Strut Tower Brace for 2010 Prius: CUSCO or Tanabe?

[venom700]

Originally Posted by btaylor

I've noticed that Sigma Automotive now lists strut tower braces from both CUSCO and Tanabe for the 2010 Prius.


I have to say that I'm fairly pleased with the handling on my 2010 Prius V---much better than what I experienced on Gen II rentals! But if one of these tower braces added additional improvements (e.g., a little less understeer) over the current handling, without introducing any clearance problems for routine maintenance procedures, I'd go for it.

Anyone installed either the CUSCO tower brace ($235) or the Tanabe tower brace ($189), yet? Any clearance problems? Is CUSCO known for better quality in this product area?

According to Tanabe USA (just got off the phone with them), they don't even make the Under Brace yet so I doubt they even have the Tower Braces. I am not sure what Sigma is purporting to sell.

[rachaelseven]

Originally Posted by venom700

According to Tanabe (just got off the phone with them), they don't even make the Under Brace yet so I doubt they even have the Tower Braces. Seems like Sigma is trying to pull a fast one and the guy on the phone didn't seem pleased that Sigma is trying to sell stuff that they don't have yet. Just beware I would say.

I doubt Sigma is trying anything dishonest - I've spent a while talking to the people there and they seem like pretty straight shooters to me. More likely just a misunderstanding about what is or isn't available yet.

[Dakine50]

Originally Posted by venom700

According to Tanabe (just got off the phone with them), they don't even make the Under Brace yet so I doubt they even have the Tower Braces. Seems like Sigma is trying to pull a fast one and the guy on the phone didn't seem pleased that Sigma is trying to sell stuff that they don't have yet. Just beware I would say.

I've also chatted with Sigma Automotive and found them to be honest and helpful.

When you spoke to Tanabe I'm guessing it was Tanabe USA and not Tanabe Japan. The underbracing,strut tower brace,etc. are all available but may not be compatible with US models.

Tanabe USA has to confirm fitment before releasing for US models.

Sigma Automotive sells worldwide so it's important to be very specific about your vehicle.

Take a look under suspensions of they're website and they state that the Gen III has several different factory supsension setups.

Just my 2 cents......

[deltron3030]

as of yet, tanabe USA does not have a strut tower brace. the JDM version of the brace does not fit on US cars, as there are differences under the hood between the 2010 US and 2010 Japan Priuses that create clearance issues when fitting the Japanese part on the US car.

[JimboPalmer]

Originally Posted by mgb4tim

does the Chassis Stiffening Plate offer the car a big benefit? At $165, I hope it helps a lot!

Once again, I can say it did on the Gen II, no idea on the Gen III.

I got mine for $50 from G7.
Toyota Prius G7 Performance Stiffening Plate 2004-2009:eBay Motors (item 170395933685 end time Oct-24-09 20:02:33 PDT)

[deltron3030]

Does anyone know if the G7 (e.g. ALL 2009 stiffening braces) fits the 2010?

[Boo]

Originally Posted by deltron3030

Does anyone know if the G7 (e.g. ALL 2009 stiffening braces) fits the 2010?

I HIGHLY doubt it. AFAIK, the stiffening plate on the Gen II is different than any of the stiffening braces on the Gen III/2010.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by deltron3030

as of yet, tanabe USA does not have a strut tower brace. the JDM version of the brace does not fit on US cars, as there are differences under the hood between the 2010 US and 2010 Japan Priuses that create clearance issues when fitting the Japanese part on the US car.

deltron,

What's your source for this info? (Offhand, I doubt the info.)

[deltron3030]

Originally Posted by Boo

deltron,

What's your source for this info? (Offhand, I doubt the info.)

I was the prius they used for the Tanabe R&D fitment tests a few days ago. they fit the 2010 Japanese Prius Tower strut brace on my car ( a US) and it didn't fit. apparently, there are some structural differences between the US/Japan 2010's. So to answer your question, my source is Tanabe USA.

If you're still in doubt, I'd say call up tanabe and ask em yourself.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by deltron3030

I was the prius they used for the Tanabe R&D fitment tests a few days ago. they fit the 2010 Japanese Prius Tower strut brace on my car ( a US) and it didn't fit. apparently, there are some structural differences between the US/Japan 2010's. So to answer your question, my source is Tanabe USA.

If you're still in doubt, I'd say call up tanabe and ask em yourself.

Thanks. Now I have no doubt.