I received my BT Stiffening Plate through the Priuschat store. Thanks again Danny for seeing that I received everything so quickly. First of all, it was a breeze to install. You don't need jack stands or a hydro lift to install the plate. I merely laid down on my back, reached under and took the original plate off with a socket wrench. I then did the same thing and installed the BT Plate with a torque wrench. The whole procedure took less than 10 minutes. Now, for the performance of the car. I'm a pretty analytical guy, and I definitely feel a difference in the ride. This isn't in my head; it's in my car!!! From my perspective ... it was a worthwhile purchase.
I installed the stiffening plate after upgrading my tires. For me the biggest increase in handling is definitely gained through better tires. I'm not so sure about the plate. It is a nice piece of work and bolts up easily as you stated. But I think I might have noticed a bigger improvement in handling if I had stayed with the terrible integrity tires. Anyway, I am glad you like the plate.
I am with Montenido on this one. I got way more gain in handling thru wider tires than the plate. However, the wider tires hurt MPG, but not the plate. I did a fairly scientific test on the plate in term of roadholding g-force. It did no improvement that I observed. However, I definitely feel the Prius is more solid (rigid) when it goes over bumps and railroad crossings.
hey people, i'm thinking of converting my regular prius to the touring suspension, i'm gonna ask you a question here. when i looked under my car in the first oil change, i did NOT notice any type of bracing under the car. am i dreaming about this? am i wrong? does the touring package have this upgraded brace? thanks for your help
Hi Genoz, Both the standard and Touring Prius should have the same OEM brace or plate, and not the upgraded, aftermarket BT Tech Stiffening Plate. Look under the car a little in front of the rear wheels. Here are photos from the PriusChat Store: PriusChat Shop : BT Tech Chassis Stiffening Plate - $195.00$165.00
It is just a short plate with holes in it that goes across the bottom of the "centre tunnel" for want of a better name for it. It is under the exhaust pipe. The BT plate would be less inclined to flex under compression. I just got back from a 3000km journey in varying winds and speeds up to 172km/h (on the speed limiter) and the car was rock solid on the road on stock Michelin XM1 tyres and BT Tech plate.
I may have missed it ,but I would like to know if anyone has installed the brace on a touring model? These models ride and handle so well I would like to know if there is an improvement. Thanks, Nick. 2008 touring, silver.
