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Anyone try a red bullet?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Technical Discussion' started by BellevilleMXZ, Dec 26, 2021.

  1. BellevilleMXZ

    BellevilleMXZ Member

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    Happened across this and wondered if anyone had tried it?

    Prius | Red Bullet
     
  2. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Lordy, lordy, here we go......

    Anyway, before AZ hops in, try doing a search for Red Bullet.....you should come up with the entire history of the device and the originator, (Max)... @Max Taiwan
     
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  3. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    What does TOYOTA say about it.

    When a new PRIUS comes with a 7yr engine warranty - I'd be very loathe to do something which could trash the warranty with unauthorised modifications.

    Maybe if you had an old PRIUS.

    In 50+ years of driving, I've never seen any aftermarket gadgets work - and there have been myriads. Generally, if it was worthwhile, TOYOTA would have already had it on the PRIUS.

    The RedBullet website shows no empirical evidence of the "improvements" which is suspicious - nor mention of warranty or indemnity for damage caused.
     
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  4. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Thanks for the intro TMR, now as for the red bullet well you cant really say anything about it unless you have one.

    I noticed the difference when I installed it.
    Very nice power increase on the freeways.

    Toyota can not void a warranty for a part that you can replace, it is just a solenoid and there are lots of aftermarket ones but the red bullet is made to do its job faster.

    http://www.RedBullet.net

    https://ProjectLithium.com/?ref=mG0GE

    http://www.Pulstar.com

    http://www.PlugOutPower.com
    Use code 7373

    http://www.hybridpit.com
    Use code azusa

    http://CatStrap.net
    Use code azusa
     
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    A few people who paid $125-$150 are sure it helped but testing showed the opposite.

    Original post reduced to get to the point:

    Bottom Line:

    6743FA08-EFE8-4476-A2BF-9C24E4E7114F.jpeg
    "Well....Ummm. Yeah. SOoooo, the Red Bullet was slower on all tests when advancing cam timing when compared to the OE solenoid, and only slightly faster than the cheap AM unit at 50% DC. All units were able to retard about the same."


    Full post here
     
    #5 rjparker, Dec 27, 2021
    Last edited: Dec 27, 2021
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  6. Elektroingenieur

    Elektroingenieur Senior Member

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    If the product changes the engine’s operation, doesn’t that make it a “modified part” and thus unlawful to advertise, sell, or install in California, and in other states that have adopted California’s vehicle emissions regulations, without a CARB executive order? (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 13, §§ 1900, subd. (b)(14), 2222.) Has such an executive order been issued?
     
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  7. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Yes - there is nothing quoted on their website - actually it says almost nothing about anything apart from some glossy photos. Which is why I'm suspicious. It comes from Taiwan, it seems.

    And just because something can be unscrewed (see previous post) doesn't mean it become illegal or can void a Warranty.

    The warranty states in part ...

    "WHAT IS NOT COVERED This warranty does not cover damage or failures resulting directly or indirectly from any of the following:

    • Alteration or tampering, including installation of non-Genuine Toyota Accessories".

    And much more. I think I'd rather go without the "possibility" of a very minimal saving rather than trying to fight TOYOTA's lawyers in the case of a refused warranty claim.
     
  8. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    That statement is misleading and just plain wrong, the way you stated it.
    They absolutely CAN void or deny warranty coverage IF they can prove that the device you added or changed is the cause of the trouble.

    And they usually have the upper hand, since they can deny coverage and you would have to take them to court. THEY can afford to do that much easier than most owners.
     
  9. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Guess everyone better only buy OEM oil filters, spark plugs and air filters otherwise you may have your warranty revoked!
     
  10. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Woooohooooo!!

    I sure nailed it in Post 2............
     
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  11. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    I'm working on part 2 of my RB thread.
    Gotta go mix up some more Kool-Aid.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  12. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Have you sourced a Red Bullet Classic yet?
     
  13. BellevilleMXZ

    BellevilleMXZ Member

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    Thanks....if you happen to remember , can u post here when u do? Curious. I had done alot of searching but never came across your post for some reason.
     
  14. BellevilleMXZ

    BellevilleMXZ Member

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    I'll add here, been a dealer tech for 35 yrs(Chrysler) and I know there is no magic bullet/free hp etc. And that most of this stuff sold online is junk. That said, the IDEA of this is sound. If you can increase the speed of the phaser movement, I could see a small drivability/mileage improvement.ONLY.... I cant see it increasing HP, as advance/retard is set by ECM. . I see running issues when phasers/actuators get sticky. But by THAT test the RB is slower so thats not good. And one last note, not sure if it was mentioned, but the total amount of retard/advance is built into the phaser, so that will not change. Thanks folks
     
  15. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Yes. Sort of. Mostly.

    I emailed MaxJen about my purchase and said why isn't it RED? Why is it slower than OE?
    Got this reply.

    "Hi Chris,

    Thank you for contacting us regarding your order.
    Could you please let me know in more detail what has transpired for your upgrade part? For example are your
    MPG falling or your 0 to 60 is slower?
    The Gold is the newest version which we switched from the older red anodized version. The Red is still
    available but the delivery and QC takes forever yet the part numbers and performance are the same.It may take a while for the part to be broken in but usually the upgrade effect is experienced spontaneously
    after installing and priming procedures are complete.

    Please let me know what performance you are relating to so I can get to work on my side to see what might be
    the reason for your concern.
    Please bear in mind that the driving mode needs to be set to normal or power mode if available and not to be
    used in eco mode. After installing check their is no oil leakage with connector in place and the check engine
    light is not illuminated.
    The change is weather could also increase your mpg consumption because the car will be idling at standstill to
    generate the heat for warming up the cabin taking roughly 2 to 5 mpg depending upon where you are located.
    The best MPG is usually found in mid spring and early autumn when car heats up earlier and stays heated in
    spring and AC is no longer used too much during the cooler days of autumn.
    I look forward to hearing from you,

    Sincerely,

    Max Shiau

    MaxJen International"

    I believe him when he says the RBG is the same as RBC. Why?
    Because every RBC pic I could find online has the identical form to the RB"G" that I have. And rather than waiting weeks and weeks for a RBC, I played a hunch and got a "Quantum Solenoid" (arrived in a few days) - bought it with part of the last stimulus check I had been saving- so it ain't like it was real money ;)
    This QS is also (even more) identical to RBC pics (even had the same shrink wrap on it in the box), and I can't see any difference in machining vs my RBG. (a knock off copy wouldn't have a fully machined housing- it would probably be cast with minimal machining). QS also the same electrical characteristics as well.

    When I have time to pour through a bunch more scope captures I'll post the update.
     
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  16. Nico3d3

    Nico3d3 Junior Member

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    I'm now going down this rabbit hole too. They base their assumption on a good theory. Faster adjustments of valves timing should equate to slightly better performance. I'll see when I receive it, I'm still puzzled by the underwhelming test data from mr_guy_mann. I figured it's cheaper than a cold air intake, at least and cold air intake has proved itself to be useless. I'm just wondering why Toyota didn't try to have an improved solenoid installed at the factory if it is so good. Maybe because they simply get the OEM solenoid from a parts bin?
     
    #16 Nico3d3, Jan 26, 2022
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2022
  17. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    If you live on a planet where the auto "enhancement" market only ever contains products that really do what their marketing says they do, then it's puzzling if one appears not to.

    If that isn't the kind of planet you live on, it's not as puzzling.
     
  18. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Basically the QS is an imported Red Bullet and rebranded.

    There 3 different Red Bullets I believe and I have the Enhanced Track Edition still actually Redish..

    Max is an honest person and will answer any questions.
    Only way to know if it works is to buy one.

    Cool that you have both to test numbers on but they are the same and will not differ much unless they are not the exact ones as in Track Edition or the gas saving one.
     
  19. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Basically the QS is an imported Red Bullet and rebranded.

    There are 3 different Red Bullets I believe and I have the Track Enhanced Edition still actually Redish..

    Max is an honest person and will answer any questions.
    Only way to know if it works is to buy one.

    Cool that you have both to test numbers on but they are the same and will not differ much unless they are not the exact ones as in Track Edition or the gas saving one.
    20210922_120927.jpeg
     
  20. Mambo Dave

    Mambo Dave Active Member

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