What's my next project?

DocVijay · 04-14-2006, 09:10 AM

So what is my next step in my Prius modification? The choices are a)the TRD Sportivo suspension kit or b)the Tom's floor brace, rear subframe brace, and exhaust.

Which do you want to see me do first?

Now someone else has already ordered the TRD kit, so that will already be done by the time I get mine, but that is still the way I am leaning.

DocVijay · 04-15-2006, 08:14 AM

Well, from the overwhelming turnout, I decided to order the TRD kit. Thanks for voting.

galaxee · 04-15-2006, 11:06 AM

that's what happens when you wait one day for votes on a topic that's not in Fred's...

let us know how that suspension kit goes- and did you ever get your hands on the correct angled tire pressure sensor?

DocVijay · 04-15-2006, 12:25 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Apr 15 2006, 11:06 AM) [snapback]240165[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

that's what happens when you wait one day for votes on a topic that's not in Fred's...

let us know how that suspension kit goes- and did you ever get your hands on the correct angled tire pressure sensor?
[/b]

Yes, it was also that the next order deadline for Sigma was today, so I had to just make the decision myself.

I have not gotten the sensors yet, as Toyota has not gotten the sensors yet. Still waiting...

Presto · 04-15-2006, 02:44 PM

Is the rear sub-frame plate actually orderable? On Tom's official website, they only have the upper performance rod, front suspension brace, and floor reinforcement brace. I ordered what I could from Carson Toyota, which was the Sportivo, upper rod, and fr suspension brace, and they gave me a decent price on them.

DocVijay · 04-15-2006, 03:03 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Presto @ Apr 15 2006, 02:44 PM) [snapback]240226[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Is the rear sub-frame plate actually orderable? On Tom's official website, they only have the upper performance rod, front suspension brace, and floor reinforcement brace. I ordered what I could from Carson Toyota, which was the Sportivo, upper rod, and fr suspension brace, and they gave me a decent price on them.
[/b]

Yep, you can get it from Sigma, a sponsor of this site. Here's the link:

http://sigmaautomotive.com/jdm/prius/prius0405.php

SaeGai06 · 04-15-2006, 07:13 PM

Updated 4/20/06

Hey guys,

I just finished the install of my TOMS parts yesterday.

First, I'd like to thank the Doc for your detailed instructions on how to install the Upper Stabilizer Bar. Definatley would have taken longer without your instructions.

Front Suspension Brace: Easily installed, gave it some tension and tightened the lock nuts. Noticed my sterring wheel a little off now. It's turned a little to the left but, doesn't drift when i'm driving on the freeway.

Lower Body Brace: This part does away with the BT Tech brace which i already had. Took a bit more time to install, since i was laying on my back doing the whole installation. The mounting holes fit perfect but, i noticed i needed to give it some force because the gas tank had this little bulge that prevented it to touch the mounting points. had to force it about 1 inch before it touched the mounting points. Fastened the bolts and part 1 was done.

Part 2: The aprox 3ft bar, that connects the left rear link to the right rear link (not sure if that the correct term). removed the bold and positioned bar into place and used the new (supplied) bolt to fasten the bar on. This part also supplied chims just in case there were gaps on the mounting locations.

Final outcome: Handling is greatly increased. I'm taking turns alot faster without the body swaying and without the tires screeching. Sterring response it immediate. Kinda like being on rails but, not quite. Probably when I get the Sportivo suspension it will feel like being on rails.

*updated*
"Just one negative, which the Doc already gave me a heads up on. When hitting big bumps or taking corners fast, I hear the exhaust pipe make contact with the rear brace. The Doc suggest getting the TOMS exhaust to resolve this issue."

Correction, The exhaust does NOT make contact with the rear brace. Turns out it was because i used the allen screws that originally came with the BT Tech plate to fasten the front of the bracket on. When I originally installed the BT Brace I threw away the old bracket and screws (dumb move). I went to the dealer to purchase these screws and replace the BT allen screws and the clunking noise went away. I'm guessing the allen heads were not big enough to cover the mounting hole and when the car hit bumps it shifted the bracket and made that noise. So, final outcome, No noise and handles GREAT!.

I would have also installed the TOMS Floor Strengthening Brace but, UPS somehow lost it in transit. Argg!!

TomKahn · 04-20-2006, 09:19 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SaeGai06 @ Apr 15 2006, 07:13 PM) [snapback]240296[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Updated 4/20/06

Hey guys,

I just finished the install of my TOMS parts yesterday.

First, I'd like to thank the Doc for your detailed instructions on how to install the Upper Stabilizer Bar. Definatley would have taken longer without your instructions.

[/b]

Can you post a picture of how the rear brace is installed. I want to check with the SCCA to see if it is allowed in the Street Touring class and I really don't know exactly where it goes. If I can show them a picture of one that is installed, it wll be easy to tell if I can order one.

Thank,
Tommy Kahn

SaeGai06 · 04-20-2006, 10:48 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TomKahn @ Apr 20 2006, 06:19 PM) [snapback]242917[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Can you post a picture of how the rear brace is installed. I want to check with the SCCA to see if it is allowed in the Street Touring class and I really don't know exactly where it goes. If I can show them a picture of one that is installed, it wll be easy to tell if I can order one.

Thank,
Tommy Kahn
[/b]

will do. I'm planning to get my oil changed soon. The place i bring it to has a lift that brings the vehicle above my head. I'll take pictures of all i've done then. I couldn't take pictures during the install cause it was done in my garage and I couldn't get any good angles of the installation.

Till then

NuShrike · 04-27-2006, 04:54 PM

Hey, is there a reason you guys are getting your sportivo from Carson instead of Sigma? I had understood that Carson is list price before import S&H and Sigma is everything is included.

View Poll Results: Which mod?
TRD Sportivo Suspension Kit	15	60.00%
Tom's Floor Brace, Rear Subframe Brace, and Exhaust System	10	40.00%
Voters: 25. You may not vote on this poll

04-15-2006, 07:13 PM	#7
SaeGai06 Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 77 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Updated 4/20/06 Hey guys, I just finished the install of my TOMS parts yesterday. First, I'd like to thank the Doc for your detailed instructions on how to install the Upper Stabilizer Bar. Definatley would have taken longer without your instructions. Front Suspension Brace: Easily installed, gave it some tension and tightened the lock nuts. Noticed my sterring wheel a little off now. It's turned a little to the left but, doesn't drift when i'm driving on the freeway. Lower Body Brace: This part does away with the BT Tech brace which i already had. Took a bit more time to install, since i was laying on my back doing the whole installation. The mounting holes fit perfect but, i noticed i needed to give it some force because the gas tank had this little bulge that prevented it to touch the mounting points. had to force it about 1 inch before it touched the mounting points. Fastened the bolts and part 1 was done. Part 2: The aprox 3ft bar, that connects the left rear link to the right rear link (not sure if that the correct term). removed the bold and positioned bar into place and used the new (supplied) bolt to fasten the bar on. This part also supplied chims just in case there were gaps on the mounting locations. Final outcome: Handling is greatly increased. I'm taking turns alot faster without the body swaying and without the tires screeching. Sterring response it immediate. Kinda like being on rails but, not quite. Probably when I get the Sportivo suspension it will feel like being on rails. updated "Just one negative, which the Doc already gave me a heads up on. When hitting big bumps or taking corners fast, I hear the exhaust pipe make contact with the rear brace. The Doc suggest getting the TOMS exhaust to resolve this issue." Correction, The exhaust does NOT make contact with the rear brace. Turns out it was because i used the allen screws that originally came with the BT Tech plate to fasten the front of the bracket on. When I originally installed the BT Brace I threw away the old bracket and screws (dumb move). I went to the dealer to purchase these screws and replace the BT allen screws and the clunking noise went away. I'm guessing the allen heads were not big enough to cover the mounting hole and when the car hit bumps it shifted the bracket and made that noise. So, final outcome, No noise and handles GREAT!. I would have also installed the TOMS Floor Strengthening Brace but, UPS somehow lost it in transit. Argg!! __________________ -Saegai06 goodies installed: TOM'S Braces (Front, Middle, Rear & Strut) \| 17" tC wheels/tires \| SiriusPrius \| SharkFin \| OEM EV switch \| Comfort Seat Heaters \| Rostra Lumbar Bladders \| HID Foglights \| Sunroof \|

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04-14-2006, 09:10 AM	#1
DocVijay Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 1,455 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 1	So what is my next step in my Prius modification? The choices are a)the TRD Sportivo suspension kit or b)the Tom's floor brace, rear subframe brace, and exhaust. Which do you want to see me do first? Now someone else has already ordered the TRD kit, so that will already be done by the time I get mine, but that is still the way I am leaning.

04-15-2006, 08:14 AM	#2
DocVijay Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 1,455 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 1	Well, from the overwhelming turnout, I decided to order the TRD kit. Thanks for voting.

04-15-2006, 11:06 AM	#3
galaxee running WOT until out of fuel Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: central NC/ western WI Posts: 9,081 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 5 Times in 3 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 21	that's what happens when you wait one day for votes on a topic that's not in Fred's... let us know how that suspension kit goes- and did you ever get your hands on the correct angled tire pressure sensor?

04-15-2006, 02:44 PM	#5
Presto Has his homepage set to PC Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,160 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 3	Is the rear sub-frame plate actually orderable? On Tom's official website, they only have the upper performance rod, front suspension brace, and floor reinforcement brace. I ordered what I could from Carson Toyota, which was the Sportivo, upper rod, and fr suspension brace, and they gave me a decent price on them.

04-27-2006, 04:54 PM	#10
NuShrike my other Mobile Suit is a ... Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,367 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Hey, is there a reason you guys are getting your sportivo from Carson instead of Sigma? I had understood that Carson is list price before import S&H and Sigma is everything is included.