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Chassis Brace is a Prius MUST HAVE!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Azipod, Oct 11, 2010.

  1. artie

    artie Member

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    The brace is on, it was very easy, only difference is that my cars original bolts are 12 mm.

    No time to drive it yet, can't wait, will report impressions.
     
  2. artie

    artie Member

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    So far, I think I love this thing...
     
  3. Solar1953

    Solar1953 Junior Member

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    All this sounds interesting, but after looking underneath my 07 Touring, I am not sure where the factory stiffining plate is located. How big is it, would you say, and is it the plate located just aft of the Cat converter? Sorry if I appear to be dense, but am certainly interested in any contraption to improve handling performance. Thanks
     
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii.../84539-skid-plate-2010-prius.html#post1183052
    Here is a painful looking picture under a Gen II, (and a much less painful picture of a gen III) you can see the stock stiffening plate just ahead of the gas tank.
     
  5. Azipod

    Azipod Member

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    Artie,

    I'm glad you enjoy it. I think it's an amazing upgrade -- considering that its only $39 !!!
    It's definitely worth skipping an oil change for! :-D
     
  6. Azipod

    Azipod Member

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    Having to own 5+ modified cars with various chassis braces -- I can say that it made minimal differences, if any on those cars.

    However, with the Prius, the strut-tower bar and the chassis-lower brace completely transforms the car. It really does.

    I come to accept that the body on the Prius is extremely flexible most likely due to Toyota's weight saving goal in their design. This vehicle was designed to be light and efficient, it was not meant to have a strong, rigid body, like the 5 german cars I've modded in the past.
     
  7. roverguy78

    roverguy78 Elite Lurking Member

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    After taking a look at the original brace, I'm willing to give this a shot, especially considering the price. The factory brace does look very flimsy. It makes sense that a stiffer brace would be beneficial.
     
  8. artie

    artie Member

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    Well, drove into the foothills yesterday, drove on the freeway; verdict: I love this thing. Stability is improved, as well as cornering.

    Thanks!
     
  9. Prius Happy

    Prius Happy New Member

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    I have both Tanabe Under brace and Tower bar... I say great upgrade. Looks good also!! I love mine!

    Tanabe USA Inc. - Chassis
     
  10. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I suspect that the Toyota brace was designed for and works in tension, the U shaped tunnel cannot get wider. What the aftermarket braces add is compression strength that the Toyota part lacks, the u shaped tunnel cannot close together.

    I repeatedly felt my Prius handle oddly in sidewinds at freeway speed in the 6 months before I added the G7 brace. In the year since then, I have not.
     
  11. fintonissimo

    fintonissimo Member

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    Please forgive my lack of mechanical knowledge, but can somebody please answer my earlier questions? My brace should be coming either Tuesday or Wednesday! The torque question is the most important one to me.

    Thanks, Chuck
     
  12. lefat1

    lefat1 Fat Member

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    u can rent a torque wrench at most tool rental stores. if not the answer is "good and tight"
     
  13. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    [​IMG]

    Can you point out from the picture where the brace actually goes (and what part the brace replaces)? I've looked at the G7 prius brace on eBay and can't seem to match where the analogous part...

    Also, as one member asked, do we really need to raise the car to install this? I dont have a jack. Thanks.

    I'll post the ebay link again: G7 Performance Stiffening Plate upgrade stability Prius: eBay Motors (item 120634175370 end time Oct-19-10 19:26:50 PDT)

    EDIT: Ok, I THINK I see it. Is it the little light gray bobby-pin looking piece in the middle of the car that goes perpendicular to that long central pipe, connecting the left and right side of the car? And if it is, you're telling me that THAT little thing is what's making the difference??!?!?
     
  14. Azipod

    Azipod Member

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    It's the flimpsy brace right at the "L" bend of the exhaust pipe ... right before the black fuel tank.
     
  15. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    You mean to our right of the "L" bend and black fuel tank, but just left of the bigger round cylinder in the middle??

    Lol, I know I sound like an idiot. Thanks agian.
     
  16. Azipod

    Azipod Member

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    Yep! You got it. It'll be pretty obvious once you look under the car.
     
  17. don_chuwish

    don_chuwish Well Seasoned Member

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    And no, you don't have to lift the car to get at it. Just roll it over like in the picture above. Very easy access from there. ;-)

    For the price I couldn't resist either, they're getting some good sales from this thread!

    - D
     
  18. Azipod

    Azipod Member

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    HAHA! Seriously though, you can probably drive the vehicle one side up the curb and crawl in from underneath from the back.
     
  19. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Hey Don you bought the last one for $37!!! GRRRR....

    Just kidding. I'm still contemplating, trying to find a friend who has some car jacks.

    Interesting technique to use the side of a curb. The only problem is I dont want to draw attention to myself. Lol.
     
  20. direstraits71

    direstraits71 Member

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    Mine shipped today. I'll post my reactions after installation. At the price $37 I couldn't justify not trying one, given the rave review by Azipod.