Successful Gen III PiP install of Cusco Strut Tower Brace (STB)

No, I just tightened them to what seemed "right". It's a Toyota.

The brace would definitely would not fit without trimming that brake mount. I had a Dremel and with that it was really easy. It could probably be done with a hacksaw or a bench grinder.

It definitely helped with the handling. I have the Tanabe 2 point brace also. Prior to these mods I would have to say that the Prius is the worst handling car I've ever driven, except for the 1982 Honda Accord I had, but it had 300K miles and completely blown shocks. In fact I would go as far as to say the Prius is dangerous if you try to push it.

With the two mods, now its not scary, and I'm able to tell what its doing wrong. It still has a lot of body roll and understeer, but the constant corrections in the corners are no longer required, and the car feels a lot tighter. I have since added 17 inch wheels and that also helped (not as much as I would have thought), and I will be getting a sway bar in the very near future too.

 

Hey hbpb,
Thanks for the quick response, I had the Tanabe under brace installed before...but I don't like how it react, it makes the ride too rough over the bumps on the road, so I removed it and sold on Craigslist.

The strut tower bar I always want it but read the Tanabe have interfernce with the fuse box and the coolant reservoir etc, now I found the Cusco that is why I buy it. I used to own a 2001 Accord v6 before I buy the Prius, I also added the "NeuSpeed" strut tower bar and the it makes the car more precise in steering.

The "plus swaybar" definitely improve the handling when turn at 30+ mph more stable less body roll, I hope once I installed the Cusco STB will couple the sharp steering and stable cornering. I will post the result once I got the STB and installed it. I have a Dremel but don't what to buy to cut the brake mount. May be I will visit home depot later on. Thanks again for the fast response.

 

I just got mine today, this one from Juicehybrid.com, I ordered one before from Autoplicity.com waited 1 month and a half, they got me the RHD version, I have to return it. This time I think I got a new version from Cusco, I don't have to trim or cut anything like "hbpb" mention. I used the supply super thick washer to raise the height compensate the mounting bracket, it clear the brake fluid reservoir bracket, I believe Cusco might have change the mounting bracket. I started around 9:45 PM and finished it 11:30 PM, I took my time and when reassemble I stripped one of the wiper motor mount bolt, (@#$%^&

Test drive it doing 85 mph, no need to use 2 hands to hold on the steering wheel, just the palm rest on the top of the steering wheel, it made a noticeable improvement, highly recommend.

 

I was hesitant to order the Cusco STB until I read the last post. I was really hoping for a direct no-mod / no-cutting bolt on application, and it looks like this latest/newest LHD unit from Juicedhybrid may be the answer. Thanks.

 

Here I am enclosed the photos I just took, this may clear any confusion member may have!

 

It's amazing that a simple washer beneath the bracket was all that was needed to address the fitment issue...

 

Thanks for nedear88 | PriusChat I almost ordered a RHD verison from another big site (because was way cheaper than JH.com). And Juicedhybrid.com didn't have instock, even website say have Instock & Per Ginnie and I have to wait up to 6 weeks to get it. So did researching who is CUSCO dealers, found it in AZ state and Ordered on Monday 2pm PST and was the UPS was at my door yesterday (Wednesday). And installed today with help nedear88 | PriusChat English Installation guide PDF file & his tips.
I have yet test it out today, will test drive tomorrow.

 

Hey I am glad I can help, you did a great job fast and clean, definitely you will notice the different. I love it for my super long daily commute. Congrat on the super deal purchased.

 

So that's the blue protection film which you remove to reveal the aluminum bar? Cusco should've powdercoated the whole thing in Cusco blue. Looks better that way.

 

I total agreed with you, the blue looks way better that's why I took picture of it. Only part was blue metallic powercoated was the brackets.

 

So keep the protection film!! Keeps the nice color AND keeps it "protected". ;-)

Out of curiosity, how much did you pay? I ordered from JH, got a 10% discount, and got it within 2 days. Installation next week.

 

I paid mine $180 shipped to CA, and no Sales Tax, and win win for me!
I've called JH before, Ginnie won't give any discounts at all. 10% better than nothing.

 

Mine's being installed as I type, along with lowering springs, RSB, and the Rude person's mid and front chassis brace. Can't wait to drive her home! Report to follow.

 

I am so impressed by the new suspension. I don't know if its just one, or a combination of all the mods, but the ride is just fantastic! Not too low, not too rough, tight steering and turns! I love my little Prius!

 

Nice...congrat! the lower springs definitely enhanced the ride plus the STB and RSB play a big role in tighten the turns, since you are still using the stock 15" rims and tires (same here) it definitely absorb up the bumps and give a little cushion feel, mine still have a noticeable amount of body roll because I am on stock springs. but overall...I am pretty happy with my Prius and enjoy it every moment driving daily. You have the best setup for less $$$.

 

How did you get it for 180? JuicedHybrid.com is currently listing it as 215!!

 

I got mine from Juicedhybrid.com on a 5% off delivered promotion for $205, which is all right with me.

It is the latest version which was drop shipped to me by UPS directly to me from Cusco USA in California.


The issue of needing to "trim the black bracket on the left side" has been resolved. It is NO LONGER necessary.

I installed mine using a technique that I developed form many years of experience in working with tight hard to access fasteners in the automobile and aerospace industry.

I removed only the two top nuts on the strut bearing mounts on each side. I did not take off all of those wiper parts and drip pans or cowlings. I just installed the brace brackets with all of that stuff in place.

If you search the web for "juicedhybrid.com coupon codes," you can find the latest 5% off offer. I called the Horsepower Freaks people in California where the posted stated that he got it for $180 delivered. The guy who answered the phone had no clue that Cusco even made the product.

The only thing that I am not impressed with the brace are the Cusco socket head cap screw and acorn nuts, washers, and cheap split head lock washers that they used to mount the crossbar. On that account, I am working on a better engineered set of bolts and single nut that will serve the same purpose for easy access to remove and install the bar in a few minutes.

 

Here is the
linky Cusco Type OS Strut Tower Bars | HorsepowerFreaks
For $180 shipped (dropship) and no tax to Calif.,
please call and ask for:
Sean C Mcgill
ext: x226
Just tell NoMoreNow from PriusChat.com referral you. Otherwise there is $16 s&h.

Juicedhybrid.com was my 1st option, and Per Ginnie that I have to wait at least 30days and no discounts will be given for the wait, I told her please cancel my order per request (not going to wait).

After few searches, horsepowerfreaks.com had the best price and is instock.

btw, just fyi: horsepowerfreaks.com are located Gilbert, AZ not in Calif, The people you called in Calif was
"Authorized HorsepowerFreaks Dealers".