Handling Upgrade Suggestions for 2007 Touring

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by andrewsilver, May 12, 2014.

  1. andrewsilver

    andrewsilver Enthusiast

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    Looking for advice on improving the cornering on my 2007 Prius Touring.

    A few years ago I installed a BT Tech Strut Tower Brace and BT Tech Chassis Stiffening Plate. I like them but I'd like to further improve the cornering and reduce body roll a bit more. I'd prefer not to lower the car - just stiffen it.

    The items I've been considering are:
    1. Tanabe Sustec front under brace ~$125
    2. Tom's Lower Body Brace ~$600
    3. Tom's Front Suspension Brace ~$325
    4. Tom's Floor Strengthening Brace ~$350

    Thoughts/comments/suggestions appreciated.
     
    #1 andrewsilver, May 12, 2014
  2. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    None of the above.

    Just put a Toyota Matrix / Vibe rear sway bar on. What a difference in the feel of the car. It just feels more solid on the road. Easy mod too. You can get the sway bar for $35 from the junk yard.

    ​
     
    #2 xpcman, May 12, 2014
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  3. andrewsilver

    andrewsilver Enthusiast

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    That's an interesting idea. What year Matrix/Vibe rear sway bars fit? Are there any writeups on priuschat for how to do install it? thanks.
     
    #3 andrewsilver, May 12, 2014
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    This thing??

     
    #4 JC91006, May 12, 2014
  5. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    I used the progressive bar from th motorsports on the rear which takes less than 1/2 hour to install, and a corolla front bar from the junk yard from I think its '03 - '08. that's a bit harder job but all those braces you mentioned will do nothing for body roll. though they will reduce body flex.
    I felt the body roll is excessive with oe sway bars; after replacing both bars it corners very flat. with just the rear bar it was much better, but it felt to me that the rear end wanted to kick out when you pushed it. very well balanced with both bars. I also run 205 tires, 215's would be even better.
     
    #5 69shovlhed, May 12, 2014
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  6. andrewsilver

    andrewsilver Enthusiast

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    Where can I get the THM rear bar? I can't find it online. Thanks!
     
    #6 andrewsilver, May 13, 2014
  7. Jason in OZ

    Jason in OZ Active Member

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    #7 Jason in OZ, May 13, 2014
  8. andrewsilver

    andrewsilver Enthusiast

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    Ok I just ordered the Progress Technology 62.2150 Rear Anti-Roll Bar from autoplicity. Thanks!

    Next I'll want to do the Corolla front bar - I'll have to start looking for one at the junk yard or ebay. Anyone have instructions how to install it?
     
    #8 andrewsilver, May 13, 2014
  9. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    yes, the progress bar is what you want (I need to fix my signature)

    there are install instructions in a thread about sway bars; not sure which one. you'll have to find it. biggest hassle is most folks had to lower the engine sub-frame at the rear to get the new bar in. also make sure your corolla bar comes with bushings and brackets for the frame cause the old bushings won't fit.
     
    #9 69shovlhed, May 14, 2014
  10. andrewsilver

    andrewsilver Enthusiast

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    I ordered the Progress Bar and installed it. Pretty easy - 2 bolts, 15 minutes. I did notice an improvement in cornering. I still want to do more, so probably need to learn more about the Corolla front sway bar and how to install it. Has anyone done a writeup with pictures? Thanks.
     
    #10 andrewsilver, May 19, 2014
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  11. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    I don't remember any pics... its not a hard job except for dropping the subframe down a little. there is a thread on sway bars which several people wrote about their sway bar install. search sway bar and you'll find it.
     
    #11 69shovlhed, May 19, 2014
  12. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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    I took a few pictures: Modding My 2008 Touring...."JustDidIt" | Page 7 | PriusChat

    [​IMG]

    Some of the in-line links are broken but the attachments still work.
     
    #12 Justdidit, May 26, 2014
  13. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    I highly recommend stickier tires. You do lose some MPG though.
     
    #13 a_gray_prius, May 29, 2014
  14. Scallywag

    Scallywag Member

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    I highly recommend Michelin Defenders over Energy Savers or Ecopias, they're just a better performing tire at slight MPG cost (still LRR).
     
    #14 Scallywag, May 31, 2014
  15. andrewsilver

    andrewsilver Enthusiast

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    Thanks. What size Michelin Defenders are you using? They don't appear to come in the stock size for a Prius Touring 195/55R16.

    Btw, I've been driving with my new Progress Technology 62.2150 Rear Anti-Roll Bar and the difference is noticeable. Thanks for the advice.
     
    #15 andrewsilver, Jun 1, 2014
  16. Scallywag

    Scallywag Member

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    Whoops. I didn't realize you had a Touring model and that Defenders didn't come in the stock size. Hopefully someone can chime in regarding "alternative" sizes for the Touring (I can only find alternate size recommendations for non-touring) and compare it to the available sizes of Michelin Defender (seems to be: Michelin Defender ).
     
    #16 Scallywag, Jun 2, 2014
  17. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    205's fit the 15" wheels good. might be a 205/50 or 55 would work on a touring. for some very stupid reason Toyota didn't sell the touring in the DC area. I almost never see one.
     
    #17 69shovlhed, Jun 2, 2014
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