Stiffer suspension package questions

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Download_Complete, Apr 21, 2015.

  1. Download_Complete

    Download_Complete New Member

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    Hey PriusChat!

    I am building a modification plan for my wife's 2012 Prius 3. I have been lurking a lot on this site, and I have a specific question I want to ask:

    My goal is to make the car handle better. It's not a race car, it will be a daily driver, but I have owned a series of performance VWs and I would like a little more sporting setup out of the Prius. I would be targeting a current GTI level of handling and compliance from the car.

    I see TRD makes a set of springs, but I don't see many options for dampers. I am not really willing to blow money on coilovers for what will be a family car, so here's what I have for components:

    Underbody bracing (3)
    Front strut tower bar
    TRD springs
    17 inch wheels and tires

    Does anyone make shocks for the car that stiffen the ride, or are the TRD springs enough? Any advice here is welcome.

    - Matt
     
    #1 Download_Complete, Apr 21, 2015
    Burna J likes this.
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Just a thought, and I'm gonna get flamed in this forum: has your wife heard about this? ;)
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Apr 21, 2015
    Starbrand, Xterra72, Burna J and 1 other person like this.
  3. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    I have the TRD rear sway bar kit. It made a big difference.

    I have never seen any performance shocks for the Prius.
     
    #3 xpcman, Apr 21, 2015
  4. Download_Complete

    Download_Complete New Member

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    I guess a little background is in order. :)

    I'm inheriting the car and getting her an SUV. I like the car from a platonic standpoint. That said, The Prius was last on my list of vehicles (as well as various unpleasant medical procedures for that matter) we looked at, but she loved it so we went with it. I've warmed up to it somewhat since then.

    I just want to sharpen the handling. I actually really think that's all the car needs since it's quick enough for daily duties.

    I have the TRD sway bar on my list as well.
     
    #4 Download_Complete, Apr 21, 2015
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  5. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    I tried the stuff from CUSCO and Tanabe from Japan, but I was disappointed did better for less money making my own.

    The CUSCO strut bar was NOT cheap and took hours to install. It worked well, however.
     
    #5 Mike500, Apr 21, 2015
  6. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    OP, it could've been worse, she might have had a minivan as her daily driver. :D
     
    #6 xliderider, Apr 21, 2015
  7. Download_Complete

    Download_Complete New Member

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    It entirely depends on the minivan. ;)

    [​IMG]
     
    #7 Download_Complete, Apr 22, 2015
  8. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

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    Add TRD rear sway bar
     
    #8 cyclopathic, Apr 23, 2015
  9. solrunner

    solrunner Member

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    Check out Koni FSD dampers. I am planning to get these in the near future. Apparently they improve handling and ride quality. I've read dozens of reviews of them installed on different cars and most people love them.
     
    #9 solrunner, Jul 3, 2015
  10. ECR

    ECR Member

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    Are the Koni shocks adjustable or pre set valving?

    Has anybody used the Whiteline 22mm rear swaybar instead of the TRD or Tanabe swaybar? It is mounted way different and wanted to know the advantage?
     
    #10 ECR, Jul 4, 2015
  11. solrunner

    solrunner Member

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    #11 solrunner, Jul 4, 2015
  12. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

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    Tein street basics another good choice
     
    #12 cyclopathic, Jul 4, 2015
  13. WaterDragon

    WaterDragon Junior Member

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    Did you end up doing these mods? I am thinking of going down a similar path with my 2013 Prius V Three.
     
    #13 WaterDragon, Oct 12, 2016
  14. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    Drop 5k and go air.............. : )
     
    #14 Montgomery, Oct 12, 2016
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