Ok, lots to say. just got back from the 30 mile drive from Ramjet rearend in Sun Valley, Socal.

impressions, so far (note: my opinions or what i report might differ from other drivers, so needless to say this thread in completely IMO)

first, I'd like to say thanks to Wisconsin, who doesn't know me at all, but spread the word about the gears with his videos, etc. Then to Rick and Jeff for all their EXCELLENT service.

I'd like to call this the EASY mod. not because it was easy to install (3.5 hours), but because it makes driving the car so much easier in every aspect. the setup im running is a comptech flywheel and ACT PP. starting off in first feels like a rolling start going downhill. it engages so easily and effortlessly compared to stock. i could even start easily in 2nd gear if i wanted to for some reason. bogging is almost impossible unless you try really hard to select the wrong gear. i haven't taken it above 5k rpms yet, but when you push down the accelerator, the car feels like it's gone on a pretty good diet. it's light and speeding up is, once again much easier. to me, the stock setup felt like the car would resist a bit, kind of like a wound tight feel. the tach revs faster, but you don't notice it cause you didn't really need to try to rev. on the freeway, i found myself going faster without trying, yet the car felt "smoother" like it was having an easier time even though the revs were slightly higher than normal (near 4k at cruising speed).

the shop guys, who i'm convinced are experts after speaking to them and watching them work, were certain that the richmond gears would make noise under accleration. they said that the kia gears were weaker, but better in terms of fit. they even took apart the diff assembly 4 times to see if the hum noise would go away (they would hand crank it to test it). so they warned me that it might whine. i'm not 100% sure, but i didn't notice any different noises than stock on the way home, even at high speeds, under accleration or deceleration. the installer also told me that one full heat cycle with a hour of cooling ought to be enough of a break in. that 500 miles, etc wasn't necessary.

bottomline, everything is faster with less effort, no sacrifice with noise, i think it makes the car vibrate less and hopefully better gas milege.

i'm no authority, but i highly recommend this mod and i once again thank rick and richmond for delivering on their promises.

total cost=500 (gears)+40(shipping)+260(install and oil)=800

Ramjet Rearend
Ask for Dave

818-768-3824

 

good writeup, Im also getting those gears installed soon

 

Nice. Thanks for sharing, good to know you're happy with the product, and glad to have a personal recommendation for a place in So. Cal, should the need arise .

As for gas mileage, I would be very surprised if you saw an increase after the gears. Most likely you will see a decrease, because while cruising at the same speed before, you will now be at a higher RPM.

Sounds like a good mod, I'll bet you can't wait for the break-in to be done, huh?

 

You,LUCKY GUY !!!!

 

install pics:

the 2nd one is Dave trying to look young

 

i dont do much freeway driving, so hopefully the milege WILL go up. but the best part about it is that I DONT CARE. N, it's time to meet up!!!

 

so, did you just get the gears, and not the oem hardware. cuz i have gears and did not order the hardware, i was led to believe ramjet would supply whatever wasn't on hand.

thanks man. i will hit them up as soon as my goods arrive.

 

Ramjet "made" whatever they needed. they did NOT need the oem install kit, but others will tell you that is it wise to spend the extra 100. i honestly have no idea, which one is correct.

 

Did you have to turn in your oem gears for a core charge? What about speedo recalibration? Did you have to install the yellow box thingy?
I'm really thinking of this mod in the Spring since there's no way I want to go FI. This is a good sleeper mod.

 

glad to hear my gears landed last night in the mail

-Mike Kim