I'll get right to it: 1) Is my Touring suspension good enough to add lowering springs alone? I want an inexpemsive way to lower it without having to buy coilovers (I don't care for adjusting height as long as i get it right the first time, right?). But I have heard sometimes you need to add dampeners or new shocks if you use only lowering springs to reduce stiffness or bumpiness. I want my Touring suspension to have value here, so I don't have to buy new ones or replace it. It'd seem wasteful. 2) Where can I go to install the lowering springs. I am soooo not car savvy. And how much would installation cost me? 3) Should I buy new rims/tires before or after lowering the car, or does it not matter? 4) Will this void any part of my extended warranty, which I bought. Boy am I a sucker!... Thanks in advance.
1) Your shocks will wear out faster with lowering springs than with stock springs. The time difference is negligable imo. It's not like you'll blow them out in a year or two or anything. 2) I'd get your springs installed at a local tuner shop. See what's available in the area. SupremePowerParts in cali has a great reputation, not sure if they are close to you. They might be able to recommend someone. Look to pay around $150-$200 max. 3) Personally, i'd get your stance right, then get the wheels and tires. Wheels with low pro tires on a non-lowered vehicle tend to make it look like a 4x4. 4) Aftermarket springs will only void the warranty on your springs and any related suspension parts. Regardless, the dealership would have to prove that the springs caused the failure to deny your claim.
Sigma? Toyota Prius 2004 ~ 2009 NHW20 Performance, Handling & Electronic Accessories :: Sigma Automotive
MacMaster05, you should also consider the tire wear issue when you lower your car. Can others who have lowered their vehicles report on uneven tire wear? Is there even a Prius camber kit available?
Both H&R and Eibach make camber kits for the prius. If you are dumping on coilovers, i could see a use. Using springs with a mild drop the camber wear is negligible.
I found a great auto tuner and called him, he said he could do the lowering job for $150 plus whatever the springs cost. The problem is he couldnt find anything from his vendors that fit the Touring Prius, so I need to know which lowering springs work specifically for the Touring. Maybe he does have some parts that work for Touring from his vendors, that he just doesnt know. Then he said that a 1" drop is the most common, and that 2" is NOT conservative. I was expecting to drop at least 2". I did some Mythbusters-inspired-Photoshop work to see what my car would look like with only a 1" drop and I'm not impressed (see below- the left picture is stock, right picture is dropped). The difference is hardly noticeable. Do I need a body kit or something? So, which lowering springs are compatible with the Touring edition? And how many inches do I need to lower it if I want people to be able to say "wow, he dropped his Prius." Thank.
