[kennyCuz]

Ok folks. I see some of you tag your profiles with audio upgrades. Clearly some of you feel ths same way I do...the stock audio system in our fortes are sadly lacking. Im not one to blow out the Windows with crazy bass, I just like a clear full sound that can kick when I want I to. How difficult is a full audio in-dash and speaker replacement for these rides?

 

[SXT]

I plan on adding a sub, but that's it.

I actually kind of like UVO, and I really like the backup camera. I'm not willing to part with those at the moment, so stock head unit stays. But yeah, the car really should of come with a Sub stock. I plan on taking out my spare tire and putting a sub in it's place.

There are two things that would make me trade in my beloved Forte5 SX: The 2.0 Turbo engine out of the Optima and a sub in the next Forte. You hear that Kia!? You want more money from me? Get on it!

 

[kennyCuz]

Agreed I like those features also, just wish it has a stock amp (similar to Chrysler products) and a sub. Neither woukd be too difficult to add

 

[Bnelson]

If you want the stock had unit get a converter. You can get one off Crutchfield.com. I you can buy one for about 150 that puts out good signal for your amp. It makes so you can run cables to the amp/amps. Start there and go on from there. I will be doing this myself

 

[Forte5]

Stock subs aren't that great anyways. My dodge suv has the infinity system and the sub is pointless because the 6x9 door speakers put out more bass then it can. I have the factory nav head unit to component infinity speakers and infinity speakers in the rear with a 10" Memphis sub and it is really clean for the price I paid.

Only way I would trade my car is if it came with the 2.0t don't care about audio since I do my own anyways lol

 

[SXT]

I was going to pick up one of these and put a sub in the spare tire well.

http://amzn.com/B001EAWS3W

 

[Forte5]

That's how I hooked my sub up. I need to figure out how to pull my nav radio out so I can put the converter behind it and wire my fronts better

 

[SXT]

Do you have any pics, videos, guides, concerns, tips, tricks, comments, and or advice that may be of assistance for me who will be doing this in the next few weeks?

 

[kennyCuz]

Yes I second SXT's thoughts. Im open to any visuals someone can share

 

[Forte5]

I will have to take some pictures when I dig into my audio again.

 

[warpig]

quick question what is everybody using for the remote wire. I "found" a 12' sub and need to wire it in

 

[Bnelson]

Alright this seems to be the right spot.

Because I know it has happened I would like to get some help and parts info on the radio. I have gotten the itch to replace the head unit right now. What I want is one with display and the ability to keep my backup camera. I've found one that I do like and was wonder. What are the biggest screen we can fit in our car? The one I'm looking at has a 6.1inch screen double dimm. I'll also most likely have to replace the trim around it as well. Has anyone found (I'm sure you have) the replacement trim for it? Any info on just the head unit will be fantastic as when I get home in two weeks I want it to be there so I can replace it instantly.

Here is the head unit as of right now that I'm looking at
JVC Arsenal KW-V100 DVD receiver at Crutchfield.com

 

[shagger]

This trim will supposedly work - I haven't tried it yet though:

Metra 95-7356B Dash Kit Fits select 2014-up Kia Forte models ? double-DIN at Crutchfield.com

 

[mrvirginia]

be careful with getting harnesses from Crutchfield. i know for a fact that the speaker harness that they have doesn't fit. i've done an aftermarket speaker install on both front and rear doors. i had to destroy the original speakers and rebuild off of the original harness, basically gluing new speakers back into it. i took a video of me doing both the front and rear. front vid is kinda bad since i didn't think to turn the camera to landscape but the rear is good. if anyone wants to see it, just ask and i'll post.

as far as head unit goes, i'd recommend something from like pioneer in their NEX line so you can retain backup camera. otherwise i prob wouldn't ditch factory UVO even though everyone hates that head unit. single worst thing about the car imo but it's whatever.

 

[Forte5]

I am still trying to figure out how to remove the stock nav unit

 

[mrvirginia]

I am still trying to figure out how to remove the stock nav unit

you start with the bottom panel below the unit. once that comes off you work your way around clockwise. i saw some photos of someone doing it but unfortunately i don't remember where. it might've been here. i remember specifically the person saying to be extra careful prying around there because you can scratch stuff in that area very easily.

 

[Forte5]

Yeah that's my worry is scratching stuff

 

[mrvirginia]

Yeah that's my worry is scratching stuff

here's the thread. just happened to run across it again. photos are towards the bottom.
http://www.forteturbo.org/forum/22-kia-forte-turbo-electronics/246-upgrade-stereo.html

 

[cdnmute]

I just put in an Alpine Type-S 10" with a ported box and alpine amp (forget the model). As long as you don't want to blow your doors off, it provides more than enough bass for my Forte5. Next I'll probably get an amp and replace the stock speakers. Doubt I'll bother with the head unit.