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Installed BT Stiffening Plate

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by mrblaise, Apr 25, 2008.

  1. mrblaise

    mrblaise Go Lakers!!

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    I received my BT Stiffening Plate through the Priuschat store. Thanks again Danny for seeing that I received everything so quickly. First of all, it was a breeze to install. You don't need jack stands or a hydro lift to install the plate. I merely laid down on my back, reached under and took the original plate off with a socket wrench. I then did the same thing and installed the BT Plate with a torque wrench. The whole procedure took less than 10 minutes. Now, for the performance of the car. I'm a pretty analytical guy, and I definitely feel a difference in the ride. This isn't in my head; it's in my car!!! From my perspective ... it was a worthwhile purchase.
     
    #1 mrblaise, Apr 25, 2008
  2. montenido

    montenido A 2 Prius household

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    I installed the stiffening plate after upgrading my tires. For me the biggest increase in handling is definitely gained through better tires. I'm not so sure about the plate. It is a nice piece of work and bolts up easily as you stated. But I think I might have noticed a bigger improvement in handling if I had stayed with the terrible integrity tires. Anyway, I am glad you like the plate.
     
    #2 montenido, Apr 25, 2008
  3. ceric

    ceric New Member

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    I am with Montenido on this one.
    I got way more gain in handling thru wider tires than the plate.
    However, the wider tires hurt MPG, but not the plate.

    I did a fairly scientific test on the plate in term of roadholding g-force.
    It did no improvement that I observed. However, I definitely feel the
    Prius is more solid (rigid) when it goes over bumps and railroad crossings.
     
    #3 ceric, Apr 25, 2008
  4. mrblaise

    mrblaise Go Lakers!!

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    This is where I felt a major change as well .....

     
    #4 mrblaise, Apr 25, 2008
  5. Genoz World

    Genoz World ZEN-style living

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    hey people, i'm thinking of converting my regular prius to the touring suspension, i'm gonna ask you a question here.

    when i looked under my car in the first oil change, i did NOT notice any type of bracing under the car. am i dreaming about this? am i wrong?

    does the touring package have this upgraded brace?

    thanks for your help
     
    #5 Genoz World, Apr 26, 2008
  6. Boo

    Boo Boola Boola Member

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    #6 Boo, Apr 26, 2008
  7. patsparks

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

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    It is just a short plate with holes in it that goes across the bottom of the "centre tunnel" for want of a better name for it. It is under the exhaust pipe. The BT plate would be less inclined to flex under compression.

    I just got back from a 3000km journey in varying winds and speeds up to 172km/h (on the speed limiter) and the car was rock solid on the road on stock Michelin XM1 tyres and BT Tech plate.
     
    #7 patsparks, Apr 26, 2008
  8. Genoz World

    Genoz World ZEN-style living

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    thank you! i'll check it out!
     
    #8 Genoz World, Apr 26, 2008
  9. Mead5.0

    Mead5.0 New Member

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    I may have missed it ,but I would like to know if anyone has installed the brace on a touring model? These models ride and handle so well I would like to know if there is an improvement. Thanks, Nick. 2008 touring, silver.
     
    #9 Mead5.0, Apr 27, 2008
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