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Chasis Stiffening Plate and Muffler?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Freedom, Jun 24, 2008.

  1. Freedom

    Freedom Active Member

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    Chassis Stiffening Plate and Muffler?

    I just ordered my Pri yesterday. So I can't just go out to the driveway and LOOK to get an answer on this.

    From the photos, it seems this plate needs to be removed each time you have a muffler change?

    On my other cars, I've always gone to Midas for mufflers; and they last me perhaps 2 years and I need a new one.

    I saw a few threads about the stiffening plate, who likes it, what it does etc. But I didn't find anything re it's interaction with muffler changes.

    Just wondering if anyone has an experience with this?
     
    #1 Freedom, Jun 24, 2008
  2. Five5Six

    Five5Six New Member

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    Why would you require a muffler change every two years?, and any muffler guy should be able to do his work without any problem with the plate installed.
     
    #2 Five5Six, Jun 24, 2008
  3. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    Since the Prius muffler is made of high quality stainless steel, very few have needed to be replaced. Some catalytic converters have failed in early Prii, but that's a separate issue.

    Besides, the stiffening plate is just bolted on and can be removed in 5 minutes.

    JeffD
     
    #3 jdenenberg, Jun 24, 2008
  4. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    This is a complete non-issue. I'm not sure I've even heard of anyone needing their muffler replaced on the Prius to tell you the truth and certainly not every 2 years.
    Anyway, there's a stiffening plate there anyway from Toyota, the replacement stiffening plate is just more rigid. Either would need to be removed and either will come off quite easily.
     
    #4 efusco, Jun 24, 2008
  5. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    You had an American car you needed to frequently change the muffler on.
    This is a Toyota. My last Toyota was a 1990 Camry, had 290,000km on it and the original mufflers when I sold it last year. Most likely still has the same mufflers today.
    Love the stainless steel.
     
    #5 patsparks, Jun 24, 2008
  6. Freedom

    Freedom Active Member

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    Nope, Honda. Only ever owned a Honda; until now. :D

    I didn't realize this is a replacement; I thought it was a new add on piece. That helps, to know that.

    So does that plate have to be done BEFORE putting on the skid plate?
     
    #6 Freedom, Jun 24, 2008
  7. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Nope, either order is fine, they don't overlap.
     
    #7 efusco, Jun 24, 2008
  8. ZC1

    ZC1 Junior Prius Owner

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    Re: Chassis Stiffening Plate and Muffler?

    The direct answer to your question is:
    Either part (plate or muffler) can be easily removed/replaced independently of each other.

    The stiffening plate is not near the muffler and the muffler coupling is 2ft behind the muffler and easily reached.

    In fact, both can be removed while you are laying on the ground, no need to raise the car.
    Just so you know.

    ZC1
     
    #8 ZC1, Jun 24, 2008
  9. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    Check, I think Honda must make some cars in the USA? :D
    I just thought I would try and guess.

    If you are a bit chubby with short arms like me you might need to jack the car and block it up, just a little to reach the plate or muffler.
     
    #9 patsparks, Jun 24, 2008
  10. BIGGDOGG

    BIGGDOGG New Member

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    I have never needed to replace the muffler on any car I owned. (I only owned 1 before my pri but it was near 100K miles and 8 yrs old)
     
    #10 BIGGDOGG, Jun 24, 2008
  11. mrblaise

    mrblaise Go Lakers!!

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    I think the last time I replaced a muffler was when I owned a 1968 Camaro ...
     
    #11 mrblaise, Jun 24, 2008
  12. dipper

    dipper Senior Member

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    hmm.... Rhode Island.

    You sure your neighbor(s) did not just put road salt into your cars' mufflers? ;)
     
    #12 dipper, Jun 24, 2008
  13. Freedom

    Freedom Active Member

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    If they did anything, it was OCEAN salt! He hee.
     
    #13 Freedom, Jun 24, 2008
  14. cairo94507

    cairo94507 Active Member

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    Not to slam Midas, but if they sell a muffler which needs replacement every two years why are they still in business? ( as a disclaimer I do not believe the OP about this fact)
     
    #14 cairo94507, Jun 25, 2008
  15. Freedom

    Freedom Active Member

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    Sorry. It seems like every 2 years, I am not sure HOW long it is. I know I've had at least 3 ( 1 being the original) mufflers on the 1998 Honda I am planning to trade in for the Pri I have on order. I also know I get the absolute cheapest model they offer (they have different "grades") The muffler is guaranteed, all I pay is the labor each time they have to replace it. I probably would have spent less overall if I'd just gone for a better muffler in the first place. My trips are all very short, and I am near the coast. I've been told those are the factors which play into my needing one so often. (short trips, near coast, cheapest thing out there)

    That wasn't really the point of my question, I was just curious about the way the part fit together because I can't go out in my driveway and look; yet!
     
    #15 Freedom, Jun 25, 2008
  16. Genoz World

    Genoz World ZEN-style living

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    here's the bottom line, you wont have to worry.

    PATSPARKS- my friend, you look strong enough to lift the prius all by your lonesome self - yes, this is a compliment.

    cheers.
     
    #16 Genoz World, Jun 25, 2008
  17. dwreed3rd

    dwreed3rd New Member

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    I wouldn't go back to MIDAS if their mufflers only last 2 years. I haven't replaced a muffler in 30 years. Had cars for 51 years. Lowest mileage traded with 75K. Two over 100K, one of which is a 2000 Toyota Avalon XLS w/107K. I'd find another muffler shop. I can't imagine what car or driving conditions would go through a muffler every 2 years.
     
    #17 dwreed3rd, Jun 25, 2008
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