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What mods can you do to a prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by RobsF-350, Nov 25, 2009.

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  1. RobsF-350

    RobsF-350 Powerstroker!!

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    I don't know much about these cars, and I don't own one. I am curious if these cars can have engine, exhaust, or drivetrain mods done to them. Is it even possible to add performance accessories to these cars? I can do quite a number of things to my diesel but it's a whole different animal all together.
     
    #1 RobsF-350, Nov 25, 2009
  2. bighouse

    bighouse Active Member

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    Excellent question Rob! There are lots of cosmetic mods, as well as electronic mods- but the biggest and most expensive is to covert one into a plug-in electric vehicle. Thank you for asking- My car is pretty stock so I will defer to the many others here who will likely pitch in...
     
    #2 bighouse, Nov 25, 2009
  3. bighouse

    bighouse Active Member

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    Out of curiosity, Rob, what's the mod you've made to your rig that you are the most pleased with?
     
    #3 bighouse, Nov 25, 2009
  4. dalton2

    dalton2 New Member

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    with the plug in electric dose it eliminate the gas engine? or dose it stay for backup on a long trip?
     
    #4 dalton2, Nov 25, 2009
  5. bighouse

    bighouse Active Member

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    Backup. Think "chevy volt".
     
    #5 bighouse, Nov 25, 2009
  6. dalton2

    dalton2 New Member

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    for me it was the chip added 120+- horse and 3-4 mpg!
     
    #6 dalton2, Nov 25, 2009
  7. dalton2

    dalton2 New Member

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    thats what I thought but didnt know if it might be eliminated to save weight.
    I havent heard any thing about the volt lately, did they release it yet? is it all its cracked up to be?
     
    #7 dalton2, Nov 25, 2009
  8. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    I'm no techie. I let the others handle the details; I mostly work in generalizations. My Prius has only a single mod and it's the EV button. Funny thing is, in some countries it's installed by default but in the US, it's never installed my default. In fact, mine was imported from Canada.

    The EV button puts the Prius into electric-only mode. The ICE will only come in if one of four conditions are met:
    - speed becomes greater than 34 mph
    - the draw requirements are too great for the electric motor
    - the hybrid battery is too low
    - the hybrid battery temperature is too cold
    These are all self-preservation conditions designed to keep the driver from damaging the battery and/or electric motor.

    That brings up a point. Around here, the word "motor" almost always means "electric motor" while ICE is used to refer to the internal combustion engine. Conventional car owners will often interchange the two but we have to make that distinction very clear.

    There are many modifications that people have employed but to my knowledge (again, I'm not techie) there are no engine mods like a conventional car. The Prius engine is specifically designed and the compartment is so tight that I can't imagine how it would be possible. Also, the engine timing is variable based on need and it's all electronically controlled. In my mind, this makes dropping in a different engine challenging.

    For us hypermilers, most mods would be performed for the sake of improving our mileage. For example, some have disk wheel covers. Others have ground effects to move the air around the car rather than under it. Many of us block our grills in the winter to keep the cold air out though this doesn't really qualify as a true "mod."

    There are many more. Because the GenII Prius was produced for five years, there have been more modifications performed on that model. Take a quick peek here: Gen II Prius Modifications - PriusChat Forums
     
    #8 TonyPSchaefer, Nov 25, 2009
  9. RobsF-350

    RobsF-350 Powerstroker!!

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    I've installled a 3 gauge set into my truck for temperature monitoring. I have custom tuning for increased HP/Torque gains while maintaining decent mileage for an 8000 pound truck. I am lifted, and run 37" tires. A 4" exhaust, and some cosmetic stuff too. My favorite so far is my custom tuning. I love the pull of the turbo charged engine. It's fun to drive!
     
    #9 RobsF-350, Nov 25, 2009
  10. bighouse

    bighouse Active Member

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    Tony, as a newbie here it toole like forever to figure out what ICE meant!!!
     
    #10 bighouse, Nov 25, 2009
  11. bighouse

    bighouse Active Member

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    Rob- what do you mean by "tuning"? Educate me please.
     
    #11 bighouse, Nov 25, 2009
  12. dalton2

    dalton2 New Member

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    wow when I saw ICE in other post I assumed it was some type control module, I was way off!
     
    #12 dalton2, Nov 25, 2009
  13. bighouse

    bighouse Active Member

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    That's nothing-I thought it was frozen water!!!
     
    #13 bighouse, Nov 25, 2009
  14. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #14 JimboPalmer, Nov 25, 2009
  15. dalton2

    dalton2 New Member

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    #15 dalton2, Nov 25, 2009
  16. bighouse

    bighouse Active Member

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    Yes there are several suspension kit manufacturers who specialize in improving handling and lowering a car.
     
    #16 bighouse, Nov 25, 2009
  17. unholy1

    unholy1 New Member

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    I am assuming, from an electrical standpoint, you could alter the voltage output of the electrical motor or install a higher voltage motor and use a step-down converter to regulate the regen energy back to a battery compatible 12v. :confused:
     
    #17 unholy1, Nov 25, 2009
  18. bighouse

    bighouse Active Member

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    Dalton, you'd be surprised! If I drop my car into power mode it uses both the ice and a very high torque electric motor working together..and i have passed many drivers on the road or when the light turns green who were left with a very surprised look
    on their face. That said, I always drive the speed limit and never below it. I am as fast as I need to be and pass plenty of other cars on the road.
     
    #18 bighouse, Nov 25, 2009
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  19. dalton2

    dalton2 New Member

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    I've never had the opportuity to "get on it" in a prius
    other Hybrids I have "tested" (escape) were not that impresive power wise, maybe the priuses lighter weight?
    how do you use the "power mode" is there a button or just stand on the skinny pedal?
     
    #19 dalton2, Nov 25, 2009
  20. bighouse

    bighouse Active Member

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    Button.
     
    #20 bighouse, Nov 25, 2009
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