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Complete Racing Overhaul

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by walamoonbeam, Nov 22, 2011.

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  1. walamoonbeam

    walamoonbeam New Member

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    First off, I don't want to step on any toes, as I know there are a lot of people who dislike the idea of using a Prius as a base for a performance car. But just HYPOTHETICALLY, if I were to desire to pretty much make my Gen 2 2007 Prius a track ready car, what specific parts/mods would you do to it?
    Things I've currently thought of are replace the front seats with sparco seats, and replace the rear seats with a 6 point roll cage. And I was also thinking 17" wheels with a wider track, using stickier tires, and some sort of suspension upgrade, but I have no idea what kind of suspension parts would be best.

    As this is half speculation, and only half serious pretend as though there are no price limitations :)
     
    #1 walamoonbeam, Nov 22, 2011
  2. LIPriusFreak

    LIPriusFreak Can I haz JDM?

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    you'd also need a real engine..not a 100hp electric go kart motor :rolleyes:

    Buy an Evo or STi and call it a day
     
    #2 LIPriusFreak, Nov 22, 2011
  3. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    The car can handle pretty well with the right suspension mods but like LIPriusFreak stated, the major limitation is HP and the unpredictability of the HV battery being charged or not which dictates how much power you have.

    Mods for handling:
    Lowering springs or coilovers
    New struts
    17"-18" wheels
    Rear sway bar
    Front sway bar (may induce too much understear)
    Strut tower brace
    Undercarriage brace (Tanabe)
    Good sticky tires

    The only problem is while the car will stick like glue to corners, you will be in a race prep class which will pit you against higher HP cars or ones that naturally handle better *cough* Miata and Jetta.
     
    #3 F8L, Nov 22, 2011
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #4 JimboPalmer, Nov 22, 2011
  5. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    Remove all hybrid components and install Redtop BEAMS. Everything about this car is completely inadequate for the track, except for the drag coefficient, so plan on stripping it to the shell and working your way back up. Might start with a burned one from Copart auctions, instead of taking apart a good one.
     
    #5 seilerts, Nov 22, 2011
  6. sidecar

    sidecar Member

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    absolutely require coilovers for their capacity for adjustment
    if you are going to run 17" wheels look at bigger brakes,
    and compare available competition equipment for Corolla, Scion and other models

    running just a Prius body might be a good thing as far as attention getting and how that appeals to advertisers, but the aluminium parts wont be as repairable so you need glass panels just about all round, its a Prius in name only, but that isnt a bad thing ..
     
    #6 sidecar, Nov 22, 2011
  7. walamoonbeam

    walamoonbeam New Member

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    Yeah, and also there are issues with the traction control system intervening all the time. But again I'm mostly just speculating. Thanks for the list!
     
    #7 walamoonbeam, Nov 22, 2011
  8. walamoonbeam

    walamoonbeam New Member

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    Ahahahahaha, yeah that is actually why I started thinking about this. I went to a company the other day for a sponsorship presentation, trying to get sponsorships for our robotics team, and one of the execs had an STI that he got the suspension tuned on (no engine upgrades, just handling), with sparco bucket seats, racing harnesses, and a roll cage in the back. I jokingly asked him if I could have a ride, and then he unlocked his car and then he told me to hop in. It was a fun 3 minutes. The presentation we did wasn't as exciting. Or loud.

    I know the Prius won't be quite the same thing, but I like the idea that it can be a sheep in wolf's clothing. Plus I figure it would be really unique to see a Prius with racing seats and a roll cage :p
     
    #8 walamoonbeam, Nov 22, 2011
  9. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    #9 F8L, Nov 22, 2011
  10. LIPriusFreak

    LIPriusFreak Can I haz JDM?

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    yeah the STi is DEFINITELY an interesting ride...my friend has an 07 STi with about 600whp running 30psi of boost...took me for a few rides...needless to say 120mph in an STi is an experience....a nauseating one but an experience nonetheless :lol:
     
    #10 LIPriusFreak, Nov 22, 2011
  11. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    I got a ride in a modified STI with an excellent track driver. The STI had about the the same power to weight ratio as my C6 corvette. 3 laps around Thunderhill Raceway in Northern California. 3 miles and 15 turns per lap of Nirvana.
     
    #11 xs650, Nov 22, 2011
  12. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    At 600hp, 120mph is what, a 30 second ride?

    OP: copy these guys

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/16285-prius-scca-solo-ii-fsp.html
     
    #12 a_gray_prius, Nov 22, 2011
  13. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    Buy a Corvette, then mould a modified Prius body to fit. :D
     
    #13 hyo silver, Nov 22, 2011
  14. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #14 JimboPalmer, Nov 22, 2011
  15. walamoonbeam

    walamoonbeam New Member

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    That's exactly what I was looking for! Ahaha that's so cool. Can't find any information on the ECU mods unfortunately. It would be cool to get a little more power. But whatever. I'm mainly interested in handling upgrades. Do you know of they are still racing with it?
     
    #15 walamoonbeam, Nov 23, 2011
  16. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    I have no idea if you're still racing it. You might want to try and track them down - they don't seem to be active around here anymore.
     
    #16 a_gray_prius, Dec 1, 2011
  17. LIPriusFreak

    LIPriusFreak Can I haz JDM?

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    not even...he hit 120 in just about a 1/4 mile....probably 11 seconds

    felt like an hour tho...the G forces were so intense and he doesn't have 3 point belts, just stand STi belts with the 2010 Suede STi seats
     
    #17 LIPriusFreak, Dec 1, 2011
  18. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    120mph is good for a low 11sec or high 10sec 1/4mile depending on the 60' time. :) I went 122mph on an 11.2 1/4mile with a 1.7 60' time. The nitrous was acting up though so the 60' was kind of high. It is normally 1.5 when N/A.
     
    #18 F8L, Dec 1, 2011
  19. Pinto Girl

    Pinto Girl New Member

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    Jack up the Prius radiator cap, and drive a new car underneath.
     
    #19 Pinto Girl, Dec 1, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  20. MarvinHC

    MarvinHC Junior Member

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    #20 MarvinHC, Dec 2, 2011
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