Woodtrim and 17" Rims

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusguy04 @ Jul 3 2006, 03:12 PM) [snapback]280595[/snapback]</div>

It is very easy to install. Basically, you stick it on but there are little extra steps given in the instruction. It came with 3M Automotive Adhesion Promoter (4298). It came soaked in cotton pad. You wipe it onto where you want to install woodtrims. Then you just stick the wood trim on. If you want, you can use the hair dryer to heat up the back of the trim before installing.

It is hard in a sense because you only get one shot. Once it is on, it will stick like crazy. I find the armrests harder to install because of the side wall. I messed up about two times and I had to pull it back out. The whole plastic cover containing the power window button came off. I just pushed it back in. I hope it doesn't mess up the adhesiveness down the years.

Dennis

 

^^^
Very nice tip!!

Dennis

 

I just want to give you guys an update.

After I upgraded to 17" rims with 205mm wide tires, I have been averaging 47.6 MPG and still climbing. That's 8.5% lower from 52.0 MPG. FYI, I resetted the Comsumption screen MPG to restart my average (new feature in 06').

I installed it before the 4th of July holiday when the temperature shot up high. I used more AC and made many short trips. On top of that, I was enjoy a better handling so pushing the car hard. Therefore, my average was below 40 MPG. I guess the tire also needed some break-in. Now that I am back to the regular 85 miles round trip work days, the MPG has been climbing back up. I see it going up to around 48 MPG and don't think it will reach 50 MPG with these wider tires.

8% MPG hit is definately worth the better handling. Prius now drives like a completely different car. When changing lanes and making turns, the car feels like it is on the rail -- no wobbling or leaning. Prior to the upgrade, I thought it was due to soft suspension. What a difference a low profile 205mm tires make! I corner with the same confidence as my previous car (2000 Celica). I feel less cross wind on the highway also. I experienced a huge crosswind once (a van infront of me even crossed the white dotted line) and correcting back on course is much easier since steering is more responsive.

I find myself driving more aggressive because the car feels different. It is hard to resist, knowing these tires can grip more and would not slip when you give that 295 lbs-ft of torque to the wheels. I can corner at faster speed with confidence because the body does not lean.

BTW, I also got the "Prius Gas Electric Hybrid" decal installed. I'll post new pics soon.


Dennis

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(B Rad @ Jul 12 2006, 09:03 PM) [snapback]285359[/snapback]</div>

Yea, Rims are 15 lbs each -- the same as stock. The tires are 22 lbs each -- 5 lbs heavier than stock (ouch). The tires came installed with the rims and they are rated W (exotic - 200+ mph). When I replace them, I plan to shove the weight down to 20 lbs.

Dennis

 

A quick update. I have not reset my average MPG after changing to 17" Rims and tires. So far, the average climbed to 48.4 MPG.

Dennis

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Cheap! @ Jul 18 2006, 10:09 PM) [snapback]288491[/snapback]</div>

Only the rim is 2" larger in diameter. The tires are wider and gives more traction. Therefore, loss of some MPG.

Dennis

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tyrael @ Jul 20 2006, 11:04 AM) [snapback]289358[/snapback]</div>

#1 - GS Black interior with Red Walnut:


#2 - IS Black Perforated Leather Trim with Auburn Bird's-Eye Maple Accent:


#3 - LX Stone Leather Trim with Golden Bird's-Eye Maple:


Thanks for all the positive feedbacks guys. I think IS interior #2 looks the best. If you have dark color interior, Auburn Bird's-Eye Maple goes very well.

For comparison, here is Prius dark gray fabri color:


Dennis

 

Yet, another update. I am now averaging 48.8 MPG. I added extra touches -- the decal sold here in the Prius Shop and another EPA gas pump decal that said 60 City 51 Highway. Talk about bragging right!! I am definately getting more attention due to them. I noticed other drivers staring at the rims and/or decals. People also came and asked about the car in the parking lot.

I got one dumb question from a guy. His first valid question was, "What kind of car is that?". I told him it is Prius, gas electric hybrid. Then he asked, "Where do you get gas?". I went huh? So he repeated the same question. After thinking the best way to answer his question, I point to a near by gas station. :lol:




Dennis

 

I have been driving fast and aggressively again. Cornering is amazing and no tire squealing... I have yet to trigger ABS with these tires. I will try out soon by braking very hard when no one is around.

My current average is now at 48.6 MPG.

I hope I get my BT Plates so I can install it this weekend. I am starting to wonder if the plates will be noticable at all. Handling is very good (well above satisfactory) already with these new rims/tire combo. I have yet to notice cross wind on the highway again. It seems as if the wind just died down... I'll see how it goes with BT Plates and report back if I feel I get my money worth.

Dennis