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HID Conversions, Touring Models - Future canadian owner needs help!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ultimate4g63, Apr 23, 2008.

  1. ultimate4g63

    ultimate4g63 New Member

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    Hey guys,

    First post. I've done quite a bit of searching and just haven't found exactly what I'm looking for.

    I am in the market for a 2008 Prius. Unfortunately, being in Canada, we do not have the Touring model as an option. We also don't have HID's offered on ANY Prius package in Canada :mad:

    Being a current BMW M3 owner, the "tuned" suspension, and the HID's are two very important things for me. I've read some posts about the speculation of the current Canadian Prius being the same as the European Prius in that it does indeed come with the 16" wheels, and foglights. But does anybody here know for certain whether or not the "tuned" suspension got transfered over as well?

    Lastly... HID's. I NEED HID's on my cars. I have no intentions of buying aftermarket HID's, I want OEM. I would like to know if anyone here has enough knowledge of the OEM HID system to tell me what exactly I need. I know about ballasts, bulbs, and the leveling system.

    Here is a blow up diagram of all the parts associated with the factory HID headlight assembly:

    [​IMG]

    I'm sure I can get away with buying a non-OEM HID bulb (to save a bit of money), but is there anything else other than what's pictured that I will need to complete a fully-functional conversion? Maybe parts found in another diagram?

    I've even researched importing a new Prius from a US Toyota dealership...it'd be cheaper overall...but I wouldn't have Toyota financing as an option, or a possible trade-in so that's out.


    Thanks in advance!
     
    #1 ultimate4g63, Apr 23, 2008
  2. 13Plug

    13Plug Active Member

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    Hey. I've been wondering the same thing about the suspension. From what I can tell the Canadian Prius does seem to be the US "Touring" model. I guess we'd need to have a Canadian and American measure their sway bars or something. How else would we know?:confused:

    I think the only problem you'll run into with the HID conversion is the fact that Canadian cars have DRLs. So.... your HID headlights might run just like DRLs (i.e. on all the time), you might not be able to disable that. The parts should fit, look on eBay for the HID headlights (OEM parts) and you'll probably see them. Personally I'd rather use Silverstar or similar bulbs that are whiter and stock wattage. I had some in my old Ford and they were great.

    I also considered importing a Prius from the US. See here:
    http://priuschat.com/forums/dealers-pricing/45580-import-us-canada.html

    Welcome! I get my car in two days.
     
    #2 13Plug, Apr 23, 2008
  3. ultimate4g63

    ultimate4g63 New Member

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    Thanks for replying.

    To sort out the suspension, I'm sure we could compare part numbers. I was just hoping someone here knew already :)

    As for the HID's, I have no problems having the HID's on all the time, or even if they are off whenever DRL's need to be on. Police in Toronto don't seem all too picky when it comes to DRL's. I've looked through ebay, but the prices seem to be high for used headlights. I'd much rather get it all brand new from Carson Toyota online as they seem to have the fairest prices for OEM parts. I'm still not entirely convinced that the diagram posted above shows *everything* I need though...
     
    #3 ultimate4g63, Apr 23, 2008
  4. ultimate4g63

    ultimate4g63 New Member

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    I just noticed this on the Prius page on toyota.ca

    Step in. Sit back. Breathe easy. Let loose. Prius is meant to be driven, with its fluid shape, sport-tuned suspension and Drive-by-Wire technology. It's time to haul some ecologically friendly butt. To learn more, click on the name of a feature.
     
    #4 ultimate4g63, Apr 24, 2008
  5. grinthock

    grinthock New Member

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    I've driven sport tuned and non sport tuned vehicles in the past.

    In my opinion, my "Canadian" purchased Prius is pretty damn good, it handles VERY well.... It doesn't sway at all.
     
    #5 grinthock, Apr 24, 2008
  6. Boo

    Boo Boola Boola Member

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    According to Tideland Prius (Canadian and PC Super Moderator), the 2008 Canadian Prius has the Touring suspension included. Here's his write-up of the 2008 Canadian Prius from his Knowledge Based thread on Prius features throughout the world:

    "2008 $29,500
    Changes:
    - Touring Specs as standard called the "Special Edition"
    - 16" alloys on P195/55R16 tyres
    - Type B extended rear spoiler
    - Euro sport suspension
    - Front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard
    - Foglights
    - Homelink
    - Electrochromatic auto-dimming mirror
    - Theft-Deterrent System

    Special Edition Premium Package
    AM/FM/6-CD/MP3/WMA JBL Audio w/ 9 speakers, Auxiliary Jack Smart Key System (SKS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity, Backup Camera

    Special Edition Premium Package w/ Navigation
    AM/FM/6-CD/MP3/WMA JBL Audio w/ 9 speakers, Smart Key System (SKS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Voice-Activated DVD-Based Satellite Navigation System, Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity, Backup Camera"

    Although they're not HIDs, there are aftermarket extra bright halogen bulbs available that are almost as illuminating as the US HIDs. E.g., both Tideland Prius and I have the Phillips X-Treme Power bulbs which are about 80% brighter than the OEM halogen bulbs. However, their longevity is in doubt (they probably have a significantly shorter lifespan than either the OEM halogens or HIDs). But personally, I like their brightness so much that I'd be willing to change them every 10 - 12,000 miles if necessary.

    Good luck.
     
    #6 Boo, Apr 24, 2008
  7. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    There is a leveling sensor that bolts onto the frame inside the left rear wheel. Is that one of those parts?
     
    #7 kenmce, Apr 24, 2008
  8. ultimate4g63

    ultimate4g63 New Member

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    Awesome! This is the type of info I need to know :) Thank you! Anyone have any info to add to this?
     
    #8 ultimate4g63, Apr 24, 2008
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    ultimate,

    I wouldn't trust the Toyota Canada site. It's been saying "sport tuned suspension" even back in 2004 with the 15" alloys, non Touring model.

    Now maybe we've had the Touring suspension all along without the 16" alloys or extended spoiler, I don't know but it has been saying "sport tuned suspension" on the site for a while.


    Boo, I asked a product advisor whom I've trust and he said he couldn't feel a difference between the 07 and 08 model.

    This could mean two things:

    1. We got jipped and never got the Touring suspension for 2008
    2. We had it all along even with the non-Touring models from 04 to 08.
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, Apr 25, 2008
  10. Boo

    Boo Boola Boola Member

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    Wow, that's interesting. Would you know if Toyota Canada uses the same parts numbering system as the US? If so, we could see if the Canada Prius' front stability bar, and rear stability bar, shocks and springs' part numbers match those of the US Touring Prius.
     
    #10 Boo, Apr 25, 2008
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