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Upgrading low spec prius to high spec prius (standard to i-tech)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by dingaling007, Jun 19, 2018.

  1. dingaling007

    dingaling007 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2018
    38
    13
    0
    Location:
    Australia
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    i-Tech
    My high spec I-tech prius has received major hail damage, and ive hit some wild life destroying the front end.

    Ive purchased a perfect bodied doner low spec prius. Id really lilke to take the high spec parts and install them into the low spec prius turning it into an I-tech spec (factory NAV,bluetooth headunit, remote key system, Steering wheel with additional controls, JBL upgraded factory sound system etc.)

    Has anybody had any experience with this? Obviously it would be a big job if the wiring looms are different as the dash and carpet may need to come out to replace wiring looms, but most Toyotas I see unused loom plus indicating they use the same looms for different spec levels? It would make more sense during manufacturing that toyota build the same base car with the same wiring loom, and fixation points, and at the very end fit the various spec levels, to also adjust to demand. The Key transponder system is probably tied to the Engine ECU unit? but should not pose an issue if the ECU is swapped over etc.

    Just curious if anybody has tried and what they know about this.
     
    #1 dingaling007, Jun 19, 2018
    Last edited: Jun 19, 2018
  2. dingaling007

    dingaling007 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2018
    38
    13
    0
    Location:
    Australia
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    i-Tech
    nobody? damn looks like i'll be heading into uncharted waters then. Will report back if anyone is interested.
     
    #2 dingaling007, Jun 20, 2018
    bisco likes this.
  3. Dartiste

    Dartiste Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2017
    4
    1
    0
    Location:
    Australia
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    It’s a massive job.
    The tail gate, doors and dash need changing. The wiring loom is markedly different behind the dash, then the one at floor level, and the roof item too.
    The I-tech also has a better suspension setup. Lights are adjustable via servo on the I-tech, but only a screw driver can adjust them on base models. You then have the pleasure of fuse box changes to work with the power to the servos. That’s usually ugly work.
    Even silly things like the rear video camera only fits the I-tech tailgate, as the cut out for it needs carving out, then you have the cabling through it to fiddle with.
    The door and hatch handles are unique to the car model too.
    The only way is a total strip out of both, then graft the parts in. Even the mount for the interior keyless sensor is awkward to create in the base model.
    It can be done, but then you’ll have a complete re-spray to complete the project.

    Bad news am afraid. It’s a mammoth task, but look at the money involved. You’d probably be better binning, and re-grouping.
    That’s what I did.
     
    #3 Dartiste, Jul 26, 2018
  4. dingaling007

    dingaling007 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2018
    38
    13
    0
    Location:
    Australia
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    i-Tech
    Wow thanks for this reply, Ive only just noticed it all these years later! Thanks for the info I figured as much and binned the idea and bought a I-tech instead. Hopefully your info will save someone else finding out the hardware whats required.
     
    #4 dingaling007, May 29, 2021
    ydpplqbd likes this.
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