FerrumBruti
New member
Hello folks, Ferrum Bruti here. I'm new to the forum, and yes am a proud owner of a 2003 Kia Sorento 4x4 EX. How I acquired it is a bit of an "Oddball" story, which rightfully is it's name. Just like Donald Sutherland from Kelly's Heroes.
First a quick bit about Oddball. Originally I had a 2006 Ford Freestyle that was totaled by a 19 year old in the parking lot. Coming out from work I discovered what happened, called the police, exchange insurances the usual routine. For a while I was driving a Dodge Charger as a rental, yet the insurance company wanted me to return it. Boo hoo! I received a check for the cost of my car, wasn't much, and well prices on cars are high. Added with a 586 credit score due to medical bills. So in searching someone directed me to a Used Car Lot that was going out of business. The man there suggested the 2003 Kia Sorento with 205,000 miles on it. At first I felt this was going to be a waste of time. But after test driving it, and in the mud I might add, I came back, told him I love it but....power mirrors don't work. He dropped the price from 3k, to 2800.00. I offered 2785.00 as a counter offer. Done! Cash payed, got the deed, took care of the paperwork with DMV, and well love this thing.
So now comes the thing, what to do with her, I mean I am still learning this 1st gen Sorento and love it despite all her quarks. Guess Oddball and I can relate. So what I am looking at is, what subtle things to do for Overland/Off-road but also rigged as a bugout vehicle. Yet I don't want to junk the 3.5 liter V6, I love the engine and also the either it's four speed or five speed automatic rated @5300rpms. So, having 192 hp isn't that bad. But, is it possible to tinker with the electronics to tweak just a little more juice for hp? Or maybe install a turbo charger kit? Or do both? Or just leave it be? I know it's a lot to inquire about, and KIA engines are a bit new to me, though I have tinkered with some old school Jeep engines, and Nissans as well. Both In Lines, and V6s.
Anyways, excited to be here and hope to hear some ideas, and get some feedback.
First a quick bit about Oddball. Originally I had a 2006 Ford Freestyle that was totaled by a 19 year old in the parking lot. Coming out from work I discovered what happened, called the police, exchange insurances the usual routine. For a while I was driving a Dodge Charger as a rental, yet the insurance company wanted me to return it. Boo hoo! I received a check for the cost of my car, wasn't much, and well prices on cars are high. Added with a 586 credit score due to medical bills. So in searching someone directed me to a Used Car Lot that was going out of business. The man there suggested the 2003 Kia Sorento with 205,000 miles on it. At first I felt this was going to be a waste of time. But after test driving it, and in the mud I might add, I came back, told him I love it but....power mirrors don't work. He dropped the price from 3k, to 2800.00. I offered 2785.00 as a counter offer. Done! Cash payed, got the deed, took care of the paperwork with DMV, and well love this thing.
So now comes the thing, what to do with her, I mean I am still learning this 1st gen Sorento and love it despite all her quarks. Guess Oddball and I can relate. So what I am looking at is, what subtle things to do for Overland/Off-road but also rigged as a bugout vehicle. Yet I don't want to junk the 3.5 liter V6, I love the engine and also the either it's four speed or five speed automatic rated @5300rpms. So, having 192 hp isn't that bad. But, is it possible to tinker with the electronics to tweak just a little more juice for hp? Or maybe install a turbo charger kit? Or do both? Or just leave it be? I know it's a lot to inquire about, and KIA engines are a bit new to me, though I have tinkered with some old school Jeep engines, and Nissans as well. Both In Lines, and V6s.
Anyways, excited to be here and hope to hear some ideas, and get some feedback.