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Newbie. 2012 Hybrid Charcoal Grey -want to put black rims on it

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by sfguy, Sep 20, 2018.

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  1. sfguy

    sfguy New Member

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    Plug-in Advanced
    have the 2012 Hybrid Prius Plug-In Advanced with stock alloy star rims. Never been into mod'ing my cars but I'm getting the bug with a 2nd car and now want to improve the looks of my Gen III. It seems like the Charcoal Grey would like better with black rims.

    Some questions:

    1. Can you take the 15" stock wheels (I assume that's what they are) and take them to 16". I'm not inclined to go to a full 17".

    2. Any recommendations for black rims? Is there a site that has a good selection. From looking at images, I like the star patterns with 6 or more spokes or the more busy spoked black rims

    3. Any places in the SF Bay Area that I should know about related to modification work in general?

    3. Any other gotchas to worry about wrt the wheel change?

    4. Any other modifications to the exterior that will make my Prius look a little less homey?

    Thanks
     
    Burna J likes this.
  2. sfguy

    sfguy New Member

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    Thanks but no need to answer. Tire Rack and continued reading on this forum is all I need to know. Also the Prius Prime section is specific to this. Moderator feel free to delete this thread.
     
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    All the sensors that measure speed and MPG are calibrated to standard wheel size... If you buy bigger wheels, your odometer, speed etc. will be less accurate and your MPG will drop in expensive ways. Maybe look elsewhere for mods that will look nice without diminishing the great gas mileage you're getting?
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Sep 20, 2018
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2018
  4. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Worser MPGs
    Louder road noise
    Odomoter and speedometer will be off
    ABS less effective
    Accelerated wear and tear to suspensions

    The good part is that you can run over potholes like a champ and drive offensively to be the first car at the next red light intersection :cool:
     
  5. Starbrand

    Starbrand Senior Member

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    first off, welcome to PriusChat, glad you're here!

    1) 17" isn't that absurd. I have 17s for my summer set (xxr 530s) and 17s for my winter set (frs with blizzaks). consider browsing a wheel thread to give you more ideas like this one here: Gen III aftermarket wheel thread...post your pictures | PriusChat

    2) I think black looks better with blizzard pearl prius's. for ours, I feel gunmetal wheels are more our style. but if you want to go black, try this cheaper option, and Plasti-Dip it for a matte black look. 2013 Scion FRS Wheels | PriusChat
    YES, its not to the standards of the elite CA prius mod-scene, but out here from NJ to IL.. it wasn't a bad start.

    3) I dont know CA, but I know @sfv41901 and Team Hybrid Pit can help you with your info and monkey wrench projects.

    3#2) The Hub Centric Ring will change and will need to be adapted properly so you have an even tire wear. Try and get a stainless steel hub ring instead of a plastic one. Then use an online calculator to judge your fender clearance as well which measures the width and offset difference.

    4) CA legal window tints, de-chrome and/or de-badge exterior labels, side-airbag friendly seat covers, and weathertech mats. For more ideas, get a notepad and browse this thread here (WARNING: it will nurture a bad and expensive journey): What did you do to ur Gen III Prius today???? | Page 826 | PriusChat
    you can also checkout my journey of modding in my forum sig below. I have not updated it in 2 years, but i feel it would be a good stepping stone for what you would be interested in.
     
  6. Burna J

    Burna J Knot Right Performance....

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    (y)
     
  7. Nopho4u

    Nopho4u Senior Member

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    If I was you and my main objective was to retain the best possible MPG and also make the car look like "homey" as you call it this is what I would do.

    18 inch forged te37 in bronze (nor black)

    You get the look plus retain most of ur mpg because the wheels are light weight

    [​IMG]
     
  8. twizzlaaa

    twizzlaaa New Member

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    Your rims look amazing! Did you have to do anything to be able to fit the 18inch rims and tires on? I'm thinking about getting these but currently have a 15" setup... Would greatly appreciate any advice you have!

     
  9. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Just spent the last 45 minutes viewing your mod page! Awesome job! You keep your ride pretty clean also for a midwesterner. I have family in Evanston and their cars are always dirty due to the weather and worn out roads. Anyway, love your car!
     
    Starbrand likes this.
  10. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    My 2009 Gen II (Touring package, Magnetic Gray) came with the OEM 16" alloy wheels plus ugly trim/covers. Here's a pic of them sans covers and like so many other things they're prettier nekkid! (…they came painted in that nice gray) :eek:


    [​IMG]
     
  11. Michael Craig

    Michael Craig Junior Member

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    41296FA3-5838-4973-9381-38B9000C3166.jpeg
    I’m on jdm Toyota Prius G’s. These are OEM wheels from Toyota and are 18s. I’m lowered on H&R springs and have 25mm spacers on the rear wheels.

    If you want a little more rubber, and if you can find them, Toyota offered forged 17” wheels with the Prius Plus package. They look nice and you retain your mpg.

    EBFB19F8-D5A8-4F80-AAE1-1E15F3F2D300.jpeg