Stiffen Chassis plate for my 07' Prius

I'm done playing the fuel economy game. These days, I just drive. Sometimes, I'll stomp on the gas... especially in turns. Sure, I'm not getting good, Prius-style economy, but I'm having a blast. When I look at FE reading, I don't sweat it because my last car would be more than double the consumption, if I drove it the same way.

I like to go all out on this 15km windy road that's about 3 hours out of town. An outing uses a most of the fuel. That includes the trip to the windy road, driving it 10 times (150km), and back home. Depsite the mountains I have to cross, and my heavy foot, the excursion usually ends up less than 6.5L/100km or ~36MPG.

 

The steering is OK, but it doesn't have much feedback. It feels over-assisted to me usually, especially at speed. It makes me feel queezy... with the Touring suspension you can take an exit/on ramp at MUCH higher speeds but the steering is still loosey goosey in my hands, I don't have much of a connection.

My NSX has electric power steering just like the Prius. But as you go past 25 MPH, the assist stops and now you are essentialy driving a car with manual steering. The feedback, precision, and feel is fantastic. Is there a way to disable power steering in the Prius and see how it feels without it? Has anyone tried this? Presto have you ever thought of this? I don't know, pull a fuse or something? Once that assist is out of the way I think some of the feel may return.

 

The Prius steering is very family/big car-ish. It's lock-to-lock point is rated at 4 turns vs 2.7 for something like the civic. IMHO, The steering improved with the front braces. The feeling is greatly improved, with the car responding faster. I should head to the 'yota dealership and see if I can test drive a current model. They're all touring in Canada, now. It'll be a good comparison to see what my car is like without all the braces. I've never thought about disabling power steering. I'm really happy with how it is now.

 

Greetings.
I purchased the "stiffen chassis plate" in the PriusChat store in June, just before I got my '07 Prius. Since i'm happy with the ride "as is", the plate has been sitting in its shipping box unopened (now taking up space in the garage).

If anyone would like to purchase this item, I'll be happy to work out a good price -- would just like to get some of my $200 back.

thanks.

 

jhurford-

Send me an PM and let me know what you'll take for it shipped. My zip code is 60060

Thanks

 

$ 200.00 ?? pardon my ignorance if i am missing something but doesnt this part sell new for $165.00 ?