BT Chassis Plate.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ron Howell @ Nov 7 2007, 09:49 PM) [snapback]536595[/snapback]</div>

You might try checking the BT Chassis Plate thread in the Modifications forum.

 

heck i do it, because it gives me peace of mind... in fact... did it twice.

only an opinion mind you. no scientific evidence what so ever to back my statement.

if you are wondering about this post, read the tennis match volley of posts about the usefulness of the plate and make your own conclusions.

 

The 55 pages/10,000+ posts BT Tech Stiffening Plate thread is linked here:

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=2...&hl=bt+tech

The much shorter Poll: BT Tech Stiffening Plate thread is linked here (note that about 70 people have voted so far):

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=3...&hl=bt+tech

 

I personally cant imagine the stiffening plate doing much. However, if it did I would not consider the original plate to have a design flaw. People add items to stiffen the chassis and/or suspension all the time.

-Strut tower stiffening bar
-stronger lighter suspension components
-etc.

It is a matter of cost, weight, design requirements.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ron Howell @ Nov 8 2007, 05:34 PM) [snapback]536912[/snapback]</div>

For me, I was so appalled by the standard Prius' handling, that I gladly risked $169 to try out the plate. As it turns out, I like the plate and would buy it again. I notice especially that the car seems more stable at highway speeds. If you'd like to try it without out-of-pocket cost to you, why not put it on your Christmas List? Beats getting ties and sweaters you don't like or might never wear.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ron Howell @ Nov 7 2007, 09:49 PM) [snapback]536595[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ron Howell @ Nov 8 2007, 02:34 PM) [snapback]536912[/snapback]</div>

Why was I not surprised to see it coming?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ron Howell @ Nov 8 2007, 02:34 PM) [snapback]536912[/snapback]</div>

Sorry, I have to disagree, This is the first thing I would add if were buying again.
I put the plate on and immediately noticed a difference in cornering, seams in the road no longer redirect the car, (greatly minimized) and the steering seems a lot more positive. The only bummer it I didn't find out about it till the second year.
It's like adding a rear anti-sway bar. and it was easy, took about 1/2 hr. The bolts even had factory
anti-corosion goo already on them.
For what it looks like .... it seems expensive
For what it does... it cheap !

With expense being the only downside - Toyota should adopt this.

 

I would love to see a test like this. Maybe at a Hybrid fest.

Find a guy with a stock Prius that has a stiffening plate and who thinks it helps the cars handling a lot.

Find two other Prii. One with the plate, and the other without. Then let the guy drive the cars and try and figure out which has the stiffening plate.

 

I bought my stiffening plate late last night. I figured what the heck, I'll give it a try and see what it's all about. I thought about fabricating one myself, but for the money it really wasn't worth it to me.

I've owned many performance cars and the handling of the Prius honestly hasn't bothered me (I've had it for 13 days now). I think it hasn't bothered me because I've just accepted that it's great at doing what it was designed to do... that is be a great commuter car that's very roomy on the inside and gets great fuel economy. I suppose though I still have a performance car I can drive on weekends and if this was my only vehicle perhaps it would bother me more. Regardless, I'll give it a try.