1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Best mod under $100

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by PRINUS, Nov 17, 2006.

  1. PRINUS

    PRINUS New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2006
    13
    0
    0
    Hello, I'm wondering what is considered the best bang for teh buck mod, under $100. Anything that helps anything pretty much, lighting performance, suspension, etc..

    Also is any one making a turbocharger for these cars? Nitrous?

    thank you
     
  2. dreichla

    dreichla New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2005
    2,230
    0
    0
    Location:
    Connecticut
    Yea - there's a Nitrous Oxide mod for about $99.99 - plus tax and shipping. I've been laughing ever since. You gotta get it!
     
  3. PRINUS

    PRINUS New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2006
    13
    0
    0
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dreichla @ Nov 17 2006, 01:30 PM) [snapback]350915[/snapback]</div>
    Link please?
     
  4. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    19,891
    1,193
    9
    Location:
    Nixa, MO
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I clicked on "Buy both now" on Amazon and got the turbocharger and Nitrous for only $110 if you wanna go just a little over budget.

    If this is a serious question from an "other, non-hybrid" owner who just signed up yesterday and has made only 2 posts and couldn't possibly be a troll, then I'll give a quick answer to that.

    I'd get the EV button and an engine block heater...you should have enough pocket change for a nice down payment on a display hood.
     
  5. PRINUS

    PRINUS New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2006
    13
    0
    0
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Nov 17 2006, 01:56 PM) [snapback]350945[/snapback]</div>
    Sorry, no, this is serious. I'm just having a little trouble navigating through this board.

    I asked because I think every car made can be improved with relatively cheap modifications.

    But I agree a block heater is a good thing to have, I'll do some research.
     
  6. Beryl Octet

    Beryl Octet New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2006
    1,293
    0
    0
    Location:
    Abingdon VA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Nov 17 2006, 01:56 PM) [snapback]350945[/snapback]</div>
    In Alabama, then I'd skip the block heater, and go for a wheelskin. It really dresses up the interior and just feels good on your hands when you drive.
     
  7. Alric

    Alric New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2006
    1,526
    87
    0
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    I'd go for the sharkfin antenna. It makes a remarkable difference on the general looks of the car. You can find a good write-up here:

    http://evnut.com/prius_antenna.htm

    Cheers!
     
  8. Suckit Trabeck

    Suckit Trabeck New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2006
    8
    0
    0
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Beryl Octet @ Nov 17 2006, 02:10 PM) [snapback]350972[/snapback]</div>
    Would the block heater improve gas mileage? Or would a colder block be more efficient?
     
  9. PRINUS

    PRINUS New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2006
    13
    0
    0
    Good link Alric! Sporty yet sophisticated!

    Suckit, I think a warmer block would mean better mileage but less performance.
     
  10. eagle33199

    eagle33199 Platinum Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2006
    5,122
    268
    0
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
    The idea of a block heater is to warm the engine before you start it - this reduces warm up time, which in turn increases your mileage. a warmer engine is better than a colder one.

    For people in southern states, it's not that big of an issue. a block heater only starts showing some measurable improvement when the temperature drops down to freezing or below at night. So Alabama and Georgia probably shouldn't be concerned about getting them.

    *quick edit*
    PRINUS, a warmer block is better all around - an engine works best in an optimal temperature range, which is definitely not freezing or below. Also, having a warm engine is definitely better for performance. Anyone up north can tell you that all cars suffer from performance decreases when winter comes, and only start behaving like "themselves" when the engine gets warmed up.
     
  11. Suckit Trabeck

    Suckit Trabeck New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2006
    8
    0
    0
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ Nov 17 2006, 02:21 PM) [snapback]350986[/snapback]</div>
    True. That makes sense. I don't know about the shark fin though, it does look a lot better than the stock antennae but not sure I want to drop $100 bucks on one.
     
  12. PRINUS

    PRINUS New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2006
    13
    0
    0
    Well it sure looks more aerodynamic, and flows with the lines better. Maybe enough people are interested for a group purchase?
     
  13. Pinto Girl

    Pinto Girl New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    3,093
    350
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I'd do little things to reduce the weight: take the plastic trim off the wheels, take out the spare (if you're willing, and carry a can of flat fixer instead)) and the little cover for the luggage area. You might also consider taking out as much of the rear seat as you'd feel comfortable parting with; certainly the seat cushion comes right out.

    I'd also add the BT chassis brace and air up the tires as much as possible, within their safe limits.

    That'd be closer to $130-ish (don't recall the current price of the brace).

    And, for an extra $1,000, I'd add the TRD suspension.
     
  14. BigKahuna13

    BigKahuna13 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2006
    5
    0
    0
    I am impressed already with this board, it's hard to be a newb and usually people say "use the search button" or something else so rude.

    I am digging that shark fin antennae mod but are you sure you measured enough times? :)
     
  15. dancekat59

    dancekat59 Member

    Joined:
    May 15, 2006
    244
    20
    0
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    PRINUS is asking for mods for a "non-hybrid"... not a Prius.
     
  16. PRINUS

    PRINUS New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2006
    13
    0
    0
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dancekat59 @ Nov 17 2006, 02:40 PM) [snapback]351002[/snapback]</div>
    No Ma'am, I'm looking for info for an '06 PRIUS.
     
  17. dancekat59

    dancekat59 Member

    Joined:
    May 15, 2006
    244
    20
    0
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Oops! Sorry about that. Looks like you just changed your car from non-hybrid to 2006 Prius.
     
  18. PRINUS

    PRINUS New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2006
    13
    0
    0
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dancekat59 @ Nov 17 2006, 02:48 PM) [snapback]351006[/snapback]</div>
    I think non-hybrid was the defaut setting. I had 2006 in my sig though.
     
  19. xr72z

    xr72z New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2006
    13
    0
    0
    I heard there is a GP for this shark fin, how do I get on this deal? Any idea what the GP pricing will be?

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Nov 17 2006, 02:37 PM) [snapback]350997[/snapback]</div>
    PintoGirl, you seem to have some experience with weight saving modifications. Have you done racing in the past or autocrossing?

    Additionally, cutting up your wheel wells recudes the weight drastically. My fabricator said that the pieces of metal taken out for my 22s, weighed in at about 120lbs! :eek: That itself should be a reason to get 22s.
     
  20. PRINUS

    PRINUS New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2006
    13
    0
    0
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(xr72z's prius @ Nov 17 2006, 03:11 PM) [snapback]351026[/snapback]</div>
    Yes Pinotgirl has some great ideas!

    I asked my mechanic about 22 inch wheels and he thought I was crazy! :p

    But I think if possible going even bigger would be best. With the high torque of electric motors, it might be possible to do some good towing with these cars!