Chassis Brace is a Prius MUST HAVE!

It's nice to see that this mod has come down to what I believe is a fair price. I bought this mod years ago from BT and I can't remember how much it was. I do know it was around $150 or so plus shipping. Anyway, I agree with most of the folks here that are happy with their purchase. It is indeed a GREAT mod. It really shines when the car is on an off ramp and you're going a little faster than you should be. The vehicle corners MUCH flatter. Going in a straight line you will not feel anything unless it is a windy day. In that instance you'll notice a bit more stability. For $37 it is a no brainer. Get one!!

 

After reading this thread, thinking this might be the solution to the definite loss in handling I suffered after the install of 300+ lbs of Li batteries over the spare tire. Stiffer springs were added, but to me it drives like there is a VERY large person in the back seat.

Scott
www.smilingdogsranch.com/priusblog

 

I'm installing H&R lowering springs soon that will actually improve the handling unlike all yalls placebo bar. Just kidding. Not really.

 

Does the stiffening bar make a difference on Touring models? Is the stock brace the same between base & Touring Prii?

 

Definitely a positive difference for me...better on corners and also tracking a straight-line better. I recommend this!

 

Great thread! I just ordered the eBay one for my '06 and will report back. I do a lot of long distance driving and definitely notice the sway, so I will notice if it improves.

 

Except for structural stiffness, not strength being what matters you are absolutely correct. The better your tires and the rest of the suspension are, the more you benefit from chassis structural rigidity.:rockon:

 

So I received the eBay brace quickly and installation was dead simple. I had a couple of good drives in and definitely notice a difference with stability especially in cornering and the VSC triggering less. My take is that it is a $37 well spent.

 

Which one did you get?

 

FYI, if you have long arms like I do, you don't even have to jack up the car. I jacked up the 04 for the install, but for the 06, I didn't. 06 install time, about 2 minutes. I hadn't lowered it at the time, though.

 

The G7 Performance Stiffening Plate 04-09 Toyota Prius from minipc4u.

 

There's deals on eBay sometimes. Mine was $25 shipped.

Haven't noticed a difference in handling, but my tires were near bald when I swapped plates. I've fixed that with new Ecopias, but now don't have an unbiased perspective on the plate.....

Seems to work for everyone else though.

 

I don't know how you guys are driving to say that the brace really works. But I just installed last night and noticed nothing at all. And I looked under the car to study the chassis, and as far as I can tell, this brace will only improve the rigidity of the chassis by very little margin.

I had a Toyota MR2 Turbo w/o braces and then w/ braces. Only time I can really tell a difference was on the track. Your chassis doesn't flex much at normal street and highway speeds. So unless you guys are going through turns over 70+ MPH, I think you are on that placebo effect a tad bit too much.

 

I bought/installed the G7 plate last week and have noticed a real "seat of the pants" improvement. When I'm entering the highway the on ramp is a 35 mph right turn. This is where this thing really shines. For $40 bucks i wish all upgrades gave you this kind of bang for your buck.

 

I bought my G7 Stiffening Plate last week for $29 + shipping. Installed it in 20 minutes. Put Loc-tite on the threads for good measure. Hand-tightened the bolts to very firm (no torque wrench). It was all very easy.

It does not feel much different in low speed driving. But at higher speeds, the car is more stable. It really shines in the corners at speed, where the understeer is highly reduced and the car sticks much better.

I can't believe how much this helps handling, and at such a small price. I fully agree with all who have recommended this upgrade.

If you love the corners, this is for you.

 

Just ordered the brace off ebay, great price ($29.99) compared to the others. I won't know the difference that much since I havn't even got my prius yet, just bought one yesterday.

Shipping to canada on a $150 brace they wanted $150 shipped. To my friends place just 40 min away on the other side of the border they want $35.... criminal. At least on ebay most shipping is pretty reasonable.

 

I have to keep this one alive... I just ordered mine today. I do a lot of highspeed high manuver driving. But somehow with all that highway driving I still average 54.4 MPG! I'll let you all know how well the brace helps. Shoot for $40 why not!

 

Received the brace yesterday, and put it on tonight (Friday 24 June 2011) it was so easy to do. I had a hell of a time getting the bolts to break loose, and then I remembered righty tighty, lefty loosey - it sure helps when you turn the bolts the right way!!! (The Left way!)

I didn't have to jack up the car, I just reached under there and took the thin factory brace off. My nephew hold the new G7 brace while I put the allen bolts in. I added some blue Locktite threadlocker 242 on the threads prior to putting the bolts in.

I'll let you know tomorrow how it drives on the highway at high speed! (don't worry the speed limit is 70 here so I'm not speeding, or breaking the law.)

 

Yes I felt a difference!, less body flex through the turns, and quick manuvers. A strut tower brace is next on the list! I know that in combination with the chassis brace both will greatly reduce the twist and flex of the vehicle. For $40 yes it's a must buy.