New Sportivo & 17" Wheels/Tires!

[Erick]

I went a bit mad a couple of weeks ago and modded the heck out of my little car. I had been wanting to do the TRD Sportivo shocks and springs for a while but I didn't want to wait forever for the parts. I called Carson Toyota to see how long it would take to get them in and they said that then actually had a set IN stock! I raced down there (as much as my Prius would let me race) and picked them up. The next day I went in to Discount Tire (where I ordered my wheels and tires) and had everything installed. I ended up going with the Motegi DP 12 wheels in black with the polished lip. The tires are Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 205/45R17.

I just have to say I LOVE the ride of this car now. No more driving on marshmallows! I can actually feel the road and the bumps, although I'm sure a lot of people won't like this aspect. Cornering has greatly improved, as well. My wife and I really like the new feel. I haven't had them really long enough to notice any mileage differance due to the heavier wheels. The accelleration seems to be pretty much the same as before if maybe a tad more sluggish. I also had the stereo system all redone w/ a DVD player, Dynaudio speakers, and Butler amps. That report is in the Audio Mod forum.

Question: Should I get rid of the roof rack? I don't use it much and I'm not sure how much I like it now. It does give the car a more unique look...

Here are some pics:

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[Tideland Prius]

nice!

hmm, well it will help reduce drag by taking it off. It does match the wheel but no point wasting money (i.e. fuel) by leaving it on.

[Presto]

Very nice score! It took 8 weeks to get my TRDs, but it was worth it. Are you going to get the Tom's chassis bracing?

[cairo94507]

Nice- But get rid of the roof rack unless you are actually going to use it and also, do yourself a favor and get the side body moldings. Mine have saved me a couple of dings.

[Erick]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Presto @ Dec 4 2006, 01:42 AM) [snapback]357262[/snapback]</div>

Very nice score! It took 8 weeks to get my TRDs, but it was worth it. Are you going to get the Tom's chassis bracing?
[/b]

I hope to as soon as I pay off my credit card! Probably in January. Any pieces you recommend over others or should I just do them all at the same time?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cairo94507 @ Dec 4 2006, 09:36 AM) [snapback]357329[/snapback]</div>

Nice- But get rid of the roof rack unless you are actually going to use it and also, do yourself a favor and get the side body moldings. Mine have saved me a couple of dings.
[/b]

Thanks! Yeah, I'm still on the fence about the rack. A buddy is trying to convice me to keep it but the extra drag does affect the ride, especially at high speeds. Thinking about the body mouldings, too. I like the smooth, clean lines without it, tho. What if I got it in black...? Hmmm... Maybe a little too much...

[Presto]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Erick @ Dec 4 2006, 11:01 PM) [snapback]357841[/snapback]</div>

I hope to as soon as I pay off my credit card! Probably in January. Any pieces you recommend over others or should I just do them all at the same time?
[/b]

I did mine piece by piece since I wanted to see the handling changes with each addition. You have the BT brace already which is on the back of the car, I'd work on the front next . The first TOM's piece to get would be the front lower brace, according to a few threads here. It'll noticeably improve handling and steering response.

[Erick]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Presto @ Dec 5 2006, 10:16 AM) [snapback]357909[/snapback]</div>

I did mine piece by piece since I wanted to see the handling changes with each addition. You have the BT brace already which is on the back of the car, I'd work on the front next . The first TOM's piece to get would be the front lower brace, according to a few threads here. It'll noticeably improve handling and steering response.
[/b]

Cool - thanks for the tip! My b-day is coming up too so maybe I'll drop some hints to the wifey (when I say hints I mean I'll buy it and have her wrap it).

[SaeGai06]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Erick @ Dec 4 2006, 11:01 PM) [snapback]357841[/snapback]</div>

Any pieces you recommend over others or should I just do them all at the same time?
[/b]

Nice job on putting together your Prius.

I opted to install all the TOM'S part all together. I didn't want to order, wait, then install the parts one at a time. Not to mention impulse buying. lol

With these TOM'S braces along with the tC wheels the cars handling changed dramatically. Steering response was quick and body roll was minimized.

I'm calling Carson's Toyota tomorrow to see if they have another Sportivo in stock. That's the last item I need to complete my suspension mods.

[F8L]

Looks great!

How are you keeping the trunk rattle to a minimum with the added bass though? Mine rattles like crazy! I've tried to add seom Dynamat and you cant really apply it well back there on the hatch and in the process I lost some of the clips for the hatch panels INSIDE the hatch itself.

[dpower]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Erick @ Dec 3 2006, 11:30 PM) [snapback]357202[/snapback]</div>

I went a bit mad a couple of weeks ago and modded the heck out of my little car. I had been wanting to do the TRD Sportivo shocks and springs for a while but I didn't want to wait forever for the parts. I called Carson Toyota to see how long it would take to get them in and they said that then actually had a set IN stock! I raced down there (as much as my Prius would let me race) and picked them up. The next day I went in to Discount Tire (where I ordered my wheels and tires) and had everything installed. I ended up going with the Motegi DP 12 wheels in black with the polished lip. The tires are Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 205/45R17.
[/b]

So how did you get Discount Tire to install the new springs shocks and struts? Here they only do tires and wheels, no other automotive work at all.

David