The burnt tips look Amazing on my Optima SXL! I have pros and 1 con for the Kia Optima DT-S exhaust that I recently purchased and installed. My main Pro's are that I immediately noticed that this exhaust perfectly compliments the Wagner Intercooler and the K&N Typhoon air intake on my car! There's much less turbo lag when accelerating from a dead stop. Also, at WOT the gear shifts are quicker and I can literally feel more power than with the stock exhaust. I love the whistling sound of the Typhoon air intake with the aggressive rumble from the DT-S exhaust while accelerating!
My only Con is that the gaskets provided with my exhaust did not properly seal the OEM catalytic pipe flange to the Ark exhaust pipe flange. So, after 2 failed attempts to seal the flange leak with the Ark gasket. I decided to purchase a OEM flange gasket. But, it still leaked. As a result, I was forced to get creative in my final attempt to seal the leak. So, I installed 2 high temp Gylon gaskets on both sides of the OEM gasket. After I torqued the nuts according to specs. I checked for leaks with soapy water while my girlfriend pumped the accelerator.
And, Eureka! The leak was finally sealed! :+1:
I immediately noticed a Huge increase in performance while accelerating after the leak was sealed. Going forward, I suggest that Ark includes high temp Gylon gaskets inserts with their exhausts. They can be very helpful for customers who purchase and connect Catback exhausts to their OEM catalytic piping.
I've definitely recommended Ark Performance exhausts to everyone I know. :100:
