My official Prius mods thread.

DocVijay · Apr 4, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PRIUSGT @ Apr 4 2006, 06:10 PM) [snapback]234934[/snapback]</div>

I figured I chime in on this thread. I am going to be doing the same things DOC has been doing but I wanted to shoot the question out there for power gains. I know we can make the little car handle great and also look go, but what about any peep gains. I made a custom exhaust which by "Butt Dyno" helped out. I am thinking of making a custom air box as well. Anyone else try anything or see anything other than the blitz turbo system?
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Yes, I'mplanning on getting an aftermarket exhaust. I'm just going to get the Tom's system, as I know it won't interfere with the rear braces. I could do it cheaper myself, but I don't have hte time these days. I'll just get it and bolt it on. Much easier.

I'm also interested in some sort of intake. As of now there are none, so custom is the only way to go. There are likely some aftermarket kits out there that could easily be adapted to work on the Prius, as I'm sure it shares similar parts with other models. It may be as simple as using the adapter in the kit and a very short length of silicone to mate it to where the factory intake enters the engine.

I would love to get more power, but it's not that high of a prioroty right now. I'm buying a Lotus Elise in about two years, so that will satisfy all my power and speed needs. The Prius is my DD, and I'm just trying to make it more fun. It'll be around for probably quite a few years, so I'm not going to do anything that would potentially compromise the durability.

Other than those minor restrictions, anything is fair game. And after the extended warranty is long gone (which will barely be three years at this rate), even the turbo is a go.

PRIUSGT · Apr 4, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bernzx @ Apr 4 2006, 06:25 PM) [snapback]234961[/snapback]</div>

PRIUSGT,
Could you share the details of your custom exhaust? What kind of muffler did you use, is it loud at freeway speeds? Did you replace the exhaust pipe too? Any gains in your gas mileage?
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I used a Dragon style muffler. IE. universal muffler. I looked for one with a silencer insert so I could add it if I wanted a stock sound or take it out for aggressive sound. It is louder than stock. If stock is 70DB I would say it went up to 75-77DB. Louder but it does make the car sound a lot more aggressive and not is not to loud. Well aggressive as far as a hybrid goes LOL. I will try to get some sound clips for you all.

What it looks like with the silencer.

FYI The opening is 1 inch diameter pipe. The stock prius pipe diameter is 1/2 pipe. U need to make a coupler pipe if you do anything other than TOMs. If you want more power you can take out the 2 resonators on the car. Though not sure how loud that will make it.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Apr 4 2006, 07:55 PM) [snapback]234992[/snapback]</div>

Yes, I'mplanning on getting an aftermarket exhaust. I'm just going to get the Tom's system, as I know it won't interfere with the rear braces. I could do it cheaper myself, but I don't have hte time these days. I'll just get it and bolt it on. Much easier.

I'm also interested in some sort of intake. As of now there are none, so custom is the only way to go. There are likely some aftermarket kits out there that could easily be adapted to work on the Prius, as I'm sure it shares similar parts with other models. It may be as simple as using the adapter in the kit and a very short length of silicone to mate it to where the factory intake enters the engine.

I would love to get more power, but it's not that high of a prioroty right now. I'm buying a Lotus Elise in about two years, so that will satisfy all my power and speed needs. The Prius is my DD, and I'm just trying to make it more fun. It'll be around for probably quite a few years, so I'm not going to do anything that would potentially compromise the durability.

Other than those minor restrictions, anything is fair game. And after the extended warranty is long gone (which will barely be three years at this rate), even the turbo is a go.
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LOL Turbo. Might as well make a SC, more power off the line LOL. I will let you know what I come up with on the intake. It has to be good for at least 1 HP 2 max

DocVijay · Apr 4, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PRIUSGT @ Apr 4 2006, 09:06 PM) [snapback]234995[/snapback]</div>

...if you do anything other than TOMs...
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Sigma also has the "Ganador" cat back setup. That one has twin tips, and is about 10dB louder than the Tom's. The Tom's is only 1dB louder than stock.

As for a supercharger, maybe the TRD Scion can be modified to fit...

darelldd · Apr 8, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Dec 28 2005, 08:27 AM) [snapback]179896[/snapback]</div>

I've heard some say that this is not as good as those that have a connection to the battery, but I'm not so sure. The initial ignition takes quite a bit of current, but the ignitor stores enough charge to accomplish this. Besides, once the arc is lit, it requires LESS current than a regular halogen, so the factory wires can easily handle this. [/b]
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Bjorn -

Going WAY way back here for a moment (man, you need some links to find this stuff in your huge thread!)... The guys who are serious about HIDs say that a relay definitely should be used because of that initial start current. Obviously when running there is no issue, but the severe start current can be a killer to car's system (this all comes from HIDplanet.com). Where did you read about the ignitor storing enough energy for this? How? In caps? How long can it store it? I keep waffling about doing this mod... thinking I should do it right with a projector lens, but then the cost keeps getting in my way - and they're down there in harm's way. I think I'll at least try the cheaper way first. Do you have a shot of your fogs shining on a blank wall (garage door)? I'm very curious to see how uniform the beam is, and the horizontal cutoff. I'm not all that impressed with the uniformity and cutoff of the HID headlights that were DESIGNED for the HID bulb, so I have my doubts about the quality of the fog's beam.

(I hope we don't stir up the debate about doing HID conversions again! Shhhh.)

bernzx · Apr 8, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PRIUSGT @ Apr 4 2006, 08:06 PM) [snapback]234995[/snapback]</div>

I used a Dragon style muffler. IE. universal muffler. I looked for one with a silencer insert so I could add it if I wanted a stock sound or take it out for aggressive sound. It is louder than stock. If stock is 70DB I would say it went up to 75-77DB. Louder but it does make the car sound a lot more aggressive and not is not to loud. Well aggressive as far as a hybrid goes LOL. I will try to get some sound clips for you all.

What it looks like with the silencer.

FYI The opening is 1 inch diameter pipe. The stock prius pipe diameter is 1/2 pipe. U need to make a coupler pipe if you do anything other than TOMs. If you want more power you can take out the 2 resonators on the car. Though not sure how loud that will make it.
LOL Turbo. Might as well make a SC, more power off the line LOL. I will let you know what I come up with on the intake. It has to be good for at least 1 HP 2 max
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PRIUSGT, thanks for the information on your exhaust system, this was very helpful. By the way I just saw "Failure to Launch" tonight and there was a blue Prius driving around near the end of the movie.

Escalade_on_22s · Apr 12, 2006

Doc,
I just went to tirerack and purchased the WedSport TC005 16x7 wheel with the Firestone GTA-2 195/55/16 tire combo. This was the lightest thing I could find which would offer the slightest shred of performance. The combo only cost $1500 shipped and mounted.

WedSport TC005 weight: 12.7 lb (2 lb less than stock)
Firestone GTA-2 tire: 19.6 lb (2.5 lb more than stock)

The overall weight is within 6 oz of stock, and the combo should provide much more cornering potential combined with the TRD Sportivo kit I have on order. I hope to preserve/enhance stock MPG with much better handling. I also have the JDM ver A body kit on order, which MIGHT help reduce airflow under the chassis when combined with the lower suspension. I really hope to see improved MPG numbers! If not it should at least look completely original.
Bryan

DocVijay · Apr 12, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Apr 8 2006, 02:47 AM) [snapback]236682[/snapback]</div>

Bjorn -

Going WAY way back here for a moment (man, you need some links to find this stuff in your huge thread!)... The guys who are serious about HIDs say that a relay definitely should be used because of that initial start current. Obviously when running there is no issue, but the severe start current can be a killer to car's system (this all comes from HIDplanet.com). Where did you read about the ignitor storing enough energy for this? How? In caps? How long can it store it? I keep waffling about doing this mod... thinking I should do it right with a projector lens, but then the cost keeps getting in my way - and they're down there in harm's way. I think I'll at least try the cheaper way first. Do you have a shot of your fogs shining on a blank wall (garage door)? I'm very curious to see how uniform the beam is, and the horizontal cutoff. I'm not all that impressed with the uniformity and cutoff of the HID headlights that were DESIGNED for the HID bulb, so I have my doubts about the quality of the fog's beam.

(I hope we don't stir up the debate about doing HID conversions again! Shhhh.)
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Sorry, I missed your post somehow. Anyway, I really don't think it will be a very big issue as to the startup current required to fire up the bulbs. What I did have to do is go from a 15 amp fuse on the fog light circuit to a 20 amp fuse. The 15 amp would sometimes blow on startup, maybe 1 out of 4 times. I'm not concerned about it for several reasons. First, the legth of the current spike is very short, as shown by the fuse not blowing every time. Also, it seems the actual current is barely over 15 amps, other wise the fuse would blow almost always. Because the duration of the higher current is very brief, the wiring should be able to handle it without even breaking a sweat. I'm not planning on changing anything. Anyway, only time will tell...

I don't think you need a projector lens to do it right. The design of the fogs is actually quite good for an HID conversion. If you look there is a metal reflector cap that covers the bulb, so the direct light of the bulb is not there. The reflector gets to do it's job and shape the light as intended.

One note though. Make sure your ballasts are securely mounted. I had zip tied mine in place and one had come loose. It stopped working. I have no way of knowing if the knocking around killed it, or it was just a bad unit, but to eliminate that possibility I'm going to screw them in place more securely. A new ballast is on it's way now. The other still works just fine.

As soon as it arrives, I'll take a picture agasinst my garage door to get the beam pattern. The cut-off is very sharp for the fogs. I'll try and pull hte headlight fuse so that I can get a pic of just the fog light pattern too. Check back...

DocVijay · Apr 12, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Escalade_on_22s @ Apr 12 2006, 02:29 PM) [snapback]238659[/snapback]</div>

Doc,
I just went to tirerack and purchased the WedSport TC005 16x7 wheel with the Firestone GTA-2 195/55/16 tire combo. This was the lightest thing I could find which would offer the slightest shred of performance. The combo only cost $1500 shipped and mounted.

WedSport TC005 weight: 12.7 lb (2 lb less than stock)
Firestone GTA-2 tire: 19.6 lb (2.5 lb more than stock)

The overall weight is within 6 oz of stock, and the combo should provide much more cornering potential combined with the TRD Sportivo kit I have on order. I hope to preserve/enhance stock MPG with much better handling. I also have the JDM ver A body kit on order, which MIGHT help reduce airflow under the chassis when combined with the lower suspension. I really hope to see improved MPG numbers! If not it should at least look completely original.
Bryan
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Let me know how that combo works. I imagine it'll be great. Also, you'll likely get you'rs before me. The wheels have to be shipped from Japan. Even though it's considerably more expensive ($2200 for just the wheels), I wanted a 17". Also, I wasn't concerned about getting tires from the same place, so I'm getting the Generals I listed in post #1. Also, and most importantly, 3 pounds under stock each!

I had a friend ask me that if hte 17" wheels/tires were that light, why not go for a 15" and get way under the factory weight. Well, it turns out the 15" tires are not necessarliy any lighter than the 17" General. Most are actually heavier. Also, the wheels don't get too much lighter. I could save another pound in the end, but I'd loose the handling I've grown to love.

By all means post your results with the Sportivo kit. I'm just annoyed someone else got it before me...

Begreen · Apr 12, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Apr 12 2006, 12:23 PM) [snapback]238673[/snapback]</div>

Let me know how that combo works. I imagine it'll be great. Also, you'll likely get you'rs before me. The wheels have to be shipped from Japan. Even though it's considerably more expensive ($2200 for just the wheels), I wanted a 17". Also, I wasn't concerned about getting tires from the same place, so I'm getting the Generals I listed in post #1. Also, and most importantly, 3 pounds under stock each!

I had a friend ask me that if hte 17" wheels/tires were that light, why not go for a 15" and get way under the factory weight. Well, it turns out the 15" tires are not necessarliy any lighter than the 17" General. Most are actually heavier. Also, the wheels don't get too much lighter. I could save another pound in the end, but I'd loose the handling I've grown to love.

By all means post your results with the Sportivo kit. I'm just annoyed someone else got it before me... [/b]
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Hey Doc,

I just wanted to stop by and say thanks for all your detailed posts and advice. My car will probably not see half of the changes that you've incorporated, but it will see some of them. HID fogs will likely be next. The photos, steps and feedback really help boost confidence. Keep up the fun stuff and great posts.

- Will

DocVijay · Apr 12, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Begreen @ Apr 12 2006, 04:42 PM) [snapback]238703[/snapback]</div>

Hey Doc,

I just wanted to stop by and say thanks for all your detailed posts and advice. My car will probably not see half of the changes that you've incorporated, but it will see some of them. HID fogs will likely be next. The photos, steps and feedback really help boost confidence. Keep up the fun stuff and great posts.

- Will
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Thank you very much for the comments. Always nice to see someone else enjoying my insanity!

BTW, here are some pics of wheels I'm getting.

Escalade_on_22s · Apr 13, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Apr 12 2006, 02:23 PM) [snapback]238673[/snapback]</div>

Let me know how that combo works. I imagine it'll be great. Also, you'll likely get you'rs before me. The wheels have to be shipped from Japan. Even though it's considerably more expensive ($2200 for just the wheels), I wanted a 17". Also, I wasn't concerned about getting tires from the same place, so I'm getting the Generals I listed in post #1. Also, and most importantly, 3 pounds under stock each!

I had a friend ask me that if hte 17" wheels/tires were that light, why not go for a 15" and get way under the factory weight. Well, it turns out the 15" tires are not necessarliy any lighter than the 17" General. Most are actually heavier. Also, the wheels don't get too much lighter. I could save another pound in the end, but I'd loose the handling I've grown to love.

By all means post your results with the Sportivo kit. I'm just annoyed someone else got it before me...
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I'll be real anxious to hear how your 17's work! It looks like I'll be about 1.5 lbs heavier per corner due to tire weight, but my footprint should be 25mm narrower. It'll be interesting to see who's mileage creeps up the most (if any). I initially wanted 17's also, but I didn't know there was a tire that light in that size. Mainly I just couldn't justify spending $550 per wheel... my spending cap was half that! I'm happy with a 16x7 that only weighs 12.7 lb at half the cost. If you can, do some G-tech testing... I'll do some this weekend and post the results when I get the new wheels on Monday. I'll have to wait about 6 weeks on the suspension kit
Bryan

DocVijay · Apr 14, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Escalade_on_22s @ Apr 13 2006, 10:42 AM) [snapback]239078[/snapback]</div>

...I just couldn't justify spending $550 per wheel... [/b]
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Yeah, I hear you. I couldn't justify it either... to my wife. SHe laid it down last night, put the brakes on the spending on car crap. Note, she said put the brakes, as in slow down, not stop...

Anyway, I guess I will slow down for a while. It does get a bit out of hand sometimes...

TomKahn · Apr 14, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Dec 18 2005, 03:14 PM) [snapback]175326[/snapback]</div>

This will be the thread where I will post all my pictures and write-ups for all the mods I will do to my 2006 Prius. This way I can have everything in one place. First let me just list the things I plan to do:

key:
* = Parts ordered
** = I have these parts
BOLD = Installed

NEW WHEELS:
Buddy Club P-1 Racing QF
- 17"x7.5", 5x100, 47mm offset, 12.87 lbs (lighter than stock!!!)
NEW TIRES:
General Exclaim UHP
- 215/45 WR17, only 18 pounds (really high ratings at Tire Rack)
Titanium lug nuts (I have some Al lugs for now...)

I'll save 3 pounds off each corner with this potent combo.

17" Scion tC wheels w/ 215/45 17 Bridegestone Potenza RE92 tires
BT Tech stiffening plate
BT Tech rear spoiler (after 2006 colors available)
JDM Touring model spoiler
TRD Sportivo suspension kit
Tom's strut tower brace
Tom's front suspension brace
Tom's floor brace
Tom's rear lower brace
Tom's exhaust system
Tom's emblem (touch of bling)
Sherwood carbon fiber dash kit
HID fog light conversion
PIAA wipers
Stubby antenna

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DocVijay,

Do you know what the difference is between the BT stiffening plate and Tom's floor brace? They look like they go on in the same place. Are they just different manufacturers and designs of the same part?

Thanks,
Tommy Kahn

V8Cobrakid · Apr 15, 2006

there were pics posted. toms brace goes all the way across the floor.. bt brace replaces your current chassis brace.

ml86 · Apr 15, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Dec 28 2005, 02:36 PM) [snapback]180029[/snapback]</div>

I'll be posting them pretty soon. We're supposed to be having temos in the upper 60's/lower 70's soon, so I can install it then. Also, if I park the car outside, it'll warm up enough to do it. The pieces look pretty nice, so I have high hopes. I thought the CF would be a better choice for the high tech Prius than wood.
EDIT: Actually I'm not taking care of people. I decided that one doctor in a family was enough (my wife) so I deceide to scrap the 4 years of med school, and I'm starting law school in January! :blink: Yeah I know. I can't figure it out either .
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Any attorney that drives a Prius can only be half bad.

DocVijay · Apr 15, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TomKahn @ Apr 14 2006, 10:54 PM) [snapback]240007[/snapback]</div>

DocVijay,

Do you know what the difference is between the BT stiffening plate and Tom's floor brace? They look like they go on in the same place. Are they just different manufacturers and designs of the same part?

Thanks,
Tommy Kahn
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Here is the thread where it was installed and the diferences explained.

http://priuschat.com/Tomand39s-Floor-Stiff...ace-t12736.html

DocVijay · Apr 15, 2006

TRD Sportivo Suspension Kit is ORDERED!!

Stay tuned (in about 8 weeks...).

Until then I also orderd a sharkfin antenna, so at least I can install that.

And hopefully JL Audio will finally release the last part that I'm waiting for (Cleansweep CL-SSI) and I can get my audio system installed, along with some headrest monitors/PS2 for the kids to enjoy.

hycamguy07 · Apr 15, 2006

I want to see the pics of the Kenstyle spoiler install.....

DocVijay · Apr 15, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusguy04 @ Apr 15 2006, 10:06 AM) [snapback]240142[/snapback]</div>

I want to see the pics of the Kenstyle spoiler install.....
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Me too, but it's going to be a while before I order that.

SaeGai06 · Apr 20, 2006

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DocVijay @ Mar 23 2006, 04:31 PM) [snapback]229255[/snapback]</div>

One thing you should know, the rear lower brace and the floor brace may not fit without swapping out the factory exhaust for the Tom's exhaust. The Tom's website is rather vague, but that is what it suggests. Anyhow, if you're getting these, I'll wait until you install them to see, and then I'll order the exhaust if needed.
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Hey Doc,

Just finished installing my TOMS Parts that i received. I posted it on your "What's my next project?" Post.

Here's the link: http://priuschat.com/index.php?s=&showtopi...ndpost&p=240296

I absoutley love the handling now. Can't wait to order the Sportivo suspension too.

My official Prius mods thread.

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