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new Enginer Kit

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by cproaudio, Oct 24, 2010.

  1. dan2l

    dan2l 2014 Prius v wagon

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    I always charge in the garage. So mine is out the side window. When not in use the cord is easily tucked beside the seat and is not detectable.
    PlugStowed.jpg
    PlugOutTheWindow.jpg
    Thanks,
    Dan
     
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  2. Gadgetdad

    Gadgetdad New Member

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    I'm considering an Enginer kit. I've been in touch with a SF area installer, but is this an install a DIY guy can do? Any other PriusChat threads I should read?

    Thanks,

    Lee
     
  3. dan2l

    dan2l 2014 Prius v wagon

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    Hi Lee,
    I am an authorized installer in the Portland Or area, so of course I am biased. I think the cost of an installer is well worth it. Paul at 3 prong is great. Very knowledgeable people in his shop.

    If you research Enginer on this forum and the Enginer forum you will see many people that love there systems and several that have lots of complaints. Most of the complaints come from people that did there own install and were not technically as capable as they thought they were.

    I see that you have a 2010. Enginer is the only system actually delivering systems for Gen3 Prius's today. You can got to....
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...ic-vehicle-installation-in-portland-area.html
    to read about my 2010 install.

    Thanks,
    Dan
     
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  4. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    Gadgetdad,
    I am also an installer.

    Can you do it yourself?.. well... most people can do anything if they put their mind to it.

    Some things to note. The cd of instructions you receive will not relate to the Gen III Prius. There are not specific written instructions that are specific to the Gen III. It not overly complex but, you need to be very careful. I know that if I hadn't actually been an active participant in installs with Jack and another seasoned installer a mentor, I probably would not have tried it on my own. (This is after hacking into my own hybrid's electronics system.)

    There are definitely some tricks to it and even after doing some installations, I learned what not to do by direct experience and later had to fix my mistakes. You probably won't break anything trying it on your own, and if you enjoy troubleshooting and are up for a challenge, go for it. Make sure you sign up on the Enginer Forums to talk to other owners to learn from their mistakes as well.

    That said... if you are in the Bay Area, 3ProngPower is one of the best installers around, and if you plan on working with them, you'll be in great hands. Drop you car off. They install. You get it back. Easy. Best of luck and keep asking questions. I'd be happy to talk with you if you PM me a number and time to call.

    It's always a balance of time or money.
     
  5. Gadgetdad

    Gadgetdad New Member

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    Thanks Dan and Eric for the feedback. I have been e-mailing the guys at 3Prong Power and would prefer to utilize their expertise especially with the Gen III I drive.

    Thanks for the links to your install in Portland, Dan, I will look forward to learning more.:)

    Lee
     
  6. Radarguy

    Radarguy New Member

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    I think i already know the answer to this, but are there any Utah installers?
     
  7. dan2l

    dan2l 2014 Prius v wagon

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    You can go to...
    http://www.enginer.us/installers/
    to find authorized installers.

    There is a Shawn Carlson listed in Salt Lake City. I have not dealt with Shawn, so let us know how your communcations with him go.

    Thanks,
    Dan
     
  8. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    It looks like Enginer will cease to sell their PHEV kit online starting Feb. 1st, 2011. After that, you'd have to go through authorized installers. Ebay still has the 4KW kit $2495+$250 shipping.
     
  9. bagwell

    bagwell Active Member

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    I searched for one in the houston area and emailed them (houston electric cars) about installing an ENGINER kit for a 2010.....his reply --- "Now why would you want to do this to a 2010?"

    my reply was, if you don't want the business just let me know :rolleyes:



    whoa -- didn't know they made a [​IMG] PHEV 8KWH Kit for $5,495.00
     
  10. Flaninacupboard

    Flaninacupboard Senior Member

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    Weird? it works fine in the 2010. Maybe they just haven't done one yet...?
     
  11. donalmilligan089

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  12. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    I started a new thread on this subject at Enginer
     
  13. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    I finally installed my kit tonight. It's been sitting in my living room since October. First test run.
    Condition...
    Time Driven 8:50P-10:20P (ran some errands)
    Outside Temp @ start of drive 50F, @ end of drive 46F
    Coolant Temp hovers around 150F-160F
    Tire Pressure F/R 35PSI
    Tank - 7 bibs (approx 8 to 9gal still in the tank)
    Drive Mode - Normal
    HV Battery - 7 bibs max, 4 bibs min (7 to 6 bibs the first 75% of Enginer Battery, 6 to 4 bibs the last 25% of Enginer Battery)
    Enginer Battery - 100% (charged from previous day)
    Heater - Off during entire run
    Grill blocking - None (will do in the future)
    Temp Hack - None (will do in the future)

    Method Used
    Accelerate (HSI into the red PWR zone to keep up with traffic flow) from dead stop to 40-45MPH, dis-engage accelerator pedal then re-apply (this shuts off the engine and cruise in EV) until the next red light.
    EV sustained Cruising Speed - 41 to 44MPH
    Longest stealth mode about 2 miles.

    Result
    Total Distance Driven - 34 miles (all in one shot)
    Average Mileage After 4 miles 40MPG :mad:
    Average Mileage After 7 miles 55MPG :( Enginer cooling fan kicked on LOUD as hell. Will replace the fans with quieter fans in the future.
    Average Mileage After 10 mils 60MPG :(
    Average Mileage After 15 miles 75MPG :cool:
    Average Mileage After 20 miles 85MPG :)
    Average Mileage After 25 miles 95MPG :D
    Average Mileage At 34 miles 103MPG :eek: (Red light came on at the Enginer switch)

    Similar drive before Enginer PHEV kit would yield 46-49MPG this time of year.

    After thoughts - after reading many posts regarding the Enginer mileage, I was disappointed that many users were not able to get the magic 100+MPG. I was able to the first try. I probably won't be able to do again anymore but it's ok. Now I can proudly put a 100+MPG sticker somewhere on the car because I've actually done it. It wont be anything big or mid size. I'll probably have a friend make a small 1"X6" vinyl sticker.
     

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  14. Jands

    Jands New Member

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    Nice one!

    The Enginer looks like a good system for the price.
     
  15. caffeinekid

    caffeinekid Duct Tape Extraordinaire

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    Its not so much that people have not been able to achieve the magic 100+ mpg as it is that they expect to do it under "real world" driving conditions. For instance: driving on inclines and moving at speeds greater than 50mph for extended lengths of time. Also, AC and heating are often nice features depending on region and people want to use them.
     
  16. Jands

    Jands New Member

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    Yeah people need to understand how the Enginer system works and what it is doing. The Enginer system doesn't suite all types of drives (and drivers for that matter) but then it's the cheapest option out there so even a 50% increase in mpg is something.
     
  17. basicallyevolve

    basicallyevolve New Member

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    how long before this kit needs to be replaced? I am thinking of getting one myself when i get my prius but if the batteries need to be replaced every 2-3 years and it costs an arm or a leg i might just go for the Toyota PHEV :p.

    Also does this system void your warrantY?
     
  18. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    This question is probably covered many times in many threads. I have not found the answer.

    How does the Gen III Prius know how to use the larger battery? I read about mods for GEN I/II that raise the max speed of EV mode. Is this possible on the Gen III? If you drive a lot of highway miles at 60MPH how would a larger battery help a Gen III?
     
  19. dan2l

    dan2l 2014 Prius v wagon

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    Hello Judgeless,
    The Enginer system does not change or spoof the Prius programming in any way. It only adds charge to the existing Prius HV battery as you drive. I have a 2010 with the Enginer system. I needed to relearn how to drive it a little but I get very good results in real life driving.

    Thanks,
    Dan
     
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  20. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    Dan2l, Thanks for the info.