Has anyone installed the BT Brace on the 2006?

Strings,

I borrowed me dad's ancient torque wrench and then went to Sears and bought the 6mm allen wrench attachment as well as a 3/8 in adapter. Most torque wrenches are pretty big and have a 1/2 inch fitting so you'll probably have to buy the adapter too. Cost a few bucks. A torque wrench can be had for ~ $30 unless you want a fancy digi readout, then they're more like $60. That's a sears, you might be able to find a better price elsewhere.

BTW, 22-24 ft/lb is nothing. Very little torque. You could easily accomplish this with an allen wrench, but I wanted to be precise. Also, if you're a rather thin chap you can probably do the job without a jack or ramps. I have ramps and used those but I might have been able to do it w/o them. It wouldn't have been pleasent, however. The OEM stiffener was on TIGHT. Also, if you can use a some what hefty ratchet to remove the OEM part. I have a wee l'il rachet (easy now people) and it was a certified "beeyotch" to remove those bolts.

Darrell, it must be a spoon. DO NOT attempt with forks or knives. Sporks are an absolute NONO. :lol:

 

Hello guys.. I wanted to jump in here and request that if you do not have a torque wrench please use AT LEAST a ratchet with a M6 socket so that you can get some leverage to tighten the bolts properly.

Using just an allen wrench is difficult if not impossible to tighten correctly due to the small amount of leverage and grip.

I actually had a local customer that installed our stiffeing plate on his 2005 and used just an allen wrench. When I tested it with my calibrated torque wrench I found that he only torqued the bolts to 14 lbs/ft!! The bolts tightened quite a bit more using a proper tool.

You want the stiffening plate to be attached properly to do its intended job.



Thanks!!

Brian
BT Tech
305-652-3115

 

It's actually a big allen wrench, about 8" long with a handle for extra leverage. I was able to torque it down pretty well. I'll go at it again with a socket wrench, but I'm pretty sure it's tight enough.

 

Man, my standards must be too high! I think my '06, for all of its wonderful features and engineering, handles like crap. The tire pressures are all good and everything, it just corners like a van to me. I guess I'm not alone either, as I noticed that Road & Track rated two of my cars, the Prius and a Volvo V40, as the two worst handling cars (well, least able to hold their grip on corners, as described by lateral g's) they had tested! I don't really care that much, except that sometimes I am really trying to hold onto a little more energy around those corners! I am considering the stiffener, but feeling a little hungover in the spending area right now. I have the money, I am just sick of buying things at the moment!

 

I put the stiffener on my '06 and I'm very pleased with the results. I thought it would help my handling most at highway speeds, but was surprised to find the effect is VERY noticable on city streets. The brace is a very worthwhile upgrade. Kudos to BT Tech.

 

Brian -

Any chance you got the message that I left for you last week? Still not really sure how to get in touch with you. I've tried this forum, and I've tried calling, still no dice.

Can you send me an email regarding a good time to call: [email protected] - still looking for info on the spoiler and brace.

Dang. I have a REALLY nice Ti spork too. I won't even bother trying to impress you with my sexy torque wrench. It is NOT a "wee little ratchet" that's for certain!

 

Hello Darell... I received your message but did not have a chance to return your call.. I will touch base with you on Monday if you are available.


Thanks!!

Brian
BT Tech
305-652-3115

 

Thanks Brian. We'll give Monday a shot then.

 

-

 

Thanks guys for your positive comments!!


Brian
BT Tech
305-652-3115

 

Oooh! Titanium. Very sexy. So do you have a "Darell the TI Spork Nut" website? :lol:

Seriously though. I've been really pleased with the plate. Not only does the car handle better around corners and the like I've noticed a tremendous increase in the lateral stability in high winds. Before I installed the plated the car would get buffeted pretty badly by the high winds that have been so common this year in Colorado. Since installing the plate the car fairs much better. Way more stability. Love it.

Brian, quick question about the bolts. Would something like "Lock Tight" (not the permanent version, just the semi permanent type) be a good or bad idea? You didn't recommend it but I'm curious.

 

Don't even get me started on how many sites I have going now!

Well, I sure haven't heard from anybody yet who's said, "blah... this plate doesn't do anything!" I guess there must be something to it! Now... if I just had my OWN poor-handingly Prius, I could maybe modify it.

 

Locktite "blue" would be okay. We have been coating our bolts with an antii-seize type grease which makes torquing the bolts smoother and easier to do.

Either way as long as you torque the bolts to spec the plate will not be going anywhere.


Thanks!!

Brian
BT Tech
305-652-3115

 

I have to ask the PC members what are the symptoms that indicate you need the BT stiffening plate? Is it excessive body roll in corners, or the thing I have experienced several times on 70-75 MPH freeway sweeping turns, the car seems to float or "wander" in the lane a bit.

It momentarily seems to deviate off the intended track like you got hit with a crosswind. At first I thought it was the drive system cutting one of the motors in or out, but it doesn't seem to track any pattern on the Energy screen.

Is the body floor pan squirming around, and affecting the steering angles a little bit or what? I was looking at the photos on the BT Tech site and trying to figure out how the stiffer plate would affect the floor pan. All the posts indicate it DOES make a big difference with the plate. What will be the big difference I will notice?

Sounds like I need to run with the herd on this one, and stick one on my 2006, if this will fix the squirming!!

Thanks for any info on your observations.

Infidel

 

I would love to hear feedback from an initial skeptic on this! The spoiler as well. Brian... was it my turn to call you again?

 

I'm so on the verge of ordering this stiffening brace. The one thing I REALLY hate about my Prius (aside from endless rattles) is the startling flexibility in the chassis.

Everyone is talking about improvement with wind buffeting and whatnot, but I don't spend enough time on the freeway to worry about that. What gets to me is when the rear of the car hits a pothole and instead of the muted thump of the suspension doing its job, I get a "thwangggg!!!" and a reverberation throughout the entire car. I've driven several Prius and they all act the same.

Anyone who's been in a BMW or Mercedez-Benz over rough surface streets then jumped to a Prius should know what I'm talking about; it's just lacking that "bank vault" structural feel.

Does this brace improve the twisting and jiggling felt within the chassis? Does it make the car feel more solid? Or is the only improvement a lack of disturbance by wind on the freeway? Does anyone here drive on Wilshire daily and endure its endless potholes? Please provide some insight on whether or not I should buy this brace!

BTW, to the person saying their Prius handles like a van, go out and get yourself a set of Michelin Harmony tires. The difference in road-holding between those and the Goodyears that come with the car is startling! Noise is down, mileage and handling are improved. Well worth the $450.

-Drew

 

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was surprised by how much the brace improved the ride and handling on city streets. I do know the feeling you are talking about -- my other car is an Audi A8 and the one before a MB CLK320. The Prius still feels a little "bouncy" compared to my German sleds, but the ride quality and handling are nicely improved. Really, for only $160 I don't know why anyone would hesitate. If you *didn't* like it, you could easiy sell it on the forum here -- and probably for full price between manufacturing runs!

 

Hello Darrell.. I tried to find your number today under the mountain of papers on my desk!!

Please give me a call tomorrow if you are available at the number listed below.


Thanks!!

Brian
BT Tech
305-652-3115

 

OK Brian! If I'm not under the dash screwing something else up. I actually have my car now, so I can discuss this a bit more intelligently even.

 

Has there been any posts from anyone who was disappointed after installing it? I don't recall any. Anyway if you get it and don't think it lives up to the hype, have it framed or use it as a piece of industrial sculpture. It's that nicely designed, machined and coated.