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Best Chassis Tuning for 2014 Plug-In?

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Russ McBride, Nov 15, 2016.

  1. Russ McBride

    Russ McBride Junior Member

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    What are people's thoughts on the best chassis "tuning" parts these days? It looks like most like the Tenabe but there are also Cusco parts. I though I'd do a strut tower and an Under Brace from Tenabe to improve the handling (although I realize that there is some debate about how much of an improvement these will actually provide). I don't understand where the 3rd piece from Tenabe goes.


    Thanks
     
    #1 Russ McBride, Nov 15, 2016
  2. se-riously

    se-riously Active Member

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    The TRD rear sway bar is supposed to have the best bang for buck.
     
    #2 se-riously, Nov 16, 2016
  3. Russ McBride

    Russ McBride Junior Member

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    Any idea if the TRD be better than the Tenabe Sustec Under Brace?
     
    #3 Russ McBride, Nov 17, 2016
  4. RightOnTime

    RightOnTime Senior Member

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    Tanabe has discontinued all sales for braces and Sway Bars in the US market - so get them while you can :cool:
     
    #4 RightOnTime, Nov 17, 2016
  5. Russ McBride

    Russ McBride Junior Member

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    The Tenabe Sustec Underbrace looks "burlier" to my unknowledgable eye so I think I'll go with that and their Tower Strut... unless someone can give me reasons otherwise.

    Thanks for the responses.
     
    #5 Russ McBride, Nov 17, 2016
  6. Yea Right

    Yea Right Active Member

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    Looking forward to updates and comparisons after install.
     
    #6 Yea Right, Nov 17, 2016
  7. RightOnTime

    RightOnTime Senior Member

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    Stay away from the Tanabe Tower Strut bar - you can not access your fuse panel unless you take off the bar itself. Cusco is the way to go!


    iPhone ?
     
    #7 RightOnTime, Nov 17, 2016
  8. Russ McBride

    Russ McBride Junior Member

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    Hmm... re. the tower bar, I already ordered the Tenabe. I guess I don't mind cutting the fuse box to use the Tenabe. Totally confused about "under" bar options. They don't make a Tenable for the plugin, nor a TRD. And having a hard time finding a Cusco....
     
    #8 Russ McBride, Nov 20, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2016
  9. Toppcat

    Toppcat Member

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    Cusco front power brace front sway, rear sway
     
    #9 Toppcat, Nov 20, 2016
  10. Russ McBride

    Russ McBride Junior Member

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    Allllright, @RightOnTime and @Toppcat, you convinced me. I'll return the the Tenabe and get the Cusco.... No one at Cusco seems to know which parts fit the plugin. Aargh.
     
    #10 Russ McBride, Nov 21, 2016
  11. RightOnTime

    RightOnTime Senior Member

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    It's all a learning experience! Some of us have gone your path and realized a better path for others to follow. DM for more info concerning Cusco if need be


    iPhone ?
     
    #11 RightOnTime, Nov 21, 2016
  12. TRUC NGUYEN

    TRUC NGUYEN Junior Member

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    Call 866-448-4843 ask for Sean and make sure tell him from Priuschat.
     
    #12 TRUC NGUYEN, Nov 22, 2016
  13. Toppcat

    Toppcat Member

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    My suggestion is to start with low profile wheels and tires , reducing possible leaning angle results in less chassis twist . next reducing the center of gravity lowering spring/ coil overs? then sway bar and then bracing depend on what your trying to achive? I started w cusco frt sway and brace! like night and day over oem since cusco frt sway is 127% stiffer than stock! w a cusco frt 6 point power brace adds support for the sway and frt portion of the body! I didn't see and need for tower bracing in order tower bracing to be effective it must to 4-6 point solid not pivot type !
     
    #13 Toppcat, Nov 22, 2016
  14. GADGETBUNNY

    GADGETBUNNY Junior Member

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    I got around to installing a Cusco strut tower bar, rear TRD sway bar, and two miss chassis braces on my pip and the car feels tight, steering is much sharper, and body lean/roll gas reduced to minimal. Did NOT change tire/wheel size, or shock/strut/springs. Stock, except for the add-ons and they've made a world of a difference without sacrificing ride comfort at all. I fear the potholes with stiffer suspension so for now this makes the pip feel solid and higher quality than completely stock.
     
    #14 GADGETBUNNY, Feb 15, 2017
    QuantumFireball and Yea Right like this.
  15. Yea Right

    Yea Right Active Member

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    Thanks for the update
     
    #15 Yea Right, Feb 15, 2017
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