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Are there alternatives to Tom's Braces?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by MGM, Mar 18, 2007.

  1. MGM

    MGM New Member

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    Has anyone found alternatives to Tom's braces? They seem way overpriced for what you got. For example, the front upper suspension brace costs $260. When I had my RSX, I bought a high quality steel welded one from Neuspeed for $110. For the RSX, braces that cost as much as the Tom's braces are usually the aircraft quality titanium variety. The cost:benefit ratio just doesn't seem to make sense, especially when you compare them to similar products for other cars IMHO.

    Thanks for any info that you can offer.
     
    #1 MGM, Mar 18, 2007
  2. NoMoShocks

    NoMoShocks Electrical Engineer

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mean Green Machine @ Mar 18 2007, 02:37 PM) [snapback]408001[/snapback]</div>
    If Tom's brace it the BT Stiffening plate, then Yes, It is made out of a very high tech aircraft material, but I don't think it is titanium, I think it is something better than that. I guess you don't want to add a 10 pound peice of steel to the bottom of the car. They are on sale right now for $173.
     
    #2 NoMoShocks, Mar 18, 2007
  3. MGM

    MGM New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NoMoShocks @ Mar 18 2007, 04:28 PM) [snapback]408052[/snapback]</div>
    Thanks for the response. I have a BT Stiffening Plate. It's made of anodized aluminum and is a marked improvement over the OEM plate. It goes under the car near the rear axle and stiffens the car body/chassis. Here are some pictures:

    http://priuschat.com/index.php?s=&show...st&p=407960

    The Tom's Brace that I'm referring to goes across the top of the front suspension towers and stiffens the front suspension.

    http://priuschat.com/index.php?s=&show...st&p=229243

    I'm looking for a cheaper alternative to this brace, not the BT Stiffening Plate.

    Thanks
     
    #3 MGM, Mar 18, 2007
  4. MGM

    MGM New Member

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    Just heard a rumor that a new supplier will be coming out with a front strut tower bar soon. Looking forward to checking it out. Hopefully it comes in at a more reasonable price than the Tom's brace.
     
    #4 MGM, Mar 19, 2007
  5. prius62

    prius62 Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mean Green Machine @ Mar 19 2007, 07:37 PM) [snapback]408726[/snapback]</div>
    Just my luck....got the front lower and shock tower pieces installed last Friday. So far I enjoy the ride. I haven't done anything in the back yet so maybe a new supplier can help me on that.
     
    #5 prius62, Mar 19, 2007
  6. chinalfr

    chinalfr Junior Member

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    I haven't seen any titanium brace upgrades that cost less than $300. For ~$200, most manufacturer will use high quality aluminium brace. For $250+, there are carbon fiber brace.
     
    #6 chinalfr, Mar 20, 2007
  7. JaviNOS

    JaviNOS Mod Freak

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    there are many aftermarket universal pieces for braces and bars like these...
    on the upper towers... universal one are somewhat adjustable to the cars width to reach each strut tower with a bolt like structure on each end that unites the plate for the strut tower with the center bar..

    same with a rear bar...

    i used to own one on a previus car.. they do work... but having a stiff one made for your car just feels better :p
    at least personally haha
     
    #7 JaviNOS, Apr 10, 2007
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