BT Stiffening Plate Review

OUscarb · 03-08-2006, 05:10 PM

BT Stiffening Plate Review:

1st off, I hope this review helps anyone who is on the fence about ordering the plate. I almost didn't post this since others have, but I felt compelled to.

I just wanted to give my opinion on the BT Stiffening Plate. My feelings were,” if it really needed a better plate, Toyota surely would have built it that way”. Well, it does, and they didn’t. I’m skeptical about such “improvements” and have to be convinced. So I purchased the BT Stiffening Plate. I live in Oklahoma, and have generally rough roads around, plus a lot of wind, 30+mph the last 2 days. Right now I am approaching 5000 mikes on our ’06 Prius, so I’ve had a real good opportunity to get “use to” to the original plate. After installing the BT Plate, I have put 200 miles on the car.

How can a bigger “stiffer”, (and prettier), plate really make any difference?

Here is my opinion of the BT Plate:

1) I immediately could “feel” the difference in the handling of the Prius as soon as I took off. Going down a rather rough road, I didn’t seem to “feel” the bumps and vibrations through the seat as before. It “felt” as if the suspension was now “absorbing” more of the shocks and bumps, and the car was “tighter”, as if someone had finally attached the butt of the car to the front. I could hear the bumps more than feel them. Maybe it’s in my head……nope, it’s different!

2) The center of gravity of the car also seemed to move from the sides to the center. On turns and curves, such as highways, (with a lot of wind), the car now has more center to it. In other words, it used to “feel” as if the back of the car would “tip” or lean, moving away from the turn. Now it seems as the cars weight has moved more to the center as you turn, making the back of the car “feel” as if it is now attached to the front and staying inside, and aligned. It all moves as one, the Prius doesn’t “tip” or push out of the turns. You have a “tighter” control over the car. This is much better!

3) With the wind blowing hard the last few days, I have had a very good chance to A/B the plates. Yesterday with the original plate and 30mph winds, the Prius really whipped me around going down the highway. At times I would get looks from other drivers wondering if I was changing lanes. After the BT Plate install, all the fighting went away. In 30+mph wind today, I had no problem staying in my “space” and in control. The difference here was night & day! The few times the 35-40mph gust did get me, the Prius did move, but it was a “tight, in control” move. No more whipping around and jerking the steering wheel to compensate. If for this reason alone, the plate is well worth having. I feel better knowing my wife will have more “control” also.

So, is the “BT Stiffening Plate” worth it? I say, absolutely…every penny and I’m skeptical, and don’t like parting with $160 without being sure it helps. It does.

You say your’06 Prius drives and handles ok with the original plate, well so did I, and I was wrong. This plate makes a very noticeable “control” difference. You feel more “one” with the car.

Should you buy it? Yes if you can swing it. You will not regret it.

My 2 cents.

OUscarb
Oklahoma
2006 SSB

jbarnhart · 03-08-2006, 06:26 PM

I agree wholeheartedly. I also noticed the ride improvment at low speed. The suspension just feels like it is working better with the BT plate. It's the best mod I've added to my Prius yet.

BT Tech · 03-08-2006, 08:33 PM

Thanks for posting your in depth review of our BT Tech stiffening plate and for supporting this site with your purchase!!

Brian
BT Tech
305-652-3115

Quote:

Originally posted by OUscarb@Mar 8 2006, 06:10 PM
BT Stiffening Plate Review:

1st off, I hope this review helps anyone who is on the fence about ordering the plate. I almost didn't post this since others have, but I felt compelled to.

I just wanted to give my opinion on the BT Stiffening Plate. My feelings were,” if it really needed a better plate, Toyota surely would have built it that way”. Well, it does, and they didn’t. I’m skeptical about such “improvements” and have to be convinced. So I purchased the BT Stiffening Plate. I live in Oklahoma, and have generally rough roads around, plus a lot of wind, 30+mph the last 2 days. Right now I am approaching 5000 mikes on our ’06 Prius, so I’ve had a real good opportunity to get “use to” to the original plate. After installing the BT Plate, I have put 200 miles on the car.

How can a bigger “stiffer”, (and prettier), plate really make any difference?

Here is my opinion of the BT Plate:

1) I immediately could “feel” the difference in the handling of the Prius as soon as I took off. Going down a rather rough road, I didn’t seem to “feel” the bumps and vibrations through the seat as before. It “felt” as if the suspension was now “absorbing” more of the shocks and bumps, and the car was “tighter”, as if someone had finally attached the butt of the car to the front. I could hear the bumps more than feel them. Maybe it’s in my head……nope, it’s different!

2) The center of gravity of the car also seemed to move from the sides to the center. On turns and curves, such as highways, (with a lot of wind), the car now has more center to it. In other words, it used to “feel” as if the back of the car would “tip” or lean, moving away from the turn. Now it seems as the cars weight has moved more to the center as you turn, making the back of the car “feel” as if it is now attached to the front and staying inside, and aligned. It all moves as one, the Prius doesn’t “tip” or push out of the turns. You have a “tighter” control over the car. This is much better!
3) With the wind blowing hard the last few days, I have had a very good chance to A/B the plates. Yesterday with the original plate and 30mph winds, the Prius really whipped me around going down the highway. At times I would get looks from other drivers wondering if I was changing lanes. After the BT Plate install, all the fighting went away. In 30+mph wind today, I had no problem staying in my “space” and in control. The difference here was night & day! The few times the 35-40mph gust did get me, the Prius did move, but it was a “tight, in control” move. No more whipping around and jerking the steering wheel to compensate. If for this reason alone, the plate is well worth having. I feel better knowing my wife will have more “control” also.

So, is the “BT Stiffening Plate” worth it? I say, absolutely…every penny and I’m skeptical, and don’t like parting with $160 without being sure it helps. It does.

You say your’06 Prius drives and handles ok with the original plate, well so did I, and I was wrong. This plate makes a very noticeable “control” difference. You feel more “one” with the car.

Should you buy it? Yes if you can swing it. You will not regret it.

My 2 cents.

OUscarb
Oklahoma
2006 SSB

[snapback]222404[/snapback]

OUscarb · 03-08-2006, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BT Tech@Mar 8 2006, 08:33 PM
Thanks for posting your in depth review of our BT Tech stiffening plate and for supporting this site with your purchase!!
Brian
BT Tech
305-652-3115

[snapback]222510[/snapback]

Thanks Brian for a very nice product. It made more of a difference than I thought it would for sure. Thanks also for the quick shipping. 1 week from order to install, very nice.

OUscarb

Begreen · 03-08-2006, 11:07 PM

Thanks for the review, mine is coming soon. You should get a rebate for the testimonial

H2OSkier · 03-09-2006, 01:15 PM

My plate made it here yesterday. Hopefully I'll have time after work today to install it. If it works half as good as it looks then I'll be a happy camper

Ken

joeh4 · 03-09-2006, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by OUscarb@Mar 8 2006, 10:45 PM
Thanks Brian for a very nice product. It made more of a difference than I thought it would for sure. Thanks also for the quick shipping. 1 week from order to install, very nice.

OUscarb

[snapback]222551[/snapback]

Thanks OU!!

That did it for me I've been debating whether it was necessary on a 2006. Great comments and evaluation. And this is coming from a "HUSKER" fan.

joe

**Danny** · 03-09-2006, 02:55 PM

If you wouldn't mind, please copy/paste your thoughts into a review on the PC Shop. This will help future buyers make their decision. And thanks for supporting PC by buying it in the Shop!

http://www.priuschat.com/shop/product_revi.../products_id/21

OUscarb · 03-09-2006, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by H2OSkier@Mar 9 2006, 01:15 PM
My plate made it here yesterday. Hopefully I'll have time after work today to install it. If it works half as good as it looks then I'll be a happy camper

Ken

[snapback]222778[/snapback]

Very cool Ken, I'm interested in your thoughts after the install. Joe, with the wind in Huskerville, you should notice the improvement right away. PS, Good luck with Callahan. :P Also, beat Missouri tonight and we will see you guys tomorrow!

Thanks Danny, I will post in PC Shop.

OUscarb

ernda · 03-11-2006, 02:54 AM

One thing i want to know is whether or not installing this plate can lead to warranty voiding issues. It will be obvious to any Toyota tecnician who needs to get under the car that one has added this modification. Obviously they won't deny warranty service if the radio stops working, for example, but I just wonder if some other warranty issue might come up.

03-08-2006, 05:10 PM	#1
OUscarb Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sooner Land, Oklahoma Posts: 166 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	BT Stiffening Plate Review: 1st off, I hope this review helps anyone who is on the fence about ordering the plate. I almost didn't post this since others have, but I felt compelled to. I just wanted to give my opinion on the BT Stiffening Plate. My feelings were,” if it really needed a better plate, Toyota surely would have built it that way”. Well, it does, and they didn’t. I’m skeptical about such “improvements” and have to be convinced. So I purchased the BT Stiffening Plate. I live in Oklahoma, and have generally rough roads around, plus a lot of wind, 30+mph the last 2 days. Right now I am approaching 5000 mikes on our ’06 Prius, so I’ve had a real good opportunity to get “use to” to the original plate. After installing the BT Plate, I have put 200 miles on the car. How can a bigger “stiffer”, (and prettier), plate really make any difference? Here is my opinion of the BT Plate: 1) I immediately could “feel” the difference in the handling of the Prius as soon as I took off. Going down a rather rough road, I didn’t seem to “feel” the bumps and vibrations through the seat as before. It “felt” as if the suspension was now “absorbing” more of the shocks and bumps, and the car was “tighter”, as if someone had finally attached the butt of the car to the front. I could hear the bumps more than feel them. Maybe it’s in my head……nope, it’s different! 2) The center of gravity of the car also seemed to move from the sides to the center. On turns and curves, such as highways, (with a lot of wind), the car now has more center to it. In other words, it used to “feel” as if the back of the car would “tip” or lean, moving away from the turn. Now it seems as the cars weight has moved more to the center as you turn, making the back of the car “feel” as if it is now attached to the front and staying inside, and aligned. It all moves as one, the Prius doesn’t “tip” or push out of the turns. You have a “tighter” control over the car. This is much better! 3) With the wind blowing hard the last few days, I have had a very good chance to A/B the plates. Yesterday with the original plate and 30mph winds, the Prius really whipped me around going down the highway. At times I would get looks from other drivers wondering if I was changing lanes. After the BT Plate install, all the fighting went away. In 30+mph wind today, I had no problem staying in my “space” and in control. The difference here was night & day! The few times the 35-40mph gust did get me, the Prius did move, but it was a “tight, in control” move. No more whipping around and jerking the steering wheel to compensate. If for this reason alone, the plate is well worth having. I feel better knowing my wife will have more “control” also. So, is the “BT Stiffening Plate” worth it? I say, absolutely…every penny and I’m skeptical, and don’t like parting with $160 without being sure it helps. It does. You say your’06 Prius drives and handles ok with the original plate, well so did I, and I was wrong. This plate makes a very noticeable “control” difference. You feel more “one” with the car. Should you buy it? Yes if you can swing it. You will not regret it. My 2 cents. OUscarb Oklahoma 2006 SSB __________________ 2006 Seaside Blue Package 5 Gray Leather!! Oklahoma Sooners!!

03-09-2006, 02:55 PM	#8
Danny Admin/Founder Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 5,290 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 38 Thanked 206 Times in 85 Posts Friends: 37	If you wouldn't mind, please copy/paste your thoughts into a review on the PC Shop. This will help future buyers make their decision. And thanks for supporting PC by buying it in the Shop! http://www.priuschat.com/shop/product_revi.../products_id/21 __________________ Follow PriusChat on and *Buy your discounted 2010 Prius Accessories* here and support PriusChat: PriusChat Shop PriusChat Also Offers Discounts on: Extended Warranty - $1055 : Pre-Paid Maintenance - $875**

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03-08-2006, 06:26 PM	#2
jbarnhart Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 629 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 1	I agree wholeheartedly. I also noticed the ride improvment at low speed. The suspension just feels like it is working better with the BT plate. It's the best mod I've added to my Prius yet.

03-08-2006, 11:07 PM	#5
Begreen Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Western WA state Posts: 625 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Thanks for the review, mine is coming soon. You should get a rebate for the testimonial

03-09-2006, 01:15 PM	#6
H2OSkier Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 161 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	My plate made it here yesterday. Hopefully I'll have time after work today to install it. If it works half as good as it looks then I'll be a happy camper Ken

03-11-2006, 02:54 AM	#10
ernda Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Beverly Hills, CA Posts: 27 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	One thing i want to know is whether or not installing this plate can lead to warranty voiding issues. It will be obvious to any Toyota tecnician who needs to get under the car that one has added this modification. Obviously they won't deny warranty service if the radio stops working, for example, but I just wonder if some other warranty issue might come up.