Hello, looking at Stingers

[ATL_Nick]

Hi everyone, I'm Nick, I live near Atlanta. I am looking at purchasing a Stinger. I currently own a '17 Focus ST (daily driver), and a '14 Corvette Stingray (street/track car). I've been doing track days for 10 years, and am just not passionate about them anymore. I did three last year, and zero so far this year. They're fun, but it's a lot of time and hassle, and I have some new hobbies like travel and going to concerts and such that I would prefer to spend my time on.

So I'm looking to consolidate into one vehicle that I can use for road trips and carrying four passengers and a fun drive in the Georgia mountains; the Stinger seems to fit that bill very well.

I am going to test drive a Stinger or two in the near future, I am not sure if I want AWD or RWD. I am also interested in suspension modifications to get the car handling its best, and maybe some easy power modifications (seems like a JB4 tune is the winner?). If anyone has a recommended starting point to read up on those two points I would appreciate it.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Hi everyone, I'm Nick, I live near Atlanta. I am looking at purchasing a Stinger. I currently own a '17 Focus ST (daily driver), and a '14 Corvette Stingray (street/track car). I've been doing track days for 10 years, and am just not passionate about them anymore. I did three last year, and zero so far this year. They're fun, but it's a lot of time and hassle, and I have some new hobbies like travel and going to concerts and such that I would prefer to spend my time on.

So I'm looking to consolidate into one vehicle that I can use for road trips and carrying four passengers and a fun drive in the Georgia mountains; the Stinger seems to fit that bill very well.

I am going to test drive a Stinger or two in the near future, I am not sure if I want AWD or RWD. I am also interested in suspension modifications to get the car handling its best, and maybe some easy power modifications (seems like a JB4 tune is the winner?). If anyone has a recommended starting point to read up on those two points I would appreciate it.

Welcome aboard, Nick! And thank you for signing up. We’ve had many Stinger owners who traded in a Ford Focus ST. I’m glad you found us!

 

[MerlintheMad]

First mod for handling is an aftermarket rear sway bar. I would say that (see signature). But really, I went with this because it is the cheapest most dramatic difference you can get. After that, I guess it's open. If you want a fun handling car then probably RWD is for you; you live in a warmer (not iced up) part of the world and don't really need AWD for that reason. But AWD also has some handling advantages in twisty bits. A thoroughly skilled performance driver won't find any advantages with AWD. But for mortals like me it is a good thing to have.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[ATL_Nick]

Thanks!

 

[mandasol]

You should introduce yourself to this Atlanta thread Atlanta owners? There's been a few meetups - I made it to one - and a lot of owners with mods.

Since you own a Corvette I would recommend RWD especially living in Georgia since we rarely get ice or snow unless you live closer to the mountains. RWD is just more fun, though I second the recommendation for upgrading the sway bars. If you want to lower the car, H&R makes the only lowering springs specifically for RWD so that the front is level with the rear (there is thread for this topic as well). Lots of information about the JB4 and other tunes. There is a local tuner that can also tune the ECU - Pressertech, and some people piggyback the JB4 on top of the Pressertech tune to get logging. Make sure to change or re-gap your plugs. Lots of options for aftermarket intakes and exhausts.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[ATL_Nick]

@mandasol That's great info - thank you!

 

[SafetyPilotCal]

Living in ATL, I'd go with RWD. I couldn't even find an AWD near me when I went to buy mine here in TX. RWD is a lot more fun, but you have a Vette you know that already

In the interest of dealing with a warranty, I'd go JB4 long before I did any sort of ECU flash. I don't have a horse in this race, but the support I've seen BMS offer on this board puts them and the JB4 as #1 in my book. I have to do long drives across the state every few weeks, and I will tell you the Stinger is top notch for "grand touring" type duties, minus the somewhat small fuel tank. I do suggest that you check out the back seat headroom if you have any taller passengers. It's fine for me, but I'm under 6 feet. Taller passengers might have issues.

 

[Callum]

Nick - Nick here, also in Atlanta. GT2 AWD, downpipes, JB4, etc.

I used to do tons of track days in previous cars, lost interest and just drive the Stinger now. I love the AWD here in Atlanta. I'm sure the RWD would be fun, but I do enjoy the sure-footed ness.

Where in ATL are you?

 

[RedCal]

Welcome to the Hive! lots and lots of good info here so you are in the right place

 

[P22Tyler]

It's all personal preference of course, but as an AWD owner I haven't noticed the handling having been hurt by it. It is a rear biased system anyways, and the amount of traction you get is pretty incredible with AWD.

I haven't made it around to any performance upgrades yet but everyone here giving you advice knows their stuff.

As far as driving goes, this is the most comfortable car I've ever owned for long drives. It's a joy to just cruise in it, and then put your foot down and fly through the twisty bits when you want to. Welcome to the hive!

 

[ATL_Nick]

Where in ATL are you?

I'm in Lawrenceville. Thank everyone for the warm welcome and information.

 

[eflyguy]

AWD isn't for ice and snow. It improves the car in performance driving situations.

Either that, or every true sports car manufacturer has it wrong.