I had just purchased a 2011 Prius base, and I wanted some info on making the Prius handle much better. I want a better handle car than stock without cutting any of the splash guards underbeath the car. So what is the difference between sway bars and suspension brace? Would anyone recommend a factory RAV4 or Xb sway bar or aftermarket front or rear or do I need both? Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.
As far as I know, none of the mods people have done to their Prii have required cutting back the splash guards. You will have to remove the front one under the engine to replace the front anti-sway bar, but you'll put it back on. I added the underbody stiffeners from Tanabe (front) and Cusco (middle), the Tanabe front strut bar, and the rear xB anti-sway bar, and I think handling is significantly improved. I also have the Tanabe NF-210 springs. I'm waiting for the Tanabe front anti-sway bar. You can find accounts in this sub-forum from others with different combinations of these items and others.
All suspension upgrades are bolt ons.. No cutting at all, to my knowledge.. Many different brand names all work bout the same.. Basic suspension upgrades are F/R sway bars, tower brace, stiffeners, shocks & springs, wheels upgrade is also a great way to help your handling... Tread & do more searching on here. So many open treads with same topic with a lot more better input... Congrats & good luck
Thanks for the quick replies. I am not plnning to lower the car nor change out the 15" stock wheels. I just want some better handling especially on the freeway and turning. Can anyone recommend me which sway bars to go with in the front and back considering cost and performamce in mind. Something along the lines of a Stock RAV4 or TRD from a XB In the front with TRD XB in the rear ? I think I'm going to pass on the tie bars and strut bars, I think sway bars will do just find.
Does anyone know how easy it is to install a TRD rear sway bar ? Does anyone have a installed picture for 3rd Gen?
The rear sway bar is easy to install. I would also consider raising the tire air pressure. I have mine at 50psi and they are almost as solid as my 17s with very little sidewall flex. Mpg improves as well.
Dark matter doesn't's install instructions. http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...6-diy-gen-iii-rear-anti-sway-bar-install.html
