Tanabe R&D for the 2010 Prius ROUND 2

[deltron3030]

Tanabe USA is having another R&D Session for the 2010 Prius, and they've asked me to come back for this round of fitment tests. I'm very excited about tomorrow's session, and I'll document it as best I can. Thanks again Mike@Tanabe! As some of you may remember, Tanabe used my car for fitment testing late last year for the NF210 Springs, a 2-point Under-body Brace, and a Concept G Exhaust. I've been extremely satisfied with the parts so far, so its no surprise that I didn't hesitate to say yes to more fitment testing.

I've been informed that they're doing fitment tests for the 2010 Prius Strut Tower Bar, and for a Coilover kit (which means I'll very likely be selling my Tanabe NF210 Springs, if anyone's intersted).

The Strut Tower Bar/Brace is the one upgraded suspension piece that I've eye-drooled over most. After reviewing the options, it seems like the most cost-effective way to improve suspension, decrease understeer, improve turning response etc.

The Coilover kit is going to be very interesting. For anyone who's unclear what the difference between lowering your car with springs, and lowering your car with Coilovers, here's my best explanation (anyone please jump in if you have a better explanation):

Springs = Lowering the car to a set height, non-adjustable. If you keep the stock struts/shocks with your new shorter springs, the shocks/struts will wear quicker, because the compression range of the stock shocks/struts were not designed to work with shorter springs.

Coilovers = Coilovers are a whole assembly, where the springs are on the strut, with adjustable spring seats so that you can raise and lower ride height within a predetermined range . The suspension is designed to handle the lowered car height, so premature strut/shock wear isnt a concern. Currently, I have the NF210 Springs and stock shocks/struts. They ride great...but if what they say is true, I suspect its only a matter of time before things get wonky with the struts.

a side note: I also submitted my car for the SSR Wheels Sponsorship (SSR is connected to Tanabe). I really dig their Hybrid wheels (the Type-C and Type-F, i believe), and I'd love to run some lighter-weight 18's. We'll see what they have to say about my car...fingers crossed.

I had a set of 18" TRD 5 star wheels on my car for a while. They weighed nearly 50 lbs per wheel, mounted, and man I could feel it. The car was very very sluggish to accelerate. It also added about 10 feet of stopping distance. I will say that once I was rolling, the 18"s really hugged the road. all this plus a 7mpg average drop and I went back to the stock wheels. Prius' don't have a ton of power to spare, so I really hope they can help me find a better solution than the heavy TRDs.

I'll post more as soon as the updates come along.
Best,
David

[usbseawolf2000]

I have installed Tanabe Sustec Pro NF coilover imported from Japan for gen2. I also got their strut tower bar. The handling is greatly improved with no detectable body roll. It is a joy to drive even with the stock 15" rims.

[Nuckz23]

I thought the Tanabe STB was already available for purchase without being imported? This will be my next purchase.

[usbseawolf2000]

Tanabe USA does not have anything for gen2 Prius. Sustec Pro NF is only available for gen2 Prius in Japan. It comes with NF210 springs.

[Nuckz23]

Originally Posted by usbseawolf2000

Tanabe USA does not have anything for gen2 Prius. Sustec Pro NF is only available for gen2 Prius in Japan. It comes with NF210 springs.

Sorry, I meant for the Gen 3. I know that I can already purchase this product.

[deltron3030]

It's my understanding that the gen 3 STB (japan) doesn't properly fit the US gen 3 prius, this fitment test (I'm assuming) is for a redesigned stb for the US market. Not quite sure about the coilovers, but it's on my list of questions for tomorrow

[shawnb2]

Man, once again if you had only not been able to make it to the first R&D. This could have been me. I was #2 on the list right behind you. Lucky, lucky you. Please let me know about the coilovers ASAP. I am dying to lower my car, but want to do it with coilovers and have been waiting for verification that they will work and being they'd be coming from Tanabe USA that they will be considerably cheaper than importing them. Glad to hear you're happy with the other stuff. Look forward to the after pics.

[toyotechwv]

Originally Posted by deltron3030

Tanabe USA is having another R&D Session for the 2010 Prius, and they've asked me to come back for this round of fitment tests. I'm very excited about tomorrow's session, and I'll document it as best I can. Thanks again Mike@Tanabe! As some of you may remember, Tanabe used my car for fitment testing late last year for the NF210 Springs, a 2-point Under-body Brace, and a Concept G Exhaust. I've been extremely satisfied with the parts so far, so its no surprise that I didn't hesitate to say yes to more fitment testing.

I've been informed that they're doing fitment tests for the 2010 Prius Strut Tower Bar, and for a Coilover kit (which means I'll very likely be selling my Tanabe NF210 Springs, if anyone's intersted).

The Strut Tower Bar/Brace is the one upgraded suspension piece that I've eye-drooled over most. After reviewing the options, it seems like the most cost-effective way to improve suspension, decrease understeer, improve turning response etc.

The Coilover kit is going to be very interesting. For anyone who's unclear what the difference between lowering your car with springs, and lowering your car with Coilovers, here's my best explanation (anyone please jump in if you have a better explanation):

Springs = Lowering the car to a set height, non-adjustable. If you keep the stock struts/shocks with your new shorter springs, the shocks/struts will wear quicker, because the compression range of the stock shocks/struts were not designed to work with shorter springs.

Coilovers = Coilovers are a whole assembly, where the springs are on the strut, with adjustable spring seats so that you can raise and lower ride height within a predetermined range . The suspension is designed to handle the lowered car height, so premature strut/shock wear isnt a concern. Currently, I have the NF210 Springs and stock shocks/struts. They ride great...but if what they say is true, I suspect its only a matter of time before things get wonky with the struts.

a side note: I also submitted my car for the SSR Wheels Sponsorship (SSR is connected to Tanabe). I really dig their Hybrid wheels (the Type-C and Type-F, i believe), and I'd love to run some lighter-weight 18's. We'll see what they have to say about my car...fingers crossed.

I had a set of 18" TRD 5 star wheels on my car for a while. They weighed nearly 50 lbs per wheel, mounted, and man I could feel it. The car was very very sluggish to accelerate. It also added about 10 feet of stopping distance. I will say that once I was rolling, the 18"s really hugged the road. all this plus a 7mpg average drop and I went back to the stock wheels. Prius' don't have a ton of power to spare, so I really hope they can help me find a better solution than the heavy TRDs.

I'll post more as soon as the updates come along.
Best,
David

How does the exhaust sound? Can you post a sound clip/video?

[SyCo]

Originally Posted by toyotechwv

How does the exhaust sound? Can you post a sound clip/video?

+1

[CHIZELD]

Hey deltron, how many inch drop is the nf210 springs for the prius? New to Toyota Prius, just sold my '05 Infiniti G35 coupe and I want to know more bout moddin up my Prius, thanks in advance