My official Prius Plus mods thread.

Overseas Priuses get better MPG because a gallon is bigger overseas...

 

While it's tempting to dismiss the question with "no such thing",
it's an interesting to think about the possibility of. The ECU
reflashes are often referred to as "calibrations", and in some cases
may simply be lists of parameters rather than wholesale changes to
the code running on the ECUs. Such as the fix for the "stalling"
problem, in which the hybrid controller gave up on cranking a balky
engine sooner than it should -- fixed by a different number stored
somewhere, whether it was a time or a number of revs or whatever.
Next question is, then, are the "calibration" files for the US vs.
EU/JP markets different, and if so in what way? They come on CDs
from Toyota, they ought to be obtainable. I don't think anyone has
ever picked one apart, and it's likely to be rather opaque blobs of
bits that don't mean anything if you're not the ECU's processor,
but looking for changes might reveal a few things.
.
And yes, there is the Imperial gallon factor to consider..
.
_H*

 

There really is nothing new in this world!!

 

Thanks for taking the time to post your experience here. I'm looking forward to starting my own conversion in the not too distant future, and I'm sure I'll be in touch with you, Chris, and the CalCars crew. I'm debating whether to go straight Prius+ PBa or a slightly modified version with an alternate battery. The Nilar's are tempting. I have a feeling my cheap side is going to win this one though

Finished the first big step.

Step 1: Get Prius.... Check!

Bought a rebuilt/salvage 2005 w/ 20k miles since I'm planning to void the warranty anyway. Saved about $10k over new.

Can't wait to get started! Step 2 is clear out the "fleet". Need to do some repairs on several other vehicles to get them out of the yard before SO will approve project funding

Rob

 

Thanks Cheap, There is a tremendous audience of interest, However some are not able to escape from duties to make the trips to these great meetings. Personally I have never been able to get a reply form the big guys, Cal cars, Hymotion etc. It seems as if you don't have $10,000 or more to spend they are not interested, odd actually.

Anyway It sure seems like someone would do a simple thing like a charger plug just as a way to get started, I know I know it's only a 3 to 4 mile battery but it's a start at getting into the process. That's a big part of the battle, getting actually started.

 

Impressive work Cheap! I would definitely be interested in detailed plans, ready-to-assemble parts, or even a completed box when you're ready

 

WOW your box looks nice! Now I'm temped to lean toward doing it myself instead of waiting for Hymotion.

Since the spare tire would be most likely not be easily accessible do you think a smaller batter pack could fit in that extra space? If so do you think it would be possible to link to two packs with a daisy chain type connection? I just hate to have unused space just lying around. Maybe fit the circuits and charger under there and add some extra batteries to the sides?

 

Very nice work Cheap!

Has anyone (to your knowledge) looked at a quick disconnect version that could be removed for long distance trips? I realize of course this would take a shop crane to remove a 300lb battery box, but still WAF (wife acceptance factor) would be greatly enhanced on long trips if we could swap out the battery for a spare tire.

Rob

 

Hey, *I* felt honored to be able to hang around with y'all, and
finally meet the CalCars crew too without having to drive 3000
miles. It was a fun day, and nice to see all these different
installation approaches in one place.
.
A removable pack, or packs, is in my mind THE way to go. Long road
trips won't benefit from a conversion unless you can recharge. And
it should be possible to make modules that aren't *that* heavy --
manageable by hand with two people, for example, with the benefit
that you get a reminder how good your SO looks lifting the other
end of a heavy object...
.
_H*

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Cheap! @ Sep 24 2007, 10:36 AM) [snapback]516859[/snapback]</div>

Jim, very nice job, you are getting into something now. If you're planning on a removable battery pack,take in consideration the total weight loaded with the motorcycle batteries, it may be rounding 300 lb and even more.

How about to make this nice looking box in 2 (two) sections with electrical interconnects, it will be much easier to handle for install/reinstall by 2 people in such a way, being that it will be half the weight to handle. Not everybody has access to a hydraulic HOIST in their garage.

As a note,I have a 485 Lbs add on battery box now that I can handle by myself, with the help of a rolling cart of the same hight of the car and box, I roll the box to/from it to install and reinstall, but the size and weight is cumbersome. I have no need to remove this very often, probably 4 times in 10 months, but it is a job...

[attachmentid=11652][

Soon wil be the 5th and for good.

Two pieces, something to consider.

Regards,

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rob Smith @ Sep 25 2007, 05:26 AM) [snapback]517323[/snapback]</div>

you should check the Panasonic Industrial line of AGM's. Much better discharge rate than BB and if you shop wisely at a very good price.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Cheap! @ Sep 24 2007, 06:36 AM) [snapback]516859[/snapback]</div>

Wow! It looks like your kit will make the PHEV modifications easy. I'd consider going plug-in sometime late next year when my extended warranty expires. B) Or I could start putting stuff together now to have ready when the time comes.. I don't know but I do need advice... Lots ans lots of advice

 

double post