I'm a long-time reader of this forum and own a 2005 Prius. I've rarely posted until quite recently, but I've been searching for some clear information regarding suspension upgrades for the car and can't seem to find what I need. I'd like to make a change to a coilover suspension in the car. I'm not a believer in lowered springs and really would like to significantly improve the handling of the car. I've installed a chassis plate in the car and it has had a very modest positive impact. I was hoping I could hear from those who have made the coilover change. What brand (I'm particularly interested in Tein), what other changes in addition to coilovers have been done, what are the results, where best to purchase the parts? I have seen various front/mid/rear chassis stiffening components but I suspect that they will not, alone, yield what I'm searching for. I'm quite happy to lower the car and have experience in driving lowered cars so I'm not concerned about the additional care required. I currently have the stock wheels and tires and would like to swap out wheels and tires in the future. But there is plenty of rubber left on my second set of tires (just turned 40K miles) and so won't do it until they're completely worn. At that point, moving to 16" or 17" wheels and tires would seem like an important change. Thanks
Bino is the man you want. He's got some JDM Tanabe (I think) coilovers on order. I'm assuming you want Teins for EDFC functionality?
Actually I'm not familiar with the EDFC - other than what is on their web site. It's interesting but likely pricey. Also poses more mounting issues than I may want to tackle. I mentioned Tein because it looks like a well made and impressive product. On their site they don't reference a Prius-specific product though. I'm quite open. I'm very happy with the Bilstein's that I put on my Porsche. But they don't seem to make a coilover kit for the Prius - and they are pricier than I'd like spend. Again, I'm all ears...
@Verde.... there are several coilovers that are available for the prius.... tanabe, rsr, gab... hks.... cusco.... if you'll check yahoo auction japan.. and search for NHW20 you'll see several choices..... I see that you're also from CA... (north or south?)... I know that you're looking for coilover but I'll be seeling my TRD sportivo suspension soon..... you might be interested.....
Thank you. I've gone to various sites and surveyed the collection of options. It's just hard to tell, without driver reviews, what would best suit my interests. The best way to describe it would be as another forum member stated, 'now drives like my mini'. Though I doubt it literally does, anything that begins to approach and approximate that driving experience is preferred. I'm a sports car guy and though I totally enjoy driving my Prius, improving the cornering and understeer, straight line tracking in gusts and lowering body lean are all appealing. In that regard, I'm not wedded to the idea of coilovers so I would consider an alternative like the one you may be selling as well. It's just that my experience with coilovers is very positive. Why are you selling yours? And how would you describe their performance? Thanks, Verde P.S. I'm in No CA. On the Peninsula.
I would love to see a reputable manufacturer produce a coil-over setup for the Prius. My present '05 has the TRD springs and struts and it made a pretty significant change to handling. However, I have always liked the coil-over setup for my performance cars and would like to see a set designed for the Gen III Prius so when I buy one I can install them and set the height and handling the way I like it.
i'm on coilovers... it looks something like this.... i will get my pics up soon... i would like to thank you all and all glory to the posters on this forum for giving me the visions and ideas to get my PRIUS to where it's at...
Here you go.... Gen III's a little too big for my liking... but they sure look smooth and real pretty sitting low....
