manual tranny, still have my AC, had to create a metal plate to position the compresor.

ther thinks are that I took advantage to use the GM Power stering pump, also change the alternator, its a Toyota one, here in Panama a new one cost like 30 bucks but the kia one can cost 300 bucks, also don't know but i had to repair it once a year inclusive i change it 2 times, so I made the Toy upgrade on the alternator too.

All what power those 2.8's are junk especially the carburated ones. Do what you will but thats a poor power train swap should of used a 4.3L.

I'm agree that best option is the 4.3L but remember that the sporty is not does not have heavy weight components to receive all that power without hurts, in my case i had a diesel engine and components like R&P transmissions, etc are differents and works on a different ratio than the gas ones, 4.3 means change all drive train, 2.8 I maintained my Kia transmission, transfer, etc
It's not the same Modify an Sporty than buy a Blazer K5 and put the Sporty cabin on top.

Cost for my Swap was arround 2.5k including labor, suspention and parts.

4.3 would be more expensive for me.

When I was looking for an engine, one friend was selling me a 258 engine, reason why i didn't took it, because had to change transmission (t18), transfer (dana 20), cut the front of the car, more body lift, in order to re-locate the radiator and all those bigger components adding to much weight, incluseive change the diferentials to danas, front dif is an aluminum one IFS, not too heavy, rear one an handle more stress.

This is my daily drive and my super modify rig is a 79 CJ7.

Agree that next step will be take off the IFS and replace doth dif with danas 4.56 R&P actual ratio on the OEM ones that I have & mabe a biger engine, at this moment I'm planing to put them Buick aluminium heads, overhaul that engine with oversized pistons and instal it a Turbo...

After that will definetly fly, but it's a long term project

Should of at least went with a 3.4 fuel injected and still uses the same bell housing as the 2.8.

I web page
we can discuss the same there... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Suspension lifts here:


1)UPURKIA web page


2)Rcksportgear web page



Cool Stuff! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

The following pictures show my new accessories that are not bolted on to my 2002 Sportage yet... These wheels are the reason I always ask about peoples lift vs. wheels vs. tires.
I'm going to trim the front side of the front wheelwells and probably mount my 235/75r15's on the wheels. I'm afraid I won't clear the rear side of the front wheelwells and the possibility of loosing the bead on the tires if I offroad at all with them. Plus the skinny tires will most likely look like some sort of stupid f***-up on the wheels sticking out so far. Any advise on this combo would be appreciated.

These are 15x8 with 2.5" Backspace


Front Of Wheel


Back of Wheel


Side of Wheel


Gorilla chrome all locking lug nuts & 4.25" removable center cap hubs with metal Kia center cap sticker emblems.

Stainless steel valve stems and metal KIA center cap stickers with plastic protective cover on them.

Gorilla 4.25" x 4.25" stainless steel hub cap with removable center piece and Metal KIA Stickers on the cap.

Nice look'n wheels!! I think you wanted a little more inward offset but this will give you a wider stance.

How was the pricing and shipping cost? When are you mount'n em up?

Picked-up 5 of those wheels from 4wheelparts.com
I want to trim the front bumper this weekend.
Wife said I can't mount them till next weekend??? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />
My wife said it'll look too stupid without atleast 10.50" wide tires. I agree, but need money for the rubbers...
So when they get mounted then I'll shoot pics ASAP. And you guys can crack jokes with everyone else. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

The only joke I wanna crack right now is about the wife telling you when you can do $hit <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I expect they will look just fine <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> please send pics when you have permission <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />