Hi all, I am considering doing some suspension mods to improve the drivability of my 2011 III. I am considering the following mods: 1. TRD rear anti-sway bar 2. Tanabe strut tower brace 3. Tanabe under brace 4. Front anti-sway bar I do not want to spend too much money or take a MPG hit, so I am ruling out 17" wheels and springs. Planning to keep these two factors at stock. I also personally like the height my prius is currently at. A few questions: 1. In order of most effectiveness on drivability, how would you rank the above list? 2. Does the Prius currently already have a front anti-sway bar that I can rely on, and not have to put in an after market one? 3. Will I notice a big difference with 3 or 4 of the listed mods? 4. Which stores are the cheapest and best to deal with to acquire these? Thanks in advance guys!
I have 1,2,3 of your list. #1 - huge improvement, considerable decrease in body roll #2 - sizable improvement in steering precision somewhat better front grip #3 - barely noticeable improvement in front grip, clearance reduced by 1-1.5" at this point car would really benefit from grippier tires, better springs and shocks. Unfortunately most springs will lower car at least 1" and there isn't much to choose shock-wise unless you pay big bucks. IMHO if you don't do better tires and springs, #4 is really pointless, there isn't enough grip to push car to find out if it needed at all.
I have 1 and 2 and it made a noticeable difference/improvement. Also changing the tire pressure helped some too. One thing I would say, as someone who's had sportscars in the pasts, regardless of what you read here, with mods 1 and 2 your Prius will not be converted into a Porsche. It will definitely handle better and be more fun to drive as well as predictable in the corners but you aren't going to win any road race championships. The main thing these mods do is prevent the body roll (which is IMO very significant from the factory) and add a little sharpness to the steering. I needed ground clearance so I didn't go with the springs, 17's, or underbrace. I'm pleased with how my car drives and handles now. Moreso, I'm extremely pleased with not being pushed around on the freeway by crosswinds and passing vehicles. I would definitely do these two mods again if I had it to do over.
info in this thread may be helpful. http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...2179-need-some-help-upgrading-suspension.html
Give me some time, will have some real world info soon. Nothing tells you more about your suspension than autocross. Stay tuned.
I wish TRD Sportivo spring/shock package was sold at US dealers (not as grey market import) for reasonable. I als wish the Tokyco shocks/struts for Prius would be sold in US to make it possible to do Tokyco+Eibach upgrade for ~$500.
