Body Kit / Aero-Dynamics / Peformance Parts

[toyo proxes ra-1 rubber]

Does anyone know any places where they sell aerodynamic body kits for the 05 prius?

I wanted to install some or maybe custom fabricate my own since I believe it'll improve not only my MPG but make my ride a lot more pleasant to look at.

Also I was wondering if there are any performance parts out there that'll further improve my car to its fullest potential like Intake and Exhaust restrictions. And how much power should I expect if I were to have those modifications done.

I'm looking to somehow gain 20-25 hp out of my car so those teenage street racers will think twice before revving at me after watching that new Tokyo Drift Movie.

[tnthub]

Althou I am no expert with the Prius, I would wager the traditional cold air in and free exhaust out would only have a very minimal impact on the performance of the Prius. A body kit would likely add weight to the car which would probably have a detrimental affect on miles per gallon as well as performance.

I would suspect that being able to switch to electric only mode with a manual switch might provide some short term acceleration benefit at low miles per hour. Hopefully others will chime in with their thoughts as I am a fish out of water with this topic.

[Graphic]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tnthub @ Jun 20 2006, 05:40 PM) [snapback]274338[/snapback]</div>

A body kit would likely add weight to the car which would probably have a detrimental affect on miles per gallon as well as performance.[/b]

Generally speaking, the purpose of body kits (although this tradition seems to have long past) is to improve upon the vehicle's aerodynamic properties. Also, most pieces today are rather light, weighing in at the same weight, if not less than the stock pieces.

[ScottY]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tnthub @ Jun 20 2006, 06:40 PM) [snapback]274338[/snapback]</div>

...
I would suspect that being able to switch to electric only mode with a manual switch might provide some short term acceleration benefit at low miles per hour. Hopefully others will chime in with their thoughts as I am a fish out of water with this topic.
[/b]

Actually it's the opposite. The hybrid battery's output is 20kW, while the total output of the MG's (motor/generators) are 50kW. The other 30kW will have to come from the ICE thru the PSD (power splitting device) to MG1 (acting as a generator) to power MG2 (acting as motor). So there are two paths from ICE to the wheels. The mechanical path, and the electrical path (ICE->PSD->MG1->MG2->wheels). Other Prius experts can correct me if I'm wrong.

As for body kit and other performance add-ons, try here http://www.sigmaautomotive.com/jdm/prius/prius0405.php

[GasGuzzler87]

Most aero-dynamic improving body kits aren't to reduce drag but rather to increase downforce. you'd lose some MPG. The Prius is a car that does'n tneed to harness much downforce due to it's weight and general lower speeds. I could see it helping you around a turn better at 50 mp/h if you'd need to to turn suddenly at that speed.

[toyo proxes ra-1 rubber]

Maybe I can increase the output on the electrical motor with a switch when I really need it. As for the engine, do you think it'll benefit from the "Tornado" device that swirls the incoming air to increase efficiency and power.

I'm also looking into an electric super charger that won't over boost more power out of the gasoline engine as well.

[ScottY]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(toyo proxes ra-1 rubber @ Jun 20 2006, 07:02 PM) [snapback]274353[/snapback]</div>

Maybe I can increase the output on the electrical motor with a switch when I really need it. [/b]

Refer to this thread... http://priuschat.com/Increasing-output-fro...tor-t21065.html
Edit: wow, the mods r fast on removing troll threads!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(toyo proxes ra-1 rubber @ Jun 20 2006, 07:02 PM) [snapback]274353[/snapback]</div>

As for the engine, do you think it'll benefit from the "Tornado" device that swirls the incoming air to increase efficiency and power.[/b]

The EPA did tests on those stuff, and result? Useless.

[GasGuzzler87]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ScottY @ Jun 20 2006, 06:15 PM) [snapback]274373[/snapback]</div>

The EPA did tests on those stuff, and result? Useless.
[/b]

It did do something, RESTRICT air and lower performance and MP/G.

[tnthub]

In traditional, (non-hybrid), vehicles, the tornado disrupts the air flow over the MAF sensor to allow more air than normal into the engine creating a lean condition over the typical stock programming. Since most non-hybrid vehicles are by default slightly rich in their air fuel mixtures to prevent detonation (and warranty claims as a result), sometimes the installation of a tornado can produce some benefit on an otherwise stock vehicle.

However as airflow becomes more important at higher velocities the benefit of the tornado is reduced to the point where the disruptive air flow actually impedes proper detonation of the cylinders creating a loss of performance.

the bottom line, from my perspective, is if the car is worth caring about I would avoid a tornado at all costs. Also, air in must be balanced with air out. I am sure that better airflow through a cold air filter will help as well as possibly porting the exhaust heads/gaskets, or installing true headers, but I really think the gains will be extremely minimal especially when considering the overall expense. Also, most vehicles benefit more from computer tuning changes after cold air and headers are installed. I have no idea if this is possible with the Prius or not. With the GM products that I am aware, aftermarket tuning software is required to take advantage of the modifications and the dealers often do not know about or admit to knowing about any aftermarket products.

[CheapFast&amp;LoveGas]

What if you had a Dry-carbonfiber Kit custom made for it? i know its not cheap. But if it would increase mpg and possible decrease the weight at the same time..it seems like a win win situation.