1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Stiffer suspension package questions

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Download_Complete, Apr 21, 2015.

  1. Download_Complete

    Download_Complete New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2015
    3
    2
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Hey PriusChat!

    I am building a modification plan for my wife's 2012 Prius 3. I have been lurking a lot on this site, and I have a specific question I want to ask:

    My goal is to make the car handle better. It's not a race car, it will be a daily driver, but I have owned a series of performance VWs and I would like a little more sporting setup out of the Prius. I would be targeting a current GTI level of handling and compliance from the car.

    I see TRD makes a set of springs, but I don't see many options for dampers. I am not really willing to blow money on coilovers for what will be a family car, so here's what I have for components:

    Underbody bracing (3)
    Front strut tower bar
    TRD springs
    17 inch wheels and tires

    Does anyone make shocks for the car that stiffen the ride, or are the TRD springs enough? Any advice here is welcome.

    - Matt
     
    #1 Download_Complete, Apr 21, 2015
    Burna J likes this.
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    54,710
    38,247
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Just a thought, and I'm gonna get flamed in this forum: has your wife heard about this? ;)
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Apr 21, 2015
    Starbrand, Xterra72, Burna J and 1 other person like this.
  3. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2009
    1,302
    295
    0
    Location:
    California - SF Bay area
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    I have the TRD rear sway bar kit. It made a big difference.

    I have never seen any performance shocks for the Prius.
     
    #3 xpcman, Apr 21, 2015
  4. Download_Complete

    Download_Complete New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2015
    3
    2
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I guess a little background is in order. :)

    I'm inheriting the car and getting her an SUV. I like the car from a platonic standpoint. That said, The Prius was last on my list of vehicles (as well as various unpleasant medical procedures for that matter) we looked at, but she loved it so we went with it. I've warmed up to it somewhat since then.

    I just want to sharpen the handling. I actually really think that's all the car needs since it's quick enough for daily duties.

    I have the TRD sway bar on my list as well.
     
    #4 Download_Complete, Apr 21, 2015
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  5. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2012
    2,593
    763
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    I tried the stuff from CUSCO and Tanabe from Japan, but I was disappointed did better for less money making my own.

    The CUSCO strut bar was NOT cheap and took hours to install. It worked well, however.
     
    #5 Mike500, Apr 21, 2015
  6. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2012
    7,848
    3,102
    0
    Location:
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    OP, it could've been worse, she might have had a minivan as her daily driver. :D
     
    #6 xliderider, Apr 21, 2015
  7. Download_Complete

    Download_Complete New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2015
    3
    2
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    It entirely depends on the minivan. ;)

    [​IMG]
     
    #7 Download_Complete, Apr 22, 2015
  8. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2011
    3,292
    547
    0
    Location:
    2014 Prius c
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Add TRD rear sway bar
     
    #8 cyclopathic, Apr 23, 2015
  9. solrunner

    solrunner Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2014
    114
    37
    0
    Location:
    Reston, VA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Check out Koni FSD dampers. I am planning to get these in the near future. Apparently they improve handling and ride quality. I've read dozens of reviews of them installed on different cars and most people love them.
     
    #9 solrunner, Jul 3, 2015
  10. ECR

    ECR Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2015
    40
    9
    0
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Are the Koni shocks adjustable or pre set valving?

    Has anybody used the Whiteline 22mm rear swaybar instead of the TRD or Tanabe swaybar? It is mounted way different and wanted to know the advantage?
     
    #10 ECR, Jul 4, 2015
  11. solrunner

    solrunner Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2014
    114
    37
    0
    Location:
    Reston, VA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    #11 solrunner, Jul 4, 2015
  12. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2011
    3,292
    547
    0
    Location:
    2014 Prius c
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Tein street basics another good choice
     
    #12 cyclopathic, Jul 4, 2015
  13. WaterDragon

    WaterDragon Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2016
    18
    10
    0
    Location:
    Palo Alto, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Did you end up doing these mods? I am thinking of going down a similar path with my 2013 Prius V Three.
     
    #13 WaterDragon, Oct 12, 2016
  14. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2015
    2,254
    2,234
    2
    Location:
    Orange County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Drop 5k and go air.............. : )
     
    #14 Montgomery, Oct 12, 2016
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)