It has begun... Prius Modding

I can't resist smiling when I see how badly tires where when you mess with Castor & Camber.
Almost as much as front grill rash when driver unexpectedly hits dips in the road or speed up a steep driveway apron.
.

 

dislike button needed

 

Japan's car modding scene has always been pretty flamboyant. It's actually pretty entertaining to see some of the things they do - minivans aren't even safe.

https://www.hotcars.com/the-weirdest-car-modifying-trends-to-emerge-from-japan/#kaido

The Prius at least looks the part this time around. But you should see some of the Gen 3 and Gen 4 mods in Japan

 

They really want Matchbox and Hot Wheels they can drive, don't they?

 

Different strokes for different folks. I can appreciate passion for one's hobby!

Safety and stability of a ride is as much important as fuel economy. Often the car that is modified the most is the safest driver out there since they are taking time to maintain their vehicle.

I think far to often I see Prius out there that are over speeding despite being bone stock. And just speeding itself makes the vehicle inefficient. But for drivers who mod and lower their vehicle and can keep them looking like that above? They will get much better mileage and are more likely to keep up with maintenance on their vehicle for the life of the vehicle.

Just my 2 cents.

 

I have observed over the years that Prius owners seem to have NO FEAR when it comes to modding their cars.

 

Love the color but too low to the ground do me. : }

 

That CANNOT be a Prius. Can it???

 

Then there is the car sitting next to it. Ha!

 

That looks CLEAN.

 

Done a few mods to my XLE, but a bit more subtle than slamming it to the ground and causing all sorts of drivability issues. First thing was a dark ceramic tint. Can't beat the look on a white vehicle! Added a Quantum Solenoid to better modulate the VVT. According to my Dragy gps, took about .4sec off the 0-60. Really nice power when I want it! Replaced the anemic stock horn with the dual Lexus horns. Real authority now when I need it as well. Added a set of smoked window rain guards which not only look great but work great. Doubt I'll do much more and am extremely please where it is now!

 

Never heard of quantum solenoids. That's pretty cool. Lot of performance gain for just $450. I wouldn't want to risk my warranty on one though. Toyota won't even honor motor warranties on GR86 motors that fail due to poor oiling design. If they do deny you, one can scream Magnusson moss act until you're blue in the face but good luck getting them to move an inch without getting a lawyer involved.

 

Was the horn replacement straight forward bolt on plug and play or was mods or fab req’d. to attachment brkt? What is the part number for the Duel Lexus horn? Sounds like a worthwhile upgrade!

 

Anyone plan on changing to aftermarket wheels?

 

Highly considering it, but for mostly practical reasons. I want a 17" wheel for better winter tire options, and I personally find both the stock 17" alloy wheel and its wheel cover hideous. I want to keep as stock a wheel size as possible, so I'm looking at a set of Modellista WingDancer XX. They are offered as an official Toyota option in Japan. Biggest problem is the shipping cost to get them here. Probably $1200 for the set of wheels and $800 in shipping. Add at least another $500 to that for a good set of winter tires and the total price is getting tough to stomach.