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Autocross Mods

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by toyotechwv, Apr 6, 2016.

  1. offib

    offib Member

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    Always had this in the back of my mind, even though I'm likely to never be in a situation to need to use maintenance mode, has anyone seen long term affects of driving hard with VSC and TRAC off? Signs of singed stators, worm CV joints, rough running, anything other than good lap times? Or were those warnings just ott?

    And if the wheels do tend to lock up, is it uncontrollable, like a very light back end?

    ..
     
  2. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    No issues at all. I've done autocross with 3 Prii and never had a single issue as a result of hard driving or use of inspection mode.

    There's on board video of a run from my last event on my Instagram page using inspection mode.
     
    offib likes this.
  3. Fred_H

    Fred_H Misoversimplifier

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    My understanding is that there is not so much a danger of gradual increased damage or wear, but more a theoretical danger of sudden catastrophic failure. If the engine and MG1 and wheels are spinning at high rpm and the wheels suddenly decelerate or lock up, then so much torque could be transferred to MG1 that it could uncontrollably over-rev, creating back EMF in excess of 600 Volts, maybe leading to arcing in the stator or frying power electronics in the inverter.

    But this is all from speculation in past discussions. Toyota has never specified the exact nature of the potential damage that might occur.
     
    offib likes this.
  4. bobesser

    bobesser Junior Member

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    Isn't the Prius Plus Performance Package a 'Port Installed Option?' If so, you should be allowed to install it and remain in Street. This would get you the better springs. I had FSDs in a MINI cooper and *Loved* them for autoX. Why did you decide to go with the bigger front bar vs. the rear bar?

    Bob
     
  5. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    Ya know I never even thought of the Plus package. I'm going to look into that immediately. Pretty sure the FRS guys have been using that perk as well.

    I've tried the upgraded front bar as well as a TRD rear with the OE front. I didn't get the desired result with the TRD rear (better rotation). The OE front bar allows way to much body roll and inputs are less precise. So I opted to remove the rear bar and reinstall the larger front. I induce rotation by raising rear tire pressure and trail braking. BUT, if I can get by with the Plus Package hardware the addition of springs AND the rear bar with the larger front bar would be a phenomenal setup!

    According to this the springs and rear bar WERE considered port installed options.

    2015 Toyota Prius 5dr HB Persona Series Special Edition Price with Options - NADAguides
     
    #105 toyotechwv, Mar 30, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 30, 2017
    granTORRESmo likes this.
  6. tony_2018

    tony_2018 Member

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    What yr rav4 swaybar are you using for the front? stock endlinks?
     
  7. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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