My Rio/Aspire Suspension Upgrade

[1990new]

Thank you! Much Appreciated

Sorry.. that should have said .10 inch longer which is 2.58 mm.

[wwwdotgov]

Festiva Lug bolts vs Lug bolts I used with my Miata Wheels.
The bigger one is from a 2001 Kia Rio. I used these to mount my Miata Wheels on Trixie.
The total length of the threads is only 1 mm longer than the Festiva lugs, but the conical shoulder
piece is bigger and there is a washer at the top of it also. The conical angle appears to be the same.
[IMG] [/IMG]

Thank you! Much Appreciated

[1990new]

Festiva Lug bolts vs Lug bolts I used with my Miata Wheels.
The bigger one is from a 2001 Kia Rio. I used these to mount my Miata Wheels on Trixie.
The total length of the threads is only 1 mm longer than the Festiva lugs, but the conical shoulder
piece is bigger and there is a washer at the top of it also. The conical angle appears to be the same.
[IMG] [/IMG]

[1990new]

Seems like I weighted them at one point but now I don't remember how much they weighted.
I sold the those Kia wheels some time ago and then finally gave away the Escort wheels after I sold the tires that were on them.

[wwwdotgov]

I've been looking for a set of Kia Rio alloys like you have on the rear in this picture, but I haven't been able to find a set yet. Looks like Escort rims up front.

I haven't been able to touch the Kia Rio alloys yet, so I don't know what they weigh. May be you can tell me how heavy the Kia Rio alloy rims feel compared to the lightweight Miata rims that you are now running? Could you tell the difference?

I really don't want to strap a heavy rim on my car. Those Miata rims are only about 11lbs. Rio alloys ?

[1990new]

hey I might have missed it but I was wondering what year kia rios it would be best to do this with?

2001 and 2002 .. the ones which have only two bolts to go in the two strut tower holes on the Festiva.

Sorry.. I clicked on the link from my email and didn't see Toms post until I had already posted.

[TominMO]

hey I might have missed it but I was wondering what year kia rios it would be best to do this with?

2001 - 2002. The ones with two mounting studs for the upper strut mount. Later ones had three.

[fudge]

hey I might have missed it but I was wondering what year kia rios it would be best to do this with?

[ryanprins13]

Camber got much better after I cut one ring off the Rio Springs.

No idea about specs. Took it to nearby TreadQuarters for alignment and they said they did the best they could do to get it straight with my modifications. Going on close to two years now and the tires seem to be wearing evenly. It rides much better with about 600 pounds in it, otherwise it rides like a go cart.

Ok, thanks!

[1990new]

Ok, I know this is an old thread, but how do you like the Rio front suspension? What wheel alignment specs did you end up going with?

Camber got much better after I cut one ring off the Rio Springs.

No idea about specs. Took it to nearby TreadQuarters for alignment and they said they did the best they could do to get it straight with my modifications. Going on close to two years now and the tires seem to be wearing evenly. It rides much better with about 600 pounds in it, otherwise it rides like a go cart.

[ryanprins13]

Ok, I know this is an old thread, but how do you like the Rio front suspension? What wheel alignment specs did you end up going with?

[1990new]

Got the new Miata wheels and tires installed on Trixie.
Only trouble is the lug bolts are more exposed and they don't look so good. I'm going to take them out and spray them with aluminum paint.
Anyone have a better idea.
Now I a perfectly good set of 175/65 R14 tires and wheels that I don't need. 2 on Escort alloy wheels and 2 on Kia alloy wheels. All in great shape.

[1990new]

One down ... three to go. Getting the old baked on brake dust off was a lot of work but it sure does improve the looks.
I put a good coat of wax on it too.

[1990new]

Found these today at LKQ on their half price sale day. After I get them cleaned up I will be putting them on Trixie.

[1990new]

NEW, All you have to do is park the car on flat concrete and put a large object up against the wheel. I have a large 90 deg carpenter square that I use. But you can use a large pail,anything that will sit flat on the ground.And will touch the bottom and top of the tire.Obviously your looking for a little day light in between the square & the top edge of tire.You don't want any positive camber at normal ride height (dont know where you heard that). To adjust your positive camber out.Simply grind your top strut bolt hole (Strut not Spindle) with a slot that allows you to tip the spindle inboard.
Don't get your toe set by a pro until you get your Camber set,waste of money....

Thanks for the alert on this.. Your comment triggered me to do some more reading on the alignment subject. After more reading I have come to the conclusion that there is not way to be sure of a perfect
alignment after suspension mods like these are made. Alignment is done at static but the mods alter the dynamic characteristics too. I will have to try to find a level place to do the camber check. I'm sure my driveway is not perfectly level. I put a level top to bottom across the front tires and they appear to be only a fraction off from level. Here is a link that I found helpful in explaining alignment.
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/145

I check the autozone specs for the 02 Kia Rio and the camber shows .45 to .60+
The camber specs in my Festiva manual show camber should be .40 to .55 not greater than .55+

I'll find a good level spot and do as you suggest before I take it in... Thanks.