... LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING

Welcome. It's gratifying to know that Putt-Putt got you interested to want and have a further peek at her. She was purchased new without the full bodykit, the latter representing the more popular version by a large margin but I specifically wanted a sleeker rather than sportier look. The "cleaner" look was eventually accentuated when the suspension system was reduced by a good 4cm. The car now squats cat-like in an eveready position wanting  to pounce. The KIA Spectra is available in a few colours but somehow, its aggressive lines looks just right in black or any strong hue. Black also happens to be the most popular choice among KIA Spectra owners by a ratio of 5:1 so I was told by my salesman. On the road, black is also a popular choice among other car owners so I beg to be slightly different and the end result is as in this photograph. Much emphasis of customization was firstly to improve handling and secondly performance while at the same time, make it pleasurable to drive and safer plus more responsive to handle emergencies. Money doesn't grow on trees  for me so cosmetic beautification was given a back seat. Cars generally perform worse over time, not this car!. Through the gradual  modifications, the car, today, is noticeably peppy, performs better than when first bought and I now enjoy the fruits of my labour daily for this is my only car.As it is not from the expensive and exotic bracket, it does not invite unwanted attraction making it easy to mingle with the crowd. It weights slightly over a ton or 1,110kg and just like Goldilocks, it's not too heavy neither too light making it a nice urban car. I have driven better cars but for all its minor short comings, this car, I like very much. Call it love!

INTRODUCTION

Make: KIA
Model: Spectra LS
Engine: GA6D
Type: 16V MI-tech DOHC
Displacement: 1594cc
Stock Torque: 108ps/7000rpm as in official sale brochure.
Stock Power: 14.6kg.m/4500rpm as in official sale brochure.
Torque & Power after customization: Sorry, never dyno-ed .
Status: CKD
Year of manufacture:2003
Year of purchase: September 2003

PAGE / VIEW

01. Looks can be deceiving
02. Evolution of looks  
03. Photographic essay
04. Other snapshots
05. Reserve

PAGE / MODIFICATIONS

06. Autosynergy ecu remap                 

07. Bosch spark plugs

08. Custom 1-point charging

09. Custom 11-point grounding

10. Custom cold-air-intake

11. Custom spray and sticker   

 12. Custom bonnet soundproofing        

13. Custom 9.8mm spark plug cables

14. Custom 1.7" exhaust pipe           

15. For my eyes only

16. HotBits rear muffler                 

17. HotBits rear exhaust tip

18. HotBits adjustable shock absorbers   

19. HotBits mid-muffler

20. HotBits 4-2-1 extractor                  

  21. HotBits front stabilizer bar

22. KL Auto autofoam                 

23. K&N air filter element

24. Mythelogy lighten and dampened crank pulley    

25. Pro-RS brake hose

26. Ultra-Racing lower arm

27. Ultra-Racing fender bars

28. Ultra-Racing 16mm anti-roll bar  

29. ZerOne rear stabilizer bar

PAGE / OTHERS

30. Tools of the Trade

31. Putt-Putt

32. Yours Truly

SEE LISTING
33. Costing in Malaysian Ringgit

34. SPECTRAN

35. Wish List

36. Last Words

BY THE WAY...    

This garage  was created on 16 July 2008. The most recent emel from Cardomain dated 10 June 2009 was " Your 2003 Kia Spectra is ranked 3 out of 389 and has been viewed 23509 times. "

Thanks for taking the trouble to visit it. I do hope you enjoyed your stay. Come back again and have a nice day!