1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Lowering Questions

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by macmaster05, Jul 23, 2010.

  1. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2009
    4,050
    730
    5
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    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.
     
  2. Supreme

    Supreme Hypebeast

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2010
    182
    19
    0
    Location:
    Philly
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    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.
     
  3. Supreme

    Supreme Hypebeast

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2010
    182
    19
    0
    Location:
    Philly
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    By the way, if you know where to purchase coilovers in the US let me know!!
     
  4. dtlegend

    dtlegend New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2010
    10
    0
    0
    Location:
    Daly City
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Check out Tanabe
     
  5. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2008
    2,927
    782
    0
    Location:
    IL
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
  6. jwp_pv

    jwp_pv Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2010
    14
    9
    3
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    II
    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?

     
  7. Supreme

    Supreme Hypebeast

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2010
    182
    19
    0
    Location:
    Philly
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A

    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.
     
  8. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2009
    4,050
    730
    5
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    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.
     

    Attached Files: