Best mod under $100

Yea - there's a Nitrous Oxide mod for about $99.99 - plus tax and shipping. I've been laughing ever since. You gotta get it!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Nov 17 2006, 01:56 PM) [snapback]350945[/snapback]</div>

In Alabama, then I'd skip the block heater, and go for a wheelskin. It really dresses up the interior and just feels good on your hands when you drive.

 

I'd go for the sharkfin antenna. It makes a remarkable difference on the general looks of the car. You can find a good write-up here:

http://evnut.com/prius_antenna.htm

Cheers!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Beryl Octet @ Nov 17 2006, 02:10 PM) [snapback]350972[/snapback]</div>

Would the block heater improve gas mileage? Or would a colder block be more efficient?

 

The idea of a block heater is to warm the engine before you start it - this reduces warm up time, which in turn increases your mileage. a warmer engine is better than a colder one.

For people in southern states, it's not that big of an issue. a block heater only starts showing some measurable improvement when the temperature drops down to freezing or below at night. So Alabama and Georgia probably shouldn't be concerned about getting them.

*quick edit*
PRINUS, a warmer block is better all around - an engine works best in an optimal temperature range, which is definitely not freezing or below. Also, having a warm engine is definitely better for performance. Anyone up north can tell you that all cars suffer from performance decreases when winter comes, and only start behaving like "themselves" when the engine gets warmed up.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ Nov 17 2006, 02:21 PM) [snapback]350986[/snapback]</div>

True. That makes sense. I don't know about the shark fin though, it does look a lot better than the stock antennae but not sure I want to drop $100 bucks on one.

 

I'd do little things to reduce the weight: take the plastic trim off the wheels, take out the spare (if you're willing, and carry a can of flat fixer instead)) and the little cover for the luggage area. You might also consider taking out as much of the rear seat as you'd feel comfortable parting with; certainly the seat cushion comes right out.

I'd also add the BT chassis brace and air up the tires as much as possible, within their safe limits.

That'd be closer to $130-ish (don't recall the current price of the brace).

And, for an extra $1,000, I'd add the TRD suspension.

 

I am impressed already with this board, it's hard to be a newb and usually people say "use the search button" or something else so rude.

I am digging that shark fin antennae mod but are you sure you measured enough times?

 

PRINUS is asking for mods for a "non-hybrid"... not a Prius.

 

Oops! Sorry about that. Looks like you just changed your car from non-hybrid to 2006 Prius.

 

I heard there is a GP for this shark fin, how do I get on this deal? Any idea what the GP pricing will be?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Nov 17 2006, 02:37 PM) [snapback]350997[/snapback]</div>

PintoGirl, you seem to have some experience with weight saving modifications. Have you done racing in the past or autocrossing?

Additionally, cutting up your wheel wells recudes the weight drastically. My fabricator said that the pieces of metal taken out for my 22s, weighed in at about 120lbs! That itself should be a reason to get 22s.