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Drag Racing In A Prius, Pics and Videos

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by josh2008, Apr 19, 2009.

  1. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    Ebay engine $500, free labor. Don't know of a better way to get 30hp. Add a Blitz supercharger for another 35-40hp(granted more costly than the engine). 50+mpg, no......lots of fun and surprised individuals, yes.:D
     
  2. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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  3. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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  4. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    That guy was a troll. Tell me how you'd put an ICE in the back of a prius and connect it to the drive train?

    I'm not really excited about the mod being discussed in this thread either and I think there will be a plethora of technical problems related to the programming, emissions controls and ECU that will likely prevent it from ever working well, but at least it's someone who likes the Prius and has a goal and some technical know-how to potentially get it to work. If nothing else it's a nice intellectual discussion.
     
  5. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    As engine swaps go, this one sounds relatively easy. But still, there are many complications - mostly electronic - that may be difficult to conquer without some expensive testing tools.

    That's a major rebuild that would be a Prius in name only, retaining few of the original power train components. I'm picturing a rear-facing engine, a custom driveshaft, and front wheel drive. Of course, I was thinking of 1/25 scale, and I wasn't expecting it to run. :)
     
  6. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    I'm guessing the Honda wheel hopped enough to break his diff or half-shaft. Bad launch technique for sure!

    Did the Prius report his MPG figures at the end of the race?
     
  7. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    I believe the Honda did break a half-shaft.

    No report on MPG, accidentally reset while at the track. Had 3 pips on gauge and was @ 48.1 MPG avg. for the tank prior to "racing".
     
  8. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    Such as?? The only snag I can think of would be getting the valve and ignition timing to work properly with the new engine as these are two of the biggest differences in the engines, minus the compression ratio.
     
  9. DIV

    DIV New Member

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    On that subject--what's the point of the "trim rings"? The wheels look better without them. Are the trim rings a aerodynamic thing?
     
  10. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    I know Toyota had to do some reprogramming to get the most out of their Prius GT, which also used an Echo engine. When everything in cars is so highly computerised these days, I assume engine swaps would be difficult, if not impossible, without the proper diagnostic machinery to know what's going on. But don't let me stop you - if you know what you're doing, then more power to you. I'd love to hear how it turns out.
     
  11. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    I know what I'm doing to a point, I am venturing into uncharted territory here. If I wasn't confident I wouldn't even consider it. I'm going to see what I can do to get a bit more out of the current configuration of the car, see what some intake/exhaust tweaks do to it and go from there. I'm not going to modify the car at this time to the point I can't return it to stock if it doesnt work out.
     
  12. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    It's an intriguing idea, and tempting, knowing the Echo engine bolts on to the Prius synergy drive. I've heard reports of 150hp with a turbo, and there are enough chassis bits around to upgrade the handling to match. You've got a shop's worth of tools at your disposal...and, as you say, it's not like it's never been done before.
     
  13. mark5211

    mark5211 Junior Member

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    Did you ever attempt the engine swap (the non atkinson echo motor)? I'm wondering if a complete engine/trans/computer from a scion TC (2.4 liter) would fit? They share the same platform. And ditch all of the hybrid components for a purpose built race car. Used gen 2's are cheap (especially non running ones with worn out batteries).
     
  14. Topp Cat

    Topp Cat Member

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    Wonder if a Nox would work ?
     
  15. toyotechwv

    toyotechwv Toyota Technician

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    No never did. I'm driving a 3rd Gen now and competing in autocross. I'll be considering some power options down the road, once the car is paid for and I'm ready to move into a different autocross class.

    SM-G900V ?