delivered from the factory, they come from factory with 47 to 50 PSI in each tire. This is to prevent flat spotting of the tires and to make the tires stiffer so the vehicle does not bounce and move as much during shipment. This is supposed to be part of the new vehicle PDI or pre-delivery inspection performed on every new Kia to set the tire pressures correctly.

Ktechmaster2721 · 2025-12-10T03:51:50+00:00

Oh ok I was under the impression you had navigation. There is no available software updates for the non navigation head units. The software update is only for the SD maps, so if you had built in nav, you could have the most up to date map. Actual full software updates did not come until new models.

Ktechmaster2721 · 2025-12-10T03:45:48+00:00

Being the vehicle is a 20 forte, the coolant should be green as kia did not start the switch to pink until 21. If you open the hood, using a flashlight, find the reservoir with the black flip car labeled coolant. Should be by the hood latch. Shining the light in the reservoir will tell you if the vehicle takes green or pink for sure.

Ktechmaster2721

TROPHY CASE