Why would you Mod a Prius?

Me either! Hopefully they fix the rattles too!

 

Smile and say, "Well if you don't want my Prius business, can you recommend someone who wants a Prius customer?"

You've gone to the wrong store so don't worry about it. In the future screen them with a phone call but otherwise, don't worry.

Bob Wilson

 

Something to consider, many of my Prius mods have more to do with expanding the safety (a sounding backup LED, combination bluetooth, GPS, backup camera rear view mirror,) and over-sized front tires for handling,) utility (1kW inverter, tow bar,) and fuel efficiency (using Type WS instead of Type T-IV and all-the-time overdrive from over-sized front tires) and not performance or creature comforts. However, I do enjoy my iPad/iPhone audio instead of the radio and CD player.

Bob Wilson

 

I'm using oversized front tires on the NHW11 which improved handing and also gave me about a 6% overdrive capability. But this also means the speedometer is off by 6% (use a GPS speedometer instead) and MPG calculations work only for the pump measured values. The indicated values show 'low' when in fact they are higher.

Understand the NHW11 handing is stability neutral. The larger diameter tires let the car 'track true.' I don't have that problem with the ZVW30.

Bob Wilson

 

If "handling was my thing" I would have bought an FRS, not a Prius.

Those shorter, stiffer sidewalls are what kill ride quality, unless the roads near you are billiard table smooth. They also increase the tendency of the car to tramline. I ran R compound tires on the stock 15" MR2 turbo wheels, and the car far outcornered the 17" wheels shod in Z rated rubber...Granted they wore out much faster too!

 

"Track" is a somewhat ambiguous term:

• max speed? -> oversized tires
• max acceleration? -> undersized tires and weight loss
• max turn Gs? -> balanced but suspension tweaked

Can you give a Google Map address where I might take a peek?

Bob Wilson

 

Two courses:

• Oversize tires on the front for the big course - you have enough straights to reach the 105 (?) mph indicated limit. So oversized tires can add 6% so you can beat all of the other Prius. Use a GPS speedometer. <GRINS>
• Donuts for the front and back for the Grand Prix course. - or the smallest wheels and sticky tires you can get. <grins> Weight loss, take out everything that can come out including passenger seat and knock yourself out. You're not really trying if the traction control light is not lit at least once every lap.
• Perhaps a divide-by-two interface for the wheel encoders? I would only recommend if you are prepared to lose the car. Get a 'beater' Prius.
• If you have a 'beater' Prius, perhaps an electric boost . . . just to make it a little more . . . interesting.
• Quality, straight gas, 89 or better - the engine will tune for the octane but needs to be track tested.

Have fun!

Of course my type of mods are a 2kW inverter with a microwave, lights and TV in the back. A little tent to keep the rain out and enjoy the show. <grins>

Bob Wilson

 

I plan on Autocrossing my Prius a soon as I get my sticky 17"s, TRD springs and rear sway bar, strut brace installed.
I plan on trying the car in "Recertification mode" to disable VCS and Traction Control. I'm not clear yet if it also disables ABS. It's not for every day use. (No cruise, display is limited and a warning light is on).
I also plan on running in "B" to keep the engine from shutting off when it thinks that's a good idea.

So,, does this sound like a good plan of attack, you Motorheads?

Track days sound like fun too!! I'll have to figure out when I can get my Prius out on the local race course !!

 

WilM,
Think about borrowing a Nitrous Oxide tank ( for less than $20, hopefully) and plumb in a simple hardware store needle valve and aquarium tubing to the air inlet.
If the straight is long enough for you to slowly feed in some Nitrous,,, you, my friend, shall be eating free that evening !!!!

 

i recently returned from a trip the bay area. In San Francisco and palo alto, I noticed that there was 1 prius for every 8 cars. Sometimes, at the intersection, you would be surrounded by prii. So, I mod to stand out and give your car some personality, handling, and stability.

 

One car in 1400 is a Prius in MS, I stand out just fine, stock.

I do know one other Prius owner in MS.

 

I didn't follow this whole thread but the OP's statement to why... as I thought it was silly initially as well.

For me, it's for aesthetics mainly and and if some gains are loses come from, it's fun to debate about them and make a personal decision.

If you consider most buyers of performance cars, they do not posses anywhere close to the ability to take those cars to the limit nor can on city streets. So why do they buy these cars? aesthetics! but that's subjective too..

 

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