BT Tech Stiffening Plate does not improve ride

Sharing an opinion is one thing, telling people not to buy something and bashing this product is quite something different. Look at the title of this thread and tell me that there isn't a difference? I am really suprised that someone would try to put such a fine product like this down. This isn't the tornado intake or electric supercharger you know.

Frank


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tyrin @ Jun 5 2007, 10:34 PM) [snapback]456233[/snapback]</div>

 

The Prius has, what is known as unibody construction. That means that there is not a true frame, but rather, the entire structure of the car contributes to its rigidity, or lack thereof. I forgot what Toyota calls the original plate but, it has something to do with stabilizing the floor pan of the car. The original plate doesn't do its job. The floor pan moves. If the floor pan moves, or flexes its going to have an effect on the rest of the structure - for instance - the rear suspension points.

This can't be tested in a static manner. The BT plate and the OEM plate it replaces are parts of a dynamic system. The original plate just isn't up to the job.

There are a few words that I can think of that describe people that don't have the skills necessary to wrap their brains around this concept and, instead, decide calling, probably 99% of those who have tried the modification delusional. Of course I won't say any of those words. That would be considered flaming. But, of course, you all have a good idea what they are.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fboyle @ Jun 5 2007, 10:31 PM) [snapback]456280[/snapback]</div>

Don't buy the product. That's my opinion (and John's). I'm sorry if you have a problem with him stating it clearly, but there are plenty of people posting things like "You should definitely buy the plate, because you will feel the difference immediately". Why are they allowed to hype, but he's not allowed to give his take?

What never ceases to surprise me is how "surprised", "amazed", etc. people are that someone could actually have a different opinion. It's not a "fine product" if it doesn't work for you. What, you think he should lie and say it works fabulously? He could barely tell the difference. Maybe that means John has a weak sense of car-handling, but again, it's his opinion.

I looked at the title. There isn't a difference between him sharing his opinion and you sharing yours. Go make your "I love the BT Plate" thread. Or wait, isn't that allowed?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(syclone @ Jun 5 2007, 10:37 PM) [snapback]456282[/snapback]</div>

Coming from a prior skeptic, this is quite an amazing understanding and ability to put it in to words.....
but be careful... this makes so much sense, someones heads might explode right off thier shoulders! :lol:

 

Here's a sample of threads where the Plate is obviously a big hit to the OP (including yours, Frank). Are they all wrong for starting a thread with their opinion that the plate works? Or is it just those who disagree that aren't allowed to express their opinion?

BT Stiffening Plate, Happy and worth the time/cost
BT Stiffining Plate, Worth the wait and $
One week with BT Tech Plate, gotta have it!!!
BT Tech plate straightens out my Prius., Experience with BT plate.
BT Stiffening Plate Review, Installed on our '06
BT tech plate review on my 07 touring
English Teacher Twists OEM Stiffening Plate w/ Bare Hands, Installs BT Stiffening Plate...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(John in LB @ Jun 6 2007, 07:40 PM) [snapback]456982[/snapback]</div>

I wonder if there was a way for you to strap yourself to the bottom of the car so your head is about 6 inches from the plate and take a yardstick and calipers with you.... strap your waist so you don't fall off of course and let your friend drive 70mph down a steep hill and around a corner and then through a couple of potholes and maybe jump a curb or two..... I bet you could see a difference then.

Make sure you bring your video camera too.......

 

well personally im pretty used to hard cornering and twisting.. haha :lol: lets just say its in my blood

and personally i did feel some improvement in handling... no it wasnt a huge difference... but a difference..

That does not mean you will enter a corner u usually took at 45mph now take it a 65mph its stupid...

anyway everyone is entitled to his or her opinion... and money well spent on my case

besides... im pretty sure absorption with the BT plate is better achieved than with the stock... that is why people feel the bumps are well distributed to the shocks (at least in my experience )

 

Well - I have the Touring model and I enjoy 'spirited' driving. I installed it this weekend, and I definitely notice a positive difference with the plate - right from the start. Am happy with the purchase.

One way I immediately noticed the difference was in a corner at only 25mph. I came to the curve, pulled the wheel smoothly but hard into the corner, and the car felt much more planted and rounded the corner with ease.

Then I took the car out for 142 miles of spirited back roads driving and observed the improved handling at both low and higher speeds (up to around 75mph).

My 2 cents...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(andrewsilver @ Jul 16 2007, 09:17 AM) [snapback]479563[/snapback]</div>

Thats the same effects I felt too!
Seems the "spirited" roads are the best test.... for those who only drive like grandma... its a bit harder.

 

I am beginning to wonder if the hyper-defensive plate fans (and you know who you are) are capable of posting in this thread without resorting to overt and covert insults to those who disagree with them? It appears not. Such posts only diminish the credibility of those who support the plate, by making it appear that this is a personal fight, rather than a discussion about a product. In fact, the demeanor of many of the defenders is one reason I am so skeptical about the benefits of the plate.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KTPhil @ Jul 16 2007, 12:11 PM) [snapback]479737[/snapback]</div>

If they would offer a 100% 30 day money-back guarantee I'd try one. I don't believe it can make a difference but would go for it if that deal was offered. If they don't offer that kind of a satisfaction guarantee maybe they know something we don't?

 

I noticed a difference. It works for me.

And I'll put one on every Prius I ever buy until/unless Toyota comes up with something just as good.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wiiprii @ Jul 16 2007, 12:26 PM) [snapback]479747[/snapback]</div>

There's nothing insidious behind BT Tech. They know they offer a great product. Have you had a look at the poll? It's unscientific and only shows a small cross-section of BT plate owners, but it gives a general idea. There's not too many people that are unhappy about the plate. Also, keep in mind that it's usually the dissatisfied customers that voice their opinion. If you have a look at the mega-BT thread, you'll find an overwhelming amount of people happy about the BT plate vs not.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KTPhil @ Jul 16 2007, 02:11 PM) [snapback]479737[/snapback]</div>

Your skepticism is warranted and understandable if not for so many positive confirmations.
I don't think I would have bought my "two" if not for all the overwhelming evidence from so many I trust out here.
Bad products don't get far on this forum... they get shot down really quick.. the BT plate has endured much persecution and skepticism by those who had concerns about buying it.

Danny is good about not letting "crap" be sold on this forum.

I think somewhere Brian did mention a warranty, I just can't remember the terms.

 

I'd like to contribute to this thread. I don't want to insult people, but the OP used a mock-up test that is completely insufficient in every way for testing the changes in the plate.

The force of your 125lb wife, jumping up and down in the car, is spread out over WAY TOO MUCH TIME (on the order of a large fraction of a second). So it's too little force spread out over too much time.

Consider the layout of his test: a nicely padded human being (we're AMAZINGLY well-insulated against impact) weighing in at one twenty-fourth of the weight of the car, moving at one tenth the normal velocities of the car.

Tires and vehicle suspensions move in time scales imperceptible to humans, and this flex occurs across vehicle weights unmovable to humans. A human with no tools does not have the moment-generating ability necessary to cause the kind of flex this stiffening plate was made to combat.

I'm not saying the test methods are invalid, because if you used a more appropriate weight with less insulation you might get measurable results (and it might, in fact, confirm the plate brings no benefit; I don't know yet). But I'm saying that, for sure, using a human as the impulse generator is just too slow.

I worry, though, that many people are susceptible to the placebo effect. I'm worried I'll exhibit the same problem. So while I plan to offer up a truly subjective review of any changes in the feel of the car (if any), I am afraid I'll also fall victim to this natural, psychological rationalization mechanism.

Does anyone know where the best hardpoints are for picking up the car? I don't want to use the factory jack as I have a better alternative, and plan to set the car on ramps.

~ dan ~

 

I want a small, brushed chrome rectangle badge, with beveled edges, that says in Narrow, Uppercase letters: BT PLATE EQUIPPED

Nothing too flashy. About 6" long, 1" tall. Understated elegance. To put on the back of Rudy.

 

Hello Rae... That will have to be our next "mod" when I get done with our two newest products!

 

Ahhh. I haven't stepped into one of these in a long time. And here I thought this one died on the vine. Nope!

I am curious as to how it is usually the dissatisfied customers who voice their opinion... while we have a whole "mega-thread" where most of the people voicing thier opinion are satisfied. So the the overwhelming amount of happy customers are dissatisfied?

 

Brian: Why not just include a decal with each plate that you ship?

Comment: I tend to disregard the comments of those "anti-BTplate" posters that haven't actually tried the plate, because you simply can't prove or disprove the performance of a product like this as an intellectual exercise. From what I've observed, the folks that have tried the plate and were not happy seem to be more conservative drivers than I am. Slipping thru a group of semi's at 55 MPH is quite different than doing the same thing at 75 MPH.

Then again, maybe some people have more sensitive butts.