B&G S2 springs REVIEW

+1! There is definitely less body roll. The stock Prius handles like a boat, so we'll feel a huge difference from any suspension modification. Versus if you slammed a BMW you probably wouldn't feel as much of a difference - those have pretty optimal handling to begin with.

This depends on how you drive. I actually found my mileage to be slightly worse after the lowering, because I started taking turns harder and punching it off the line! But yes, theoretically, if you drive with the same aggressiveness as you did w/o the springs, you would get better mileage.

Me too - best mod I've done. Unless you're using your Prius to transport kids/babies or have serious back problems, I definitely recommend a lowering. Looks good and handles better.

Subie, there's a B&G meet in San Diego on B&G's Facebook page. I think I got kicked out cause I told them I had H&R. Haha! Thanks for the review.

 

Do either of you guys know if there's an option for better springs but that don't lower the vehicle? I don't really want to lower it here because of the winter weather - the Prius has low clearance to start with, that extra 1" can really make a difference (that's what she said?!).

I've wanted a better handling car, but I've been torn between this, center power braces, strut tower bars, sway bars, etc. I don't expect this car to ever handle like a sports car, but I'd like less roll than it currently has. That is one area that my Civic Hybrid was much better.

 

It sounds like you might be interested in the Touring springs and struts, since it's the same ride height. But even with those, it's somewhat difficult to get significantly better handling from springs without lower springs - it's just a matter of physics. You might also want to consider the TRD Sportivo springs. Those will yield even better handling since they're stiffer, but they do lower the car about half-inch.

Ultimately....In your case, I think that sway bars, as you mentioned, will make a bigger difference compared to springs. That way you won't have to sacrifice ride height.

 

Hmmm, I might be OK with 1/2" drop, but wouldn't want much more. I also have to see what happens when I get the enginer kit installed.

I clearly wasn't paying attention, because you guys have G2 and I have a G3. But, you never know what people might know anyway! But, I'll take a look at the sway bar again. Seems to be the better option to start with at this point. If only there was something to make the rattles not as bad (overall, not specific areas that rattle).

 

Whoops, actually I wasn't paying attention either. Forget everything I said about TRD and Tourig springs then. Hmmm....will have to re-look at your options for G3.

What's the enginer kit? Springs from a Prius plus might be an option for you...

 

What I want is a QUIETER suspension, less road hum transmitted through to the car. I've done a tone of damping/blocking but I'm still not happy with how loud the car is on some freeway sections around here.
Somehow I doubt an aftermarket strut/spring solution would do it, but I don't have any experience with such mods. Opinions?

- D

 

Aftermarket struts+springs will make road noise worse, if anything. The car comes pretty optimal from factory as far as comfort is concerned.

I always thought the Prius was pretty quiet and cushiony which is why I felt there was room to lower it.

 

I also have a G II but here are some G III suspension mods that exist.
Toyota Prius 2010 ZVW30 Performance, Handling & Electronic Accessories :: Sigma Automotive

 

I've got the eibach springs and the rear sway bar. I can tell you that the springs make a bigger difference in terms of road handling than the sway bar does. If I were to quantify it (subjectively of course).. I'd say the sway bar made about 20% of the impact that the springs did. This is about on par with cost as well, the sway bars are 28% of the cost of the spring cost+installation (531$ for me)

 

Oh and regarding the above post.. Sigma is a great reference to see what mods are available, but from what I've noticed is that the prices on sigma are very much inflated (even past the point of MSRP) compared to other sources online for the same part.

 

There are custom spring shops that can create springs that are stiffer but do not lower the vehicle. We used to have a shop called valley spring works that made custom springsteen. I wonder if they are still around.

 

Macmaster05 the enginer kit is the plug in conversion it adds 150lb to back of car. he will need a stiffer rear suspension as it makes the nice person of car sag.