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Suspension upgrades

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by mstrkoffee, Jul 9, 2009.

  1. mstrkoffee

    mstrkoffee New Member

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    Hello - I have a 2009 non touring and the BT plate - wondering if the suspension upgrades in the PC shop are anygood - strut brace, shocks springs, sway bar... is it a noticeable improvement in handling & do you need better wheels and tires to benefit from it?
    Thanks!!
     
    #1 mstrkoffee, Jul 9, 2009
  2. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    I drive mine stock, just as I did my 04 and have never had any handling or ride problems.
     
    #2 firepa63, Jul 9, 2009
  3. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    First, there are a number of threads regarding suspension upgrades:
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/46387-installed-bt-stiffening-plate.html
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/28310-bt-tech-stiffening-plate.html
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...how-get-go-cart-handling-in-theory-least.html
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...mance-tires-used-touring-wheels-my-prius.html
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/33186-availible-shock-strut-upgrade.html
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/27268-want-feel-road-better.html

    Second, in all likelihood, you'll benefit more from better tires first, then suspension and stiffness upgrades. How um...spiritedly do you drive?

    Also: you might want to ask in the prius modification subforum - more of us tuners and sportscar types seem to hang out there and may be more receptive to/useful in answering your query.
     
    #3 a_gray_prius, Jul 9, 2009
  4. Boo

    Boo Boola Boola Member

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    Don't quite know what you're referring to when you say that the PriusChat Store has all these suspension upgrades, as the PC Store only has two: (1) BT Tech Stiffening Plate (which you have) and (2) BT Tech Strut Tower Brace.

    Personally, I've added wider and better tires (Goodyear Assurance TripleTred size 195/60R15), the BT Tech Stiffening Plate and the BT Tech Strut Tower Brace, and I like all three.

    Of these three, the wider and better tires will make the Prius' handling and braking safer.

    But the Strut Tower Brace will improve the Prius' handling the most. It noticeably reduces the car's turn-in lean/body roll, and turns a below average handling car into a fun car to drive.

    Here's the best thread on PriusChat regarding the Strut Tower Brace:

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...-strut-tower-brace-install-pictures-text.html

    And here are the installation pictures and instructions for the Strut Tower Brace:

    [​IMG] BT Tech Strut Tower Brace Install - By GadgetDad (Lee) v2.doc
     
    #4 Boo, Jul 9, 2009
  5. sclieu

    sclieu Junior Member

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    My wife has Rheumatoid Arthritis and has problems getting in and out of the car because it's somewhat low. Does anyone know how to raise the car about 1-2 inches? I've been searching and seems like I can only find lowering springs.
     
    #5 sclieu, Jul 10, 2009
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