Strut Tower Brace for 2010 Prius: CUSCO or Tanabe?

[btaylor]

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

Sigma Automotive: upgrades for 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?

[Boo]

Thanks for the heads up on the Tanabe braces. Good to see lower priced (compared to CUSCO Gen III and TOM's Gen II) braces available.

* * * * * * * *

This doesn't directly answer your question, but I think that the BT Tech Strut Tower Brace that I installed on my Gen II Standard Prius turned that below average handling car into a fun car to drive.

[Edward Walsh]

Originally Posted by Boo

Thanks for the heads up on the Tanabe braces. Good to see lower priced (compared to CUSCO Gen III and TOM's Gen II) braces available.

* * * * * * * *

This doesn't directly answer your question, but I think that the BT Tech Strut Tower Brace that I installed on my Gen II Standard Prius turned that below average handling car into a fun car to drive.

Hi Boo:

I have seen this Strut Brace on Sigma Automotive and noticed this thread about how it can help make the car 'fun to drive'.

Could you please explain how it makes this happen? What exactly is it doing to the car and could it void warranty by putting this on the Prius? I am curious as to how a brace could make driving a car that much different.

Thanks in advance for replying.....

Edward
Marystown, Newfoundland
Canada

[mgb4tim]

have you seen the top of the strut towers? Where they are? I'm gonna pass on installing that. I had thought about fabbing my own - fugetaboutit! I'll turn slower.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by Edward Walsh

Hi Boo:

I have seen this Strut Brace on Sigma Automotive and noticed this thread about how it can help make the car 'fun to drive'.

Could you please explain how it makes this happen? What exactly is it doing to the car and could it void warranty by putting this on the Prius? I am curious as to how a brace could make driving a car that much different.

Thanks in advance for replying.....

Edward
Marystown, Newfoundland
Canada

Hi Edward,

3 things bother me about the handling of the unmodified Gen II Standard Prius: (1) numb steering feel, (2) floaty suspension, and (3) way too much turn-in lean and body roll.

I feel that the strut tower brace significantly reduced the floatiness of the suspension and, most importantly to me, the amount of turn-in lean and body roll.

I don't quite understand how strut tower braces work. But Sigma Automotive had this to say about the Tanabe Strut Tower Bar (aka Brace):

"This Strut Tower Bar is arguably one of the least expensive upgrades that can provide a very high degree of benefit that is felt immediately after installing. Often, one of the 1st modifications performed on a vehicle, it improves handling & stability. By connecting this Strut Tower Bar and creating a balance, the shocks are prevented from independently moving & causing small changes in suspension geometry. If the chassis is bending, the suspension system is not being used to its full potential. This bar helps reduce chassis flex, allowing the dampers, springs & stabilizers to show their true ability...."

Regarding voiding of the warranty, in the US, the manufacturer has the burden of proving that a customer's modification caused the damage or need for the repair. Personally, I can't see how a strut tower brace would void any part of the warranty.

Hope this helps.

Congrats and good luck on your new Prius.

[evoxd]

I have had a strut brace on all m previous cars. It will not void a warrenty. The strut will provide a bit more of a balance feeling through corners, a bit less body roll...

[mgb4tim]

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

[Dakine50]

Originally Posted by Boo

Hi Edward,

3 things bother me about the handling of the unmodified Gen II Standard Prius: (1) numb steering feel, (2) floaty suspension, and (3) way too much turn-in lean and body roll.

I feel that the strut tower brace significantly reduced the floatiness of the suspension and, most importantly to me, the amount of turn-in lean and body roll.

I don't quite understand how strut tower braces work. But Sigma Automotive had this to say about the Tanabe Strut Tower Bar (aka Brace):

"This Strut Tower Bar is arguably one of the least expensive upgrades that can provide a very high degree of benefit that is felt immediately after installing. Often, one of the 1st modifications performed on a vehicle, it improves handling & stability. By connecting this Strut Tower Bar and creating a balance, the shocks are prevented from independently moving & causing small changes in suspension geometry. If the chassis is bending, the suspension system is not being used to its full potential. This bar helps reduce chassis flex, allowing the dampers, springs & stabilizers to show their true ability...."

Regarding voiding of the warranty, in the US, the manufacturer has the burden of proving that a customer's modification caused the damage or need for the repair. Personally, I can't see how a strut tower brace would void any part of the warranty.

Hope this helps.

Congrats and good luck on your new Prius.

Hi Boo, when you mentioned that the strut tower brace reduced the amount of turn-in lean and body roll was that based on normal or aggressive driving conditions?

If there was a noticable difference under normal driving conditions I'm getting one!

But then again, you were referring to the gen II right? I'm sure the chassis is much stiffer in gen III so may not realize as much an improvement.....

[Boo]

Originally Posted by Dakine50

Hi Boo, when you mentioned that the strut tower brace reduced the amount of turn-in lean and body roll was that based on normal or aggressive driving conditions?

If there was a noticable difference under normal driving conditions I'm getting one!

But then again, you were referring to the gen II right? I'm sure the chassis is much stiffer in gen III so may not realize as much an improvement.....

IMO, there is a noticeable reduction in turn-in lean and body roll under all conditions -- including when I take turns slowly. I am not an aggressive driver. What bugged me a lot about the Gen II Standard Prius was that even when taking turns slowly, the thing was like a boat. It reminded me of driving a 1970s' Cadillac or the first Dodge/Plymouth minivans.

Mine is a Gen II. But from what I've read about the Gen III, the Gen III's handling still leaves a lot to be desired (notwithstanding its wider 15" tires and apparent chassis stiffeners).

[jm1515]

Originally Posted by btaylor

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

Sigma Automotive: upgrades for 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?

Back to the OP's questions.....anyone have any input/experience with these?