Chassis Brace is a Prius MUST HAVE!

Thanks Dave,after reading about that car I found out the models with the 2.7 v6 are sludge machines also there is a issue with the coolant getting in with the oil causing all kinds of issues.The notorious check engine light was a recall with the cars computer not even related to the sludge issue.That car was a pain for me.If only i had got the 3.2 model it was more reliable from what i read

 

John, I'd say the 3.2 is more reliable than the 2.7, but still not that reliable...

 

I've had my '09 Prius for just over a year now, and day one started hatching plans. This thread had been in my open browser tab for 4 months and I finally purchased the last remaining (for now) G7 Brace tonight. Looking forward to being a part of the priuschat community!

 

welcome aboard! now get to modding! and give us pix.

 

Welcome to PriusChat intothemountains! Hope you have fun modding like I do!

 

im just wondering if it adds at all to the choppiness over bumps at all. what is your feeling on that

 

The mid body brace does not effect the suspension or ride. It reduces body flex near the driveline tunnel in a Gen 2 Prius. (2004 - 2009) It will mildly improve freeway stability in sidewinds. Here is the current version sold (by someone else) on ebay.

Prius Generation 2 2004 9"Box Beam"Mid Chassis Stiffening Brace Plate Rude person's | eBay

(I have never tried any Gen 3 mods, I have no idea of the effectiveness of any mod on your 2012)

 

anyone knows where to find a G7? all I can find in ebay these days is Rude person's for $59. any info would be appreciated.
thanks

 

Prius Chassis Stiffener to Toyota Prius Suspension Upgrades| PriusAccessory.com

 

That is double the price of a Rude person's right now on eBay. Am I missing anything?

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

What the hell is this. I am writing a brand and Prius chat is making it into "rude person's".

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

1) Prius aftermarket is often over priced, yes.
2) I think Danny is offering commentary in his software. Someone named Mike used to post here, and no longer can.

 

Thanks. Makes sense now.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

well that kinda sucks. mike was ok in my book. his brace works pretty good too. but you get more effect from the sway bar upgrade, unless you like body roll.

some of our moderators must need a waaahmbulance I guess...

 

sway bar? I am trying to understand what it is... but I can see it under my car, only the chassis stifener that it is still available on ebay for 59$ "M.I.K.E.5.0.0"

All I want to eliminate is that sensation when I turn and it feels like my car is a two part composite, while I feel I am turning the front of the car respond to my steering wheel but the back of the car is following another pattern. to me seems just like I am driving a firefighter truck with two steering wheels.

So, what is best to upgrade the sway bar or the Mid-Chassis stiffening BRACE?
2004 with 93k miles

Thanks

 

Here’s long conversation about rear sway bar Rear Sway Bar | Page 22 | PriusChat I think it would help more than chassis stiffener.
But you should also check the condition of rear shocks and rear axle bushings (there is only 2). Rear axle bushings would cause the feeling that rear wheels have their own steering. Maybe you could also check the wheel alignment.

 

In ALL honesty, the chassis stiffeners I tried made minimal difference. I tried the cheap lil chassis brace down by the exhaust turn, it did very little. I tried the front chassis brace, it helped a bit. It wasn't until i did the rear sway bar that I actually thought "whoa" i can really feel the difference. The front sway bar is the most difficult to install but most rewarding other than a full coil/strut suspension upgrade.

 

The chassis brace helped with cross winds, especially near semis. I never felt it was a performance mod.

 

you could call the sway bar upgrades performance mods, but also could be considered safety mods because the car handles so much better in turns. even if your not pushing it, you will notice the decrease in body roll.