I went a bit mad a couple of weeks ago and modded the heck out of my little car. I had been wanting to do the TRD Sportivo shocks and springs for a while but I didn't want to wait forever for the parts. I called Carson Toyota to see how long it would take to get them in and they said that then actually had a set IN stock! I raced down there (as much as my Prius would let me race) and picked them up. The next day I went in to Discount Tire (where I ordered my wheels and tires) and had everything installed. I ended up going with the Motegi DP 12 wheels in black with the polished lip. The tires are Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 205/45R17. I just have to say I LOVE the ride of this car now. No more driving on marshmallows! I can actually feel the road and the bumps, although I'm sure a lot of people won't like this aspect. Cornering has greatly improved, as well. My wife and I really like the new feel. I haven't had them really long enough to notice any mileage differance due to the heavier wheels. The accelleration seems to be pretty much the same as before if maybe a tad more sluggish. I also had the stereo system all redone w/ a DVD player, Dynaudio speakers, and Butler amps. That report is in the Audio Mod forum. Question: Should I get rid of the roof rack? I don't use it much and I'm not sure how much I like it now. It does give the car a more unique look... Here are some pics: [attachmentid=5821] [attachmentid=5822]
nice! hmm, well it will help reduce drag by taking it off. It does match the wheel but no point wasting money (i.e. fuel) by leaving it on.
Very nice score! It took 8 weeks to get my TRDs, but it was worth it. Are you going to get the Tom's chassis bracing?
Nice- But get rid of the roof rack unless you are actually going to use it and also, do yourself a favor and get the side body moldings. Mine have saved me a couple of dings.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Presto @ Dec 4 2006, 01:42 AM) [snapback]357262[/snapback]</div> I hope to as soon as I pay off my credit card! Probably in January. Any pieces you recommend over others or should I just do them all at the same time? <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cairo94507 @ Dec 4 2006, 09:36 AM) [snapback]357329[/snapback]</div> Thanks! Yeah, I'm still on the fence about the rack. A buddy is trying to convice me to keep it but the extra drag does affect the ride, especially at high speeds. Thinking about the body mouldings, too. I like the smooth, clean lines without it, tho. What if I got it in black...? Hmmm... Maybe a little too much...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Erick @ Dec 4 2006, 11:01 PM) [snapback]357841[/snapback]</div> I did mine piece by piece since I wanted to see the handling changes with each addition. You have the BT brace already which is on the back of the car, I'd work on the front next . The first TOM's piece to get would be the front lower brace, according to a few threads here. It'll noticeably improve handling and steering response.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Presto @ Dec 5 2006, 10:16 AM) [snapback]357909[/snapback]</div> Cool - thanks for the tip! My b-day is coming up too so maybe I'll drop some hints to the wifey (when I say hints I mean I'll buy it and have her wrap it).
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Erick @ Dec 4 2006, 11:01 PM) [snapback]357841[/snapback]</div> Nice job on putting together your Prius. I opted to install all the TOM'S part all together. I didn't want to order, wait, then install the parts one at a time. Not to mention impulse buying. lol With these TOM'S braces along with the tC wheels the cars handling changed dramatically. Steering response was quick and body roll was minimized. I'm calling Carson's Toyota tomorrow to see if they have another Sportivo in stock. That's the last item I need to complete my suspension mods.
Looks great! How are you keeping the trunk rattle to a minimum with the added bass though? Mine rattles like crazy! I've tried to add seom Dynamat and you cant really apply it well back there on the hatch and in the process I lost some of the clips for the hatch panels INSIDE the hatch itself.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Erick @ Dec 3 2006, 11:30 PM) [snapback]357202[/snapback]</div> So how did you get Discount Tire to install the new springs shocks and struts? Here they only do tires and wheels, no other automotive work at all. David
Wow, that looks nice! I agree; waiting for the TRD parts to arrive is a killer. Do you know, what is the weight of each of those tires? A wheel? I think we ought to get commission for driving sales to Carson Toyota.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Dec 11 2006, 05:14 PM) [snapback]360566[/snapback]</div> yeah the car look great... and the rack gives it that nice special look but milage will look better :lol: i agree we should get some commission haha i was lucky they had a kit there and shipped it the next day... should arrive this week... they do have great service anyway.
Re: New Sportivo & 17" Wheels/Tires! What did you do about your tire sensors? Did you have to register them again with the dealership? Did they transfer over, or did you buy new ones? Looking to get new wheels too!
Don't they just transfer the valve/sensors from the old wheels to the new ones? I can't imagine him buying 4 sets of 500$ sensors...
