BT Stiffening Plate

Best to do a search on this, because there's a LOT of threads. Basically it replaces the OEM plate under the Prius and makes it stiffer. This is helpful when driving around corners and general handling.

That being said, your mileage may vary. Some have installed it and have found profound positive changes, while others find it to be a more subtle, refine ride. Some have even found no real change. It's up to you to try it as it may work better for you than others.

 

There a no dumb questions.

Basically, the plate goes on the underbody of the car and is said to improve stabilty and handling over the OEM plate.

Please review this thread:

http://priuschat.com/BT-Stiffening-Plate-Review-t17018.html

I am still undecided if I need it. It sounds like a must have if you travel on the open road.

Cheers,

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FieroGT @ Aug 20 2006, 08:52 PM) [snapback]306435[/snapback]</div>

It's Viagra for your Prius's suspension....

 

Is a torque wrench absolutely necessary for this install?? Also, has anyone put it on a 2006?? If so, please post your results/opinions...... thanks

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rangerdavid @ Aug 20 2006, 07:20 PM) [snapback]306491[/snapback]</div>

A torque wrench isn't necessary, if you don't care about a proper installation, with the possibilty of it falling off. You should use a torque wrench. Do a search and read regarding installation of the BT Tech stiffening plate on a 2006. Since the 2004 and 2005 models use the same OEM plate as the 2006, experience reported with those model years may also guide you.

 

Installing the plate is a snap. It takes all of 5 minutes. Borrow a torque wrench or buy one if you have to. Like Bill said, there's a wealth of information out there (by that I mean here on PC ) about this mod.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Lil Mo @ Aug 20 2006, 05:59 PM) [snapback]306439[/snapback]</div>

You never sat in on the astronomy class I teach! First I have to instruct them that it isn't an astrology class. One gal with pink hair saw the word cosmology in the course description and told me she thought it was a cosmetology class. She didn't last long.

You don't need a torque wrench. More than the fear of it falling off is that of putting way too much pressure on the nuts and snapping one off. Then you have problems. Just use your head or, if that isn't a strong personal asset, put the brace on with moderate pressure and have them torque it to specs at your next service.

The car takes swerves a lot better with the BT brace on. I thought I was going to loose it one time and bought one the next day. (If you're into swerving.)

 

Mine came in last week ...

I just pulled the factory brace out and fitted the replacement. From years of doing subtle modifications on Alfa Romeos and motorcycles, building them for hot street and race use, I'll offer just this observation:

If the factory stamped tin garbage brace is deemed to add anything to chassis stability at all, the BT brace will add substantially more than that at very least.

The factory stamping is resists deflection under compression loads but has no torsional rigidity to speak of ... I can twist it in my two hands, unaided. The BT brace will not.

I've spent the past 1200 miles assessing the handling characteristics of the Prius carefully, feeling how and when it wanders etc. I'll be taking it out for a drive in a few minutes, then I'll know for myself how radical the improvement is.

Oh yes, mine is a 2006. It's a snug, precise fit. Use a torque wrench ... borrow or rent one. I'm pretty good at this stuff, and my rachet wrench-tightened bolts were within a small distance of evenly torqued to spec, but a torque wrench makes it perfect.

Godfrey

 

I JUST ordered mine. I was a bit put off by having to use Paypal or a check since I rarely ever use either. I checked my PayPal account and had $175 in there so it must have been fated since the BT brace has free shipping right now LOL.

I really hope it does the tings people have been saying it does. That tramlining and wind buffeting is really rough sometimes.

 

I installed my BT stiffeing plate a few months ago on my 06 and it was the best mod that i have done on any of my cars to date. Not to seem like an advertising billboard but the quality of the part is first rate and I have been in the machining industry for 40 years. The part does what it claims and i can not be happier with it. I have read through the mountains of posts on this subject and it seems that those that talk down about it or dismiss it have never even seen it or tried it themselves. For 160 dollars it is the best and cheapest performance enhancing mod that you can do for your Prius.

Ken Stewart

 

Ok, I've been out driving with the BT plate installed now for about 30-40 miles.

The effect is subtle but noticeable: suspension tracking feels better, there's a smaller tendency to wander and small steering corrections are more precise. Didn't have a chance to go over any high bridges or similar, I'll be interested to see how the car handles the Dumbarton Bridge tomorrow as that is usually a windy spot.

All told, I'm quite pleased with the results. They're on the order of what I was expecting, and the price is quite reasonable given the quality of the brace.

Godfrey

 

Another followup:

Today I drive about 200 miles, from down hear near San Jose up to Napa and back. Went over three bridges, up the windy alley near Cordelia, and through rolling hills, winding country lanes, up and down steep hills, the works.

Comparing this to a similar drive made last weekend, the BT brace works well. It's not an "omigod i cant believe how different the car is" change, but all around I feel improved precision in steering, less tendency to wander in winds, improved security in cornering transitions. For $160, it works well enough for me.

I think the next improvement will have to be better tires. These OEM tires are not terrible but they're not great.

Godfrey

 

Thank you Godfrey for taking the time to post your unbiased opinion of our BT Tech stiffening plate!!


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godfrey DiGiorgi @ Sep 5 2006, 02:34 AM) [snapback]314424[/snapback]</div>

 

Why is the price $100 crossed out $165 ?
Does anyone make a similar one in the uk?

 

Well I have to say that the BT Plate has improved the handling and ride of my 2006 Prius. I do a lot of Interstate driving here in North Carolina, and can feel a big difference in windwash from the big trucks. Brian, thanks for the great product buddy.

Happy Motoring !

 

The 100 dollar price is obviously a typo. The correct price is 165.00 shipped in the US.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prius2go @ Sep 5 2006, 06:49 AM) [snapback]314443[/snapback]</div>

Thank you for your post and your purchase!!



<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hwalker911 @ Sep 5 2006, 08:55 AM) [snapback]314457[/snapback]</div>

 

yeah, and don't let the BoobZ's of the world get ya down...
.
_H*

 

Thanks Hobbt.. He is already on my "ignore user" list. I never even knew that this was possible until one of our members alerted me to it. Its kind of funny that I never had any reason to use it before now!!




<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hobbit @ Sep 5 2006, 06:37 PM) [snapback]314792[/snapback]</div>

 

I'm still deciding whether or not to try the stiffening plate.. What I do appreciate is the professional and curteous manner in which Brian has addressed peoples questions and comments here on PC. If he is an example of a representative of his company, I'm sure if I do decide to purchase one they'll provide excellent service and a good product. PC is a better site to gain accurate information about our car, and mods available thanks to the products that are sold in the accessories store and people like Brian who browse the forums and address his customers directly. A good business practice in anybody's book. Just my opinion ya'll..........