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Chassis Brace

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by Hoan, Nov 19, 2021.

  1. Hoan

    Hoan Junior Member

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    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XLE
    So I installed the Cusco chassis braces, and front and rear sway bars. It made a huge difference. I can't seem to find any front or rear strut tower braces. Does anyone know a source that makes them? I have even looked at online sources in Japan.
     
    #1 Hoan, Nov 19, 2021
  2. jteran5

    jteran5 Active Member

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    2019 Prius
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    XLE AWD-e
    For the front, there are two companies I know that make strut braces that actually connect to the top of the strut:

    Hardrace - https://hardraceusa.com/products/q0067-hardrace-toyota-prius-zvw50-16-front-strut-brace-1pcs-set

    Tanabe - https://hybridpit.com/tanabe-front-tower-bar-for-toyota-prius-2016-2021.html

    I went with the Hardrace as it uses 3 of the strut studs as opposed to 2 in the Tanabe



    There are also two companies that make a "strut brace" but they don't actually connect to the struts at all but connect to ends of the frame together

    Cusco - https://hybridpit.com/cusco-front-os-strut-bar-for-toyota-prius-2016-2021.html

    Blitz - https://hybridpit.com/blitz-tower-bar-for-toyota-prius-2016-2021.html



    If you really love bracing, the last one that I can think of for the engine bay that I don't see anyone else making, is a radiator brace. And only Hardrace makes one. However, I just recently realized that it comes in contact with the hood prop arm when closed. Very very minor contact. Currently waiting on some hood dampers to arrive so I can replace the hood prop.

    Hardrace - https://hardraceusa.com/products/q0119-hardrace-toyota-prius-16-front-radiator-brace-1pcs-set



    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #2 jteran5, Nov 25, 2021
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2021
  3. Shaunius

    Shaunius Junior Member

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    2009 Prius
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    Base
    Can you share the link for the Cusco parts you ordered? Thanks for sharing wanted to do this real bad how hard was the Install?
     
    #3 Shaunius, Nov 25, 2021
  4. Hoan

    Hoan Junior Member

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    XLE
    https://hybridpit.com

    MEG PS1 | MEG

    The rear sway bars are super easy. Maybe 15-20 minutes. The front sway bar about an hour, you need to drop the subframe. The front and center brace about 30 minutes. I'd also recommened the Spoon ridgded collar kits. I've used this on my STI and it made a huge difference. I also installed the MEG 1 brace. I did each install to see how much it made a difference. My 2020 Prius Prime handles much better, less understeer. Next I will get coilovers and wheels. The place that does my alignment and cornor balance closed. The shop is West End Alignment. The owner has you sit in the car when he corner balances your car.
     
    #4 Hoan, Nov 28, 2021
  5. Hoan

    Hoan Junior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
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    XLE

    Will the Hardrace fit a 2020 Prime? THe raditor brace looks like it will fit, I know the strut tower brace has problems. As the headlights are different. But I don't mind triming plastic to make the start brace fit.
     
    #5 Hoan, Nov 28, 2021
    TGrracie likes this.
  6. jteran5

    jteran5 Active Member

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    To be honest, not 100%. I assumed all the mounting points were the same in the engine bay between the prime and non-prime, but can't really compare...

    Did you do the spoon rigid collars as well? They're pricey for what they are but no one else really makes a set for our cars. I did do it on mine when I did the sway bars just because I knew I had to drop the front subframe and figured I might as well do it while it's dropped so I don't have to do it again later. Can't confirm if there's a noticeable improvement because I did so much at once lol. From reviews, lot of ppl say they're a big difference.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #6 jteran5, Nov 28, 2021
  7. Hoan

    Hoan Junior Member

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    2020 Prius Prime
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    XLE

    No I have not done them yet. I have to go to Japan to see family. So I will buy them there, much cheaper. So far all my bbracing has made a huge dofference. I wish I can do a rear strut tower brace.
     
    #7 Hoan, Dec 4, 2021
  8. DOHCtor

    DOHCtor Member

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    SE
    So Cusco makes a Rear Swaybar that fit's my Prime... Hummm Tempting..

    As for the Rigid Collar Kit, i have that on my 2012 Civic Si and it made a world of a difference! Front end if much more connected to the road, responds better\quicker to inputs and there are much less front end noises that were related to flex. Squiky dashboard, etc.. One of the most worthwhile mod i did to that car along with the Progress 22mm RSB that's for damn sure...
     
    #8 DOHCtor, Dec 14, 2021
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