PriusChat Forums - Gen II Prius Modifications http://priuschat.com/forums/ en Wed, 30 May 2012 14:27:04 GMT vBulletin 60 http://priuschat.com/forums/images/silk/misc/rss.jpg PriusChat Forums - Gen II Prius Modifications http://priuschat.com/forums/ HID Upgrade? http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109924-hid-upgrade.html Sun, 27 May 2012 22:44:01 GMT Hi all, a new addition here to your forums. We just purchased an 09 Prius for my wife. Love the car with one exception. The OEM headlights... Hi all, a new addition here to your forums.

We just purchased an 09 Prius for my wife. Love the car with one exception.

The OEM headlights blow.

I was wanting to upgrade them to an HID kit, or was wondering if a Toyota HID OEM kit can be purchased and installed, as we know some came from the factory with OEM HID's.

Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

John ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications brainpa http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109924-hid-upgrade.html G Force chip http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109890-g-force-chip.html Sat, 26 May 2012 23:19:46 GMT Hi, I have an '06 & an '08 gen II Prius's. I see a chip advertised here that claims up to 60 HP & 4-7 HP. Has anyone run this chip? If so, are the results as good as the maker claims? I appreciate your feedback. Walker:confused: ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications Walker1 http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109890-g-force-chip.html Installing Strut Tower Brace Questions? http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109874-installing-strut-tower-brace-questions.html Sat, 26 May 2012 17:13:39 GMT I ordered the Tanabe STB(strut tower brace) for my '07 Prius Touring. I'm hoping this is a pretty simple install? Couple questions..

1. Does the car have to be raised to get the weight of the suspension? Or just level on the ground?

2. I see it is adjustable for "width"?? When I install it, do I need to tension the bar in any direction, or just make it fit?

3. Anyone do this to their 2nd gen Prius? What all needs to come off if anything? I see the gen 3 guys had to remove the cowel?

Here is the link from Amazon which is where I purchased from. I'm a "Prime" member so it was a no brainer...
also, I bought the Tanabe rear under brace. Anyone do this modification?

Click the image to open in full size. ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications alexilic http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109874-installing-strut-tower-brace-questions.html Review: ADVAN AD08 Tires http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109759-review-advan-ad08-tires.html Thu, 24 May 2012 06:18:31 GMT So I'm one of a handful of people who have put very high grip tires on a Prius. I've put near 35,000 miles on these tires over the course of ~3 years and I figured I'd make a debrief post since it's time to replace them.

Here's my setup:
- Prius Touring
- Mounted on 16x6 RAYS CE28N Eco Drive
- Stock suspension settings (for 95% of the use of the tires) and the car rides at stock height
- Tire size: 205/55/16
- Inflation range from 40-45 PSI

First, I'll make one thing very clear: these are not tires for people who desire maximum MPG out of their car. The MPG hit with these tires mounted is significant - I average 41.5 MPG on these tires vs the 43 MPG with Nokian Hakkapellitta R snow tires and 46 MPG I got with stock Turanza EL400 LRR tires.

With that out of the way, I have to say that putting these tires on the car completely transforms the way the car rides and handles. Steering becomes relatively heavy compared to stock, making the car feel substantial and solid. Inputs go from lazy to immediate. The ride

On the highway at 70mph (and a track going even faster), the chassis goes from econobox to, well, German. On stock tires, it feels like pushing a amusement park go-kart to the limits of its performance envelope. The car felt like it was wandering in the lane, gusts of wind would push it around hard enough to concern family pets riding with me. Passengers would suggest that maybe we should stick to the minimum posted speed limit.

With the ADVANs, the car felt present, planted on the road. 70mph seems trivial, a transitional stage to much much higher speed. It even rides a little like my other car, a Lancer Evolution IX (not necessarily surprising since stock tires on that car are the very similar ADVAN A046). Cornering improved dramatically - I only wish I had gone on a skidpad to see how hard the car would corner. Friends with (often substanitally) modified cars, ranging from boosted Civics to modded 911s asks the same question when I turn a corner at speed: "This is a Prius? What the ---- did you do to it?" There are tradeoffs made to gain the responsiveness and grip other than the MPG loss; the difference in sidewall rigidity means that the ride isn't as smooth and you feel every expansion joint and crack in the road. The sizing of my tires changes the ride height of the car ever so slightly, but enough to make me scrape the front of the car quite a bit more than stock. Also, you have to worry about keeping the tires above ~20 degrees F, which is a bigger pain than you would think when it's transition time between summer and winter tires (there were quite a few days where the high was in the 60s and low in the 20s inland).

My next tire: probably the Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications a_gray_prius http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109759-review-advan-ad08-tires.html Tire advice: 215/50r17 vs 215/45r17 on Aftermarket rims http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109718-tire-advice-215-50r17-vs-215-45r17-aftermarket-rims.html Wed, 23 May 2012 18:16:24 GMT Hey guys, I need your help. I just bought some 17x7 wheels for my Gen2 and threw on some 225/45r17 ContiProContacts but Im still experiencing a 5-6... Hey guys, I need your help. I just bought some 17x7 wheels for my Gen2 and threw on some 225/45r17 ContiProContacts but Im still experiencing a 5-6 mpg loss.

I heard that Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max is now available in 215/50r17 215/45r17. Does anyone know what the better tire is in terms of mileage and change in odometer?

Or if anyone can recommend another tire that would be greatly appreciated as well. Thank you. ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications Jay-P http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109718-tire-advice-215-50r17-vs-215-45r17-aftermarket-rims.html Prius convertible spotted http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109570-prius-convertible-spotted.html Mon, 21 May 2012 17:08:17 GMT I was motorcycle (honda 450 CRF 450x, street legal via AZ plates) riding in Crestline, CA where I have a cabin, rounded a corner and spotted this in... I was motorcycle (honda 450 CRF 450x, street legal via AZ plates) riding in Crestline, CA where I have a cabin, rounded a corner and spotted this in front of a gun shop. Quite a sight if you have never seen one or even known they exist. I talked to the owner who I think said it cost him $8,000 to convert. I think its the only one in the country.

toyota prius convertible - Google Search ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications larryakoch http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109570-prius-convertible-spotted.html <![CDATA[42" or 54" bolt-on Roof Rack rails?]]> http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109327-42-54-bolt-roof-rack-rails.html Thu, 17 May 2012 15:30:12 GMT I've decided that I'm going to bite the bullet and drill some holes in my roof for a bolt-on rack, but I'm undecided what length of track to buy.

My thinking thus far is that I prefer a track over the simple landing pads for weight distribution and flexibility in bar location. Following that train of thought then, a 54" track seems to accomplish both objectives better than the 42" track (Yakima tracks).

I've measured my roof line and it appears like the 54" track should fit just fine. I've also seen a few 54" installs floating around the internet, but it seems like the vast majority go with the 42" tracks.

Does anyone have experience installing either length that they'd be willing to share? Is there a good reason that most of these installs seem to use the 42" track? And additionally, are there any locations in the roof that I need to avoid when drilling (ie. underlying structural beams, wires, etc.)?

Any help would be much appreciated. I clearly want to get this right the first time. :) ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications spinsession http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109327-42-54-bolt-roof-rack-rails.html Just picked up a 2008 Prius... Looking to upgrade http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109280-just-picked-up-2008-prius-looking-upgrade.html Wed, 16 May 2012 20:20:19 GMT Hello everyone. I just got my first Toyota/hybrid... 2008 Prius with 140,000 miles Bought it off my mom got a great deal. She bought it brand... Hello everyone.

I just got my first Toyota/hybrid...
2008 Prius with 140,000 miles
Bought it off my mom got a great deal.
She bought it brand new and it's mostly
highway miles.

I love this car. Had it for a few days, I find something
new I like about it everyday.

The only issue is my mom hit a curb really hard
and as a result the front suspension is damaged.

She has been driving the with the damaged front suspension
For like 3 years. Causes lots of tire wear.
I took it to my mechanic and he showed me what was damaged.

The drivers side strut and a-arm are noticeably bent.

My mechanic said like $650 to install (2) new front struts and
the left a-arm. Does that sound right?

Kinda wishing the front was a little lower.

Should I (can I) just buy a pair of coil-overs
For the front. Along with the a-arm.
Obviously this would allow me to lower the front...
Would this make for a better ride?
Should I just replace the struts with factory parts?

I've read some about the suspension of these cars.

Which coil-overs/springs, front/rear sway bars, stiffening plates, etc..
are the best for the 2nd gen Prius? I want a smooth but tight feel.

Ive read of Toyota Matrix/corolla sway bar for thr prius..
I'm in Miami, Fl so plenty of junkyards around town.

Who has the best info. on front suspension.
(cost effective)

Thanks in advance. ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications Lightjockey http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109280-just-picked-up-2008-prius-looking-upgrade.html roof rack vs off the back gas mileage http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109160-roof-rack-vs-off-back-gas-mileage.html Mon, 14 May 2012 14:21:13 GMT I've been running a Yakima roof rack for my bikes and boats on my Prius for about 6 years. The roof rack without anything on it takes my gas mileage down about 5 mpg. I'm considering buying a new Yakima off the back rack for this reason for my bikes.

My question is can anyone tell me how much their mileage has been affected by a receiver style off the back bike rack with and without a bike on it?:rolleyes:

Thanks for the help in advance... ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications findlj http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109160-roof-rack-vs-off-back-gas-mileage.html building a trolling motor battery from prius packs http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109139-building-trolling-motor-battery-prius-packs.html Mon, 14 May 2012 01:27:15 GMT Has anyone tried this . im tired of buying batteries every 2 years. my trolling motor is 24 volts Has anyone tried this . im tired of buying batteries every 2 years.

my trolling motor is 24 volts ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications walleye seeker http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/109139-building-trolling-motor-battery-prius-packs.html Interior LED Questions.. http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/108888-interior-led-questions.html Wed, 09 May 2012 15:39:15 GMT I'm ready to change all my interior lights to LED. I have a few questions..

1. I've seen replacement bulbs w/LED and LED panels that have a adapter for socket. Which do you prefer and why?

2. If you go with the panel type, will you see the panels in your dome lights? Does it look nice?

3. Who offers the best quality for good price? Ebay has sooo many, not sure which ones? Some have total kits, some are car specific, etc.. I keep coming across "fyre flys LEDs"

4. Also, I would like to brighten up the interior. It would be nice to have more light. I see some have many LEDs, some half as much.

5. Also, what about the glove compartment?

Any help would be appreciated. I am mechanically inclined and don't mind tinkering. I know the bulb type wold be simpler, but if the panel type is nicer and brighter, I'll invest the time :D ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications alexilic http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/108888-interior-led-questions.html Common upgrades? http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/108870-common-upgrades.html Wed, 09 May 2012 06:35:15 GMT So, I'm hours away from being the proud owner of a 2007 "Package 2" Prius.

Things I *don't* have:
  • Bluetooth
  • Good quality audio
  • HID Headlights
  • Foglights
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Winter Tires (what do you guys recommend? We have bad winters here)

So I'm thinking I want to upgrade the stereo and speakers (no subwoofer or amplifier, a more modest upgrade) - what is recommended? Maybe add a Nav unit.

I'm thinking I want to upgrade the headlights to HID's, are there any recommended?

For winter tires I *loved* blizzaks on my subaru impreza and outback; are there popular Prius choices?

Any particular place to shop for rims for the second set of tires?

Any other popular upgrades?

I'm pretty excited! Thanks for the help everyone. I'm also doing a lot of searching to try to answer all my own questions. ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications akm3 http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/108870-common-upgrades.html Muffler Exhaust Manifold Wrap http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/108520-muffler-exhaust-manifold-wrap.html Thu, 03 May 2012 17:51:38 GMT I am considering doing a exhaust wrap from the exhaust manifold down to the last O2... Has anyone tried this.? When do or should you replace the O2... I am considering doing a exhaust wrap from the exhaust manifold down to the last O2... Has anyone tried this.? When do or should you replace the O2 or just wait until failure? ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications NortTexSalv04Prius http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/108520-muffler-exhaust-manifold-wrap.html What do you guys think about this roof spoiler? http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/108453-what-do-you-guys-think-about-roof-spoiler.html Wed, 02 May 2012 17:21:33 GMT PAINTED TOYOTA PRIUS 04~09 WINGS ROOF SPOILER BRS NEW... PAINTED TOYOTA PRIUS 04~09 WINGS ROOF SPOILER BRS NEW

$85 and comes painted (seller lists correct paint codes), but the seller is in Taiwan. I don't know, what do you guys think? ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications macmaster05 http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/108453-what-do-you-guys-think-about-roof-spoiler.html adding a solar panel to the P2 12V battery http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/108425-adding-solar-panel-p2-12v-battery.html Wed, 02 May 2012 06:44:18 GMT Hi,

Quickly searched the forum but didn't found any thread showing it done. If I mis-searched, thanks to direct me to an existing thread.

Sunny days should be back during next weeks, so a project is coming back in my head...

On the net there are several threads where people are adding a small solar panel to the 12V battery of an HCH. I did so with a low grade amorphous 13W panel to my M�gane (old turbo diesel) through a charge regulator that I configured so it charged the battery only while the alternator was off (glides ICE off).

The goal is to set and forget it. The charge controller has a small LCD screen so I can verify it, but I don't think to put it on the dash, as it contains a thermometer that should be at a temperature close enough the the charged battery. Also that little LCD screen doesn't love sun at all : after a couple of minutes under direct sun it becomes black for a couple of hours...

Would it be OK to do the same to the Prius 12V battery ?
Is setting the charge controller to limit the charge @13.7V would be OK ?

Of course it will not charge the HV, but it would be sad to let the charge controller and the panel in the garage...

Denis. ]]> Gen II Prius Modifications groar http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/108425-adding-solar-panel-p2-12v-battery.html