Miller Cat Protector

seems like cats are the new prius 12 volt

 

Is that Miller Cat or Miller's cat(s)?

 

Question: Might there be additional heat build-up problems by covering this part of the exhaust system that could damage anything on the car? Toyota does keep this part of the bottom of the car uncovered as part of the design.

 

2013 Prius. I just had a millercat put on. It rattles. Not all the time but often when the engine first comes on, sometimes when accelerating, sometimes when coming out of turns. Pretty random but annoying when it is noticably loud. I am going to take it back to the shop to see what they can do.
When I first took it in to get it put on I told them I was concerned about rattles and they said they use rivets and it shouldn't be a problem. And they claim to do a lot of these so I am not sure what happened. Is this common? Is there something the shop should be doing to avoid rattles?

 

The exhaust system is mounted on flexible rubber hangers. When I installed my Cat Defender on my 2012 Prius v using the Miller Cat method with the rivet nuts, I noticed how close the center of the shield was to the secondary catalytic converter.

I hit the center and noticed how it banged on the cat.

So, all I did was to pull down the center of the plate with my hands to get a downward reverse "crown."

I was able to get a clearance of at least 1/4 inch down under the cat. It was installed 10 months ago in June 2020.

I've had no rattles at all.

 

2021 Prime model, Planning to get the stainless Steel Miller cat shield, , (aluminum is just too soft as a security guard, IMHO)
3 questions:

1)Has anyone ordered it with the "BEST" security screws(6), an $ 30 up-charge?

2)It appears straightforward to install, any reason to go to shop for install if I a have my own hand-tools, and lift jacks?

3) Finally does anyone have a more current discount code for 10% off as listed in an earlier post?
It was not accepted today when I tried to check-out? : PRIUSOFFROAD10

 

A cat shield is more of a visual theft deterrent than a physical one. The hope is a thief will go somewhere else as there are many easier pickings.

Stainless steel is no more secure to physical attack than aluminum. This cutoff discs for battery powered angle grinders are available everywhere. Those made for cutting aluminum that don't clog are available only at specialty shops.

Forget the special security screws. The edge of a cutoff wheel on the angle grinder will do quick work of cutting off their heads.

So, I'd just paint the entire cat with orange, red or yellow flameproof VHT paint, so they can identify your cat if stolen. I'd use red or yellow since most all use orange.

 

We got the stainless steel model which included decent SS "anti-theft" Torx screws and bit. I jacked the car up and supported it in my driveway but it was a tight squeeze for an old geezer such as myself, so had a local garage do the install for $50.

Of course any crook laser focused on removing the cat from your specific car may ultimately prevail. But, going on the premise that these bums seek to avoid any real work in life (cathartic... I feel better now), making it tougher to pilfer may be all it takes to encourage them to move on to an easier target.

You don't have to outrun the bear to survive... just outrun the other guy!

 

I used Safejacks Rennstands and Esco jack stands to install mine. With 16-1/2 inch of under-car clearance, there was plenty of room.

 

Hi Forum Mates

Just contacted Miller Cat and they clarified 10% discount has expired. However for Forum members they will provide 5% discount and looks like free ground shipping on my order today.

The new 5% code is : PRIUSOFFROAD

PS. I went ahead and purchased the upgraded security bolts, despite the limited benefit. Thanks to all who posted install instructions for my 2021 Prius Prime.

 

Sold my 2020 Prime before I had the chance to install the SS MillerCat I had purchased. PM if interested

 

UP-Graded screw kit ?
I ordered the $30 "BEST" screw kit.
I am confused as Miller provide only 2 out of 6 boles with the security Torx head ( with security bit) and the rest were `4 standard hex head bolts( nice HD & SS) but not security head.
Their picture on the site shows 6 bolts, all with the Security heads.
Was unable to get answer from Miller.

My question to Forum members who ordered the $30 upgrade bolts , Did your kit come with 2 or 6 security head screws?
A prompt reply would help , as I reserved this Sunday with a friend who has a set of safety lift jacks to install and will postpone if i need to get replacement screws from Miller?

Thanks and appreciate a quick reply if possible?

 

Miller Cat response just come in, they are great in responding to customer service inquiries.

So I correctly received only 2 security hex head bolts and 4 normal non-security bolts for a total of 6 screws..
Miller explained the rear bolts are too difficult to use the security heads/special bit for most installations, unless owner has a special "dog-bone" type of mini socket wrench. I have such a wrench.

So my final question is to any Forum members who have installed on a Prime model:
Have you tried to install more than 2 security bits, for both front and back of the guard with a total of 4 security bits?
If you have installed all 4 and recommend it , I will contact miller and get another 2 security bolts ?

 

For Sale - Stainless Steel MILLERCAT 2016-2021 Prius Gen 4 Cat Shield | PriusChat

 

Successful installation at home, beautiful design


Last weekend installed the Cat shield in stainless version. Perfect measurements and fit to my 2021 Prius Prime like an OEM part. I opted for the upgraded security screws and the hardware was 1st class Heavy duty, "nice bolts" My only gripe is a desire for extreme protection with 4 security head bolts instead of 2 as provided. But the extra 2 security bolts required extra effort to get access to install, so it was nice Miller send the extra 2 on my request as I like securing all 4 corners with theses awesome security head bolts. Beware trying to get the extra 2 bolts ( total of 4) will require extra install time. 5 star produce and company

 

I too just installed the MillerCat Shield on my 2019 Prime. The selling point for me was how it just bolts right on. However, on my car, (YMMV) the coolant line hangs down and comes into contact with the shield when installed with the hardware given. I don’t like that so, I installed some extra spacers in the form of washers to give about a 1/4 inch clearance for the coolant line. The bolts they give you are long enough to get good thread engagement on the nut with the extra washers installed. I consider the shield a deterrent with a secondary function to protect a vulnerable coolant line hanging in the breeze under my car! The hose does have an extra layer of rubber on it but hitting some road debris just right at freeway speeds could easily take that out.

 

i love a story with a happy ending!!! i hope it took hours for him to die too.