Performance Parts for the Prius

Just my 2 pennies ... while I can't say much regarding the injection benefits/drawbacks; I wouldn't use the low-RPM reasoning to discount a turbocharger. If properly sized for the application (i.e. diesels) a turbocharger can spool very effectively at low engine RPM's. Case in point, a diesel electric train's diesel engine does not spin at very high RPM (I'm thinking under 1000) but does utilize a turbocharger for increased engine efficiency and power. However, I would also have to agree with you that a turbocharger would not like the start-up, shut-down manner that the Prius uses with it's gas engine.

If you could find a way to cool it sufficently, it could work but I think the consensus here and at Toyota is that it would not be worth the investment cost when compared to the benefits.

The results from the guys that tried a turbo and supercharger came out that they did not get more performance out of the car but that they did get less time with a low battery and that the battery charged up faster/discharged slower when the engine was needed to assist the electric for power. All in all, the increased MPG gained was negated by the increased fuel needed due to the increased pressure of the air intake charge in both scenarios. They basically said it was a wash that cost them a lot of money.

 

how about this ?

 

Is the ICE connected to the wheels mechanically via a transmission? If so, a 20 HP shot of Nitrous would be inexpensive, fun and gentle. A bottle fillup would last a long time.

 

hm well speed is a no no but things like a BT brace and front bar is okay right? dont plan to change the springs or dampeners since a) its already hell to scape your car and b) you don't think about it but when you have a full passenger load your car is pretty much lowered.

 

I have 2005 prius, and I live in vegas, recently change my air filter with K&N, synthetic oil, and only fill my tank with chevron gas unleaded.

Every now and then I would travel to LA to visit my family, I would travel as fast as 110 mph, without compromising my gas millage. I would get 50 mpg , and my car had been more efficient since then.

 

A K&N air filter really helped get rid of some of the quirkiness of the Prius. A simple air filter change won't make it suddenly a race car, but it definitely helped clear up the hesitation I was getting whenever I'd floor my Prius.

I'd say take a look at the exhaust while you're at it too. I'm sure it won't do much, as the ICE is awfully undertuned, but any little bit helps.

If you want to spend a small fortune, the plug-in mods that add additional battery capacity, while expensive, would add performance. With the Prius thinking its battery charge is in the green while on the added battery, it's going to push out noticably more HP on the electric side.


And for sure go with new tires. The stock tires have no grip. (Which helps MPG, but in my opinion isn't even safe.) If you up the horse power any, all you're going to get is more chirping and traction control flashing if you don't get some real tires on there.

And then of course there are all sorts of stabilizers and stiffeners to give the Prius a better ride. As well as things like the TRD suspension upgrade.

Ultimately though, it's not a very tunable car. I myself am curious if the Yaris engine can replace the Prius engine. That's a least a bit more tunable. I'm not sure how the computers in the Prius would take that though even if the engine did fit...

 

More gas.

Serioulsy, I think you should go get a Subaru STi.

 

Kinda late for Kryuenger, but these may help others:

• Remove the charcoal pad in the air cleaner chamber (allows more air to pass through)...
• Slightly smaller tires (I went a size bigger for mileage gain)...
• K&N air filter is HUGE...
• Definitely lighten your load...
• Pirelli P4 tires... anything with GRIP... (works for me!)...

I regularly leave V8s in my mirror from the light!

 

Racing V8 garbage trucks or anyone not paying attention doesn't count. lol

In all seriousness, the Prius is very slow off the line. This has been proven at the track. So don't expect to win any races due to acceleration alone. It's reaction time that gives the illusion of power.

 

Hey buddy I have a 2015 C n I just have fun with her..... I have enjen cold air intake ... Lowering springs 2 inch all alround n I switch over from 205/50r15 or when I'm crazy I'll throw my 240/45zr17 inch tires on n yes they no rubbing as long I don't have 3 adults squeezed in back on to top it off I have an audio system.that I crank out still 2500 watts so loud and proud can make killer speed but I have a great time with her

 

Trying to hot rod a Prius seems like trying to deep fry a fresh strawberry. It's not the point, and why mess up the strawberry?

The Prius is a marvel of engineering for efficiency and reliability.
My first Prius didn't need regular maintenance replacement parts (other than tires, wipers, oil, filters, and tail light bulbs) until 182,000 miles. That's when I spent 220 for brakes and a serpentine belt. It's one of the most reliable cars on the road, and gets 50 mpg +.
I would not try to modify with what they perfected.

So it's not (nor will it ever be) as quick as my motorcycle.
It won't handle like my Mini Cooper did.
It won't haul stuff like my truck.

But it gets better MPG than my motorcycle. Is more reliable than the Mini Cooper, and more versatile than my truck.

And though it's no sports car- it might make you feel better to know that the fourth generation actually handles the MotorTrend figure eight better than a number of sportier cars (google "cars slower than a Prius in the Figure Eight").

 

I've thought about doing some of the more "sane" race mods, since the same principles the race guys follow, also increase MPGs if you can keep your foot out of it.

The best (IMO) is to increase airflow. An air filter helps, but you need to keep it moving. How about a high flow Cat and muffler? Emissions really hurt power and economy and thought Toyota did a lot of great work, they did have to make concessions when building.

Has anyone polished the intake and exhaust? I have no idea how it looks in there, but have thought of getting a second engine someday to upgrade and have ready to put in. There has to be room for improvement.

I've also considered installing something to help takeoff. I've got an electric motor. I understand the torque is limited through the transmission, likely so it doesn't grenade. But I'd like a little more "help" from the electric side on takeoff, and not just have the gas engine start and take over as soon as I put my foot down. I wonder if the guys over at autobeyours.com would have something since they do other mods.

 

I think the second engine on side is great idea. I bought a brand new cyl head the other day and one day i will buy me a block, (new is ~$2700) and will refresh the life of the car.
I am sure there is many mods you can make. This car is as japanese as a nissan gtr is and as such it has big potential. I think this engine can make double horse power with the correct cams and software. No body cares for the MPG as the car gets great mileage anyway. I would give away 15 MPG for 70hp more. The regular prius driver would not get that as most of us never liked motoring or racing ( i did).
There was a website sigma automotive witch does not work anymore. They had a plug and play module that affects the gas pedal input and this squeezes the stock power right after you press the pedal which i believe makes the car much faster.
Also this engine is installed in other non hybrid Toyotas and they have so many mods. Its just a little bit harder to find someone who actaully knows and makes mods. Another thing is most smaller toyotas and scions from this era use the same architecture and other engines will bolt on without much cutting and welding but you would probably loose the hybrid system. Many parts are interchangeble with the scion tc and i guarantee you same people made those parts from scratch. Springs, bushings, sway bars, bearings...etc fit and all it takes is someone serious to get down and do the math. I am sure it will add up and this car could probably put 170 hp total output

If all other cars were with the same power output as a stock prius, the prius would be the McLaren F1 of cars

 

I have a 2010 Prius 5 with 17 inch wheels and dynamic radar cruise control and several years ago I put in a K&N air filter. I wash and reuse it over and over. I doubt that it does much in increasing performance. Modern cars are very computerized and simple bolt on parts today do very little in increasing horsepower. The Prius is designed for fuel efficiency. I notice that the Prius seems a bit soft in the handling department and that is one area which the car can be improved. Rear sway bar and chassis and strut tower braces will make the Prius feel more nimble. Sound deadening helps to make the car more enjoyable to drive in. Overall I like my Prius because I drive alot and it helps to save me money on gasoline. I am tempted to try some of those suspension and chassis stiffening parts however but it most likely will not turn the Prius into an exceptional handling car.

 

Current products installed that made my prius quicker than the rest around me.

K&N air filter 33-2435

Red Bullet vvt solenoid

Pulstar spark plugs IGG1H 10

Lithium HV battery

All sitting on Goodyear Assurance Tires


Next:
K&N oil filter PS-7021
Mobile 1 0w20





http://www.RedBullet.net

http://www.ProjectLithium.com

http://www.Pulstar.com

http://www.PlugOutPower.com

 

You really don't want to do nitrous on a Gen2 Prius.

Not at all.

No way, no how.

It would take extensive R&D and knowledge of the workings of the car systems to design a NOS system that can safely work with the start/stop way the Prius engine runs.

What I suspect happened to the one in those videos was he armed the NOS system which loaded the intake up with NOS and extra fuel vapor as he mashed the accelerator, then when the engine started it sucked in a huge gulp of "Oh hell yeah!" and immediately exploded. To avoid that the best way I can think of would be to hack the car systems so that arming the NOS puts the engine into an always running mode, or would have it start the engine whenever the pedal is pushed even a little, then delay the spray enough to ensure that there's good airflow in the intake first. Such could be done without any mods to the car by having the NOS system equipped with sensors to detect intake airflow and engine running so it won't spray when the engine is off. But then there'd be the issue of leftover vapor in the intake when the engine shuts off.

Doesn't the Gen2 have a 3,000 RPM rev limiter? If so, without defeating that, all any power boosting could do is make it hit the rev limit a little quicker. So other than a marginal reduction in off the line times it could do nothing to make it go quicker after the rev limit.

If you want to go off-roading, there's the Russian Corolla Suspension modification. Someone entered a Gen2 in an off road rally, and managed to finish a course that always stops many entrants, even with 4 wheel drive. The Russian Corolla contemporary with the Gen2 Prius is equipped with hubs and struts and other parts that give it around 2" more ground clearance. Fit with all that kit, the only other mechanical mod made was cutting off the lower half of the front bumper cover and fitting a thick aluminum skidplate for armor and to drastically increase the front approach angle. The computer had to be hacked to disable the traction control so it wouldn't stop if one wheel got off the ground.

 

ok, first off, you got to back the timing off a certain amount when you hit it with nitrous. also, you got to have extra fuel for the nitrous to oxidize, or it leans way out at the same time. the only way its gonna work even with an otto cycle engine is getting the ECM to do those 2 things. and with this odd intake valve timing it might still go boom. plus, its such a frail engine block, i think he knew it would grenade even before he started to make the video.

 

Thanks for the Red Bullet recommendation. Just ordered one.

 

@JerryCS

Yikes old post without my promo code "azusa" maybe email them and tell them you forgot to add the promo code.

If not give me your order number and I will see what I can do for you.