I checked the rear ride height in my Prius before and after installing the HyMotion upgrade. With the extra weight from the HyMo battery pack, the rear height drops by about 3/4". I've been trying to locate a good source for getting some custom springs for the rear to restore the original ride heigt. I found Valley Spring Works in Dixon, CA but I can't get in touch with them -tried calling several times. Anybody know any other good sources for custom springs and what the upgrade would cost if I installed the springs myself?
I know that Eibach will make custom springs: Eibach Springs - Performance Suspension, Lowering Springs, Shocks, Sway Bars, Coil-Overs and Wheel Spacers!? I have no idea what the springs would cost, but it is not that difficult to change the springs if you have access to a strut spring compressor.
Thanks for the source lead. No, the HyMotion upgrade didn't come with stronger springs. Heck, it didn't even come with a scangauge which you need to track the MPG above 100. For 10 grand I got a big shiny box of batteries and a switch on my dash. Oh yea, my MPGs went up too.
I know that some of the other PHEV conversions come with stiffer springs - might want to try contacting them to see if they'll sell you just the springs.
The Green Car Company in Seattle/Bellevue Washington is doing an upgraded set of springs and shocks with the Hymotion. I would estimate that just about everyone who gets the Hymotion battery also gets the springs, shocks and Scangauge II. I think our technician told me only one person has declined them since we started. The first set of springs we tried raised the rear section too high. Then we got it right and it now sits perfectly over the rear wheels. The Prius Hymotion drives really tight and light now. I drove mine without the springs/shocks for about 3,000 miles. Once I had them installed, it felt like a new car. I am sure the manager will sell and ship the parts to you. You merely need to find a local garage to install them. Contact Don or Susan at 425-820-4549
I have nothing but great things to say about Bill @ Valley Spring Works. Originally I was going to order rear coils for my gen 3 Prius because I deliver the Chicago
Tribune. As it turned out I had to get a larger vehicle and I went with the 2015 Toyota 44runner. On Sundays I carry approx. 3000 pounds, and even this 4runner was sagging. Bill made me progressive rate coils, both front and rear, and now my truck is perfect- even on Sundays! With the vehicle fully loaded, it sits level. Terrific products.
