*MODIFICATION JOURNAL* I got my hands on the girlfriend's Prius ...here is what I did.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by ucsbwsr, Sep 23, 2014.

Page 7 of 10
  1. Daafin3

    Daafin3 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2014
    10
    3
    0
    Location:
    Surprise Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I am loving the look! I'd love to do all this to my Prius, this it'll all look good on a Tan Prius? Idk about those white wheels on a tan one?

    Also, I've seen some Prii with their 'tail wing' thingy painted black, I think it might be a good addition to your vehicle? But I'm not a expert or anything :p thoughts?
     
    #121 Daafin3, Apr 15, 2015
  2. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2013
    5,884
    3,486
    0
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Hey if you are in So Cal, It would be great if you could join us at our next Prius meet up. We have held two so far and the last one was held in Fountain Valley and we had a great turn out. It would be great to kick the tires with you. If interested, I will let you know of the next one. There are a few of us who will be attending the scheduled Toyotafest in Long Beach next month, and displaying their cars at this event. If you have not been you should check it out, its a great show.
     
    #122 orenji, Apr 15, 2015
  3. Riff Raff

    Riff Raff Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2015
    30
    15
    0
    Location:
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    How do your springs ride? Any info on spring rates? I still need an 8mm spacer in the rear for RPF1's to sit flush.
     
    #123 Riff Raff, Apr 16, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2015
  4. ucsbwsr

    ucsbwsr Active Member

    Joined:
    May 28, 2014
    105
    145
    0
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    IMO most of the mods I did to this car would translate well to other Prii. I would recommend experimenting with white and/or different colors for the wheels (assuming you use Plasti-Dip). I never would have thought white would look good but it did on my girlfriends car for 2 reasons: 1) the oem paint compliments the white and vice-versa, 2) the stock touring hubcaps have a clean design and the white color draws attention to them but in a good way.

    Regarding deck spoilers, I personally feel like the oem spoiler is sufficient, I like the way it extends rewards as it compliments the lines of the car. Adding anything to it would look tacky and likely negatively affect visibility. This is my opinion of course, I prefer subtle and classy ....sometimes nasty and bad-nice person.

    My trips to SoCal are usually pretty packed with friends and running around but being a car enthusiast I am always down to meet up with fellow gear heads. I will probably be in Orange County in 2 weeks but I will likely drive my wagon down and my schedule at this point is unknown. Shoot me a PM with you next get together and I would be happy to join if it works out.

    No info on the spring rates, I didn't notice any specs on the box but I also wasn't looking for them. The ride is a little more taught and communicative, keep in mind I replaced the struts at the same time as the springs. I am used to driving in lowered cars and the experience/driving dynamics that come along with it so I call the ride "communicative" some may call it "busy" or "firm." It is not harsh or jarring. The more time I have behind the wheel with the lowering springs the less I notice the difference compared to stock which I think is a compliment.

    I am waiting for my fender roller to come in so I can get the new wheels installed and fitment dialed!! Eastwood rollers are backordered until April 30th. :( I have been impressed with the cornering ability of the Prius after all the suspension upgrades, sweeping freeway on/off ramps are really fun and you are really able to capitalize on the light weight of the Prius once you control the body. I am eager to see what it can do with some high-performance summer tires in place of the eco-focused Turanzas.

    Evan
     
    #124 ucsbwsr, Apr 16, 2015
  5. Riff Raff

    Riff Raff Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2015
    30
    15
    0
    Location:
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I have Tien springs from a Matrix and the same exact kyb struts, installed about 3 months ago now. I've had full coilovers on my previous 3 cars with this being the first time I've done a spring and strut combination. Honestly I think I'd rather call up BC or Fortune Auto to get some made with the correct spring rates and travel for the ride height I have in mind.

    As far as tires go........SCRAP THE ECO CRAP, high-performance tires make a huge difference just don't go below a 300 tread-wear rating IMO. I only lost 1 mpg when I switched over to 17x8 Enkei RPF1's with 215/45/17 Falken Ziex High-Performance All-Season tires, I just want coilovers so i can run an 18x9/10 setup and not destroy my fenders:ROFLMAO:
     
    #125 Riff Raff, Apr 16, 2015
    Daves09prius likes this.
  6. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2012
    1,880
    710
    75
    Location:
    Carrollton, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Very interesting - I wonder what the loss would be with some 19x8 RPF1s. They weigh ~19-20lbs - much lighter than my heavy ADR wheels.

    Not to trash your idea...but I highly doubt coil-overs are going to allow you to fit 18x9 or 18x10 in the front OR rear of the Gen 2 prius. What tire size will u run at those rim widths? 215/35R19 is what I'm running now (24.9" diameter and 8.4" width) when i attempted to run 225/40R19 (26.09" diameter and 8.8" width) I rubbed all over the place. I even rolled the front fender...took a dremel tool to the front bumper tab and screw as well as the rear bumper screw and metal support...still rubbed...so i switched back to a narrower...smaller tire. Even if you when with a 225/35R18 tire, the width is what will most like cause rubbing as it would also be 8.8" wide...but I am just guessing because I do not have 18s - mine is a 19x7.

    I've had great luck with Ground Control customer service - they have sent me 3 different pair of Eibach custom springs for my rear setup. All different height and spring rates. I just tell them the inner diameter of the spring, the height and spring rate - they usually have something in stock that they can accommodate me with.
     
    #126 Justdidit, Apr 16, 2015
    Daves09prius likes this.
  7. ucsbwsr

    ucsbwsr Active Member

    Joined:
    May 28, 2014
    105
    145
    0
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    You rolled but did you pull at all, was the roll perfectly flat as it could be (with the relatively thick lip)? How elaborate was your trimming in the rear? I think the bumper brackets, liner, and bumper screw are really going to get it when I fit these wheels. It is interesting dialing fitment on a car with a solid rear axle.
     
    #127 ucsbwsr, Apr 16, 2015
    Daves09prius likes this.
  8. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2012
    1,880
    710
    75
    Location:
    Carrollton, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Front fenders were rolled flat but we're not pulled. Front fender liner was trimmed as well. It rubbed on the fender still...AND it rolled on the front bumper tab and screw even after I trimmed them down. The rear fender didn't need to b rolled - the rear fender never really rubbed. It was the rear bumper screw and tab as well as some angling metal inside the back side of the rear fender.

    Next time I get a chance, I'll snap some pictures.
     
    #128 Justdidit, Apr 16, 2015
  9. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2012
    1,880
    710
    75
    Location:
    Carrollton, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Me too!! Can't find anyone to touch the ECU with a 10' pole - The intake and exhaust mods i've done have helped MPG, throttle response and butt dynometer.....but only so much.
     
    #129 Justdidit, Apr 16, 2015
    Daves09prius likes this.
  10. Riff Raff

    Riff Raff Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2015
    30
    15
    0
    Location:
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A

    My wheels are a few pounds heavier than stock but the tires are honestly what caused the 1 mpg loss. I tried my buddies 17x9 SSR on 195/40/17 fit without issues with less then 1/2" of poke outside of the fender, the rear fits inside the fender still. Offset is key but I don't plan on keeping the wheels tucked, even if i have to pull the fenders but I will need coilovers. Shooting for something like this (215/35/18 on 18x9/10)....
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    SORRY FOR THREAD JACKING, IM DONE!
     
    #130 Riff Raff, Apr 19, 2015
    Daves09prius and Justdidit like this.
  11. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

    Joined:
    May 13, 2012
    2,170
    750
    0
    Location:
    Delaware
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    jesus!! don't "stretch" narrow tires to fit wide wheels. it looks stupid, and it's pointless because you get a smaller than ideal contact patch. its the kind of thing you expect from ghetto retards, and did I mention it looks stupid?
     
    #131 69shovlhed, Apr 19, 2015
    Daves09prius likes this.
  12. ucsbwsr

    ucsbwsr Active Member

    Joined:
    May 28, 2014
    105
    145
    0
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Dat Stance Doh! I have a pic of that passat saved on my computer, it is a wide angle shot from the side and the fitment looks amazing. I am not a fan of that much stretch but that is because I am a fan of "flush"--->"mild poke" and that seldomly requires crazy stretch to achieve those looks.

    When you test fit the wheels did you go lock to lock? That is the fist area where there would be non-fixable contact as the fenders can be massaged. Those wheels probably have a mid 30s offset, it will be interesting to see how you fit those.

    I like that you are probably going staggered, there is some extra room in the rear to fit a wider wheel and since the Prius is FWD the driving dynamics/performance won't be as compromised. I thought about going that direction just for a beefier look in the rear but an 8.5 in the rear does the trick compared to the oem Ritz crackers, lol. It will be nice to rotate tires front to rear too.

    Here are some new pics of the 19x11s I stuffed into the rear on my E61 (hijacking own thread), the rear looks more stretched than I thought it would but it doesn't bother me. Getting the fitment dialed on this car is extremely challenging with it's high offsets and AWD system, wheels and tires are really limited. I am happy to report that it doesn't rub at all.

    Evan

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
    #132 ucsbwsr, Apr 19, 2015
    Daves09prius likes this.
  13. Riff Raff

    Riff Raff Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2015
    30
    15
    0
    Location:
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I used to daily drive an ungodly loud 550 awhp 8 mpg coupe, I modify my vehicles for my pleasure not for others approval!

    Less than 3/4" of clearance at full lock, they are +32 offset if I'm not mistaken. I was honestly contemplating 17x9 Weds TC-105N with meaty tires but I like the thought of a Prius on some Work Eurolines or SSR Vienna Kreis with some nice lips. I'll snap a pic the next time he takes them off, but his Corolla is damn near 4" lower than my Prius.
    [​IMG]
     
    #133 Riff Raff, Apr 19, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2015
  14. ucsbwsr

    ucsbwsr Active Member

    Joined:
    May 28, 2014
    105
    145
    0
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Nice. The rear wheel on that Corolla looks like it is cambering forward, it is probably the angle of the photo.

    The wheels I almost bought were some OZ Futuras, they were 17x9 and mint. Unfortunately the wheels were in Belgium and shipping made them less of a deal (very fair original price IMO). I am a HUGE fan of the wheel and thought it would look great on the Prius, I wasn't crazy about the lack of lip but it is hard with the higher offsets of the Prius. I drool over that highly modified LS430 with stepped OZ Futura, one of my all-time cars.
    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    In other news the Plasti-Dip on the front of my girlfriends Prius is holding up very well considering it's location on the front of the bumper and the exposed edge was cut with painters tape.

    Evan

    [​IMG]
     
    #134 ucsbwsr, Apr 19, 2015
  15. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

    Joined:
    May 13, 2012
    2,170
    750
    0
    Location:
    Delaware
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    how well does plastidip adhere to chrome? the black emblems look great. did you have to remove them for paint?
     
    #135 69shovlhed, Apr 19, 2015
  16. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2012
    1,880
    710
    75
    Location:
    Carrollton, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Not speaking for Evans experience, but on the two Gen2 that I've done, the chrome was holding up well on the chrome grille before I gave it away and the emblems that I did leave on are still holding up well. Removal then spraying helps in getting the edges of the emblems which is where its more known for wearing thin...but its not necessary. All my emblems where dipped on the car minus the rear Toyota emblem..that one I removed and dipped because it was 'easy' to remove b4 dipping.
     
    #136 Justdidit, Apr 20, 2015
  17. Vinnie_febs

    Vinnie_febs Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2015
    44
    15
    0
    Location:
    DC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Got inspired and x-mas came early (y)
    [​IMG]
     
    #137 Vinnie_febs, Apr 22, 2015
    Daves09prius likes this.
  18. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2012
    1,880
    710
    75
    Location:
    Carrollton, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    Nice, you should start your own thread and keep us posted on your retrofit!
     
    #138 Justdidit, Apr 22, 2015
  19. ucsbwsr

    ucsbwsr Active Member

    Joined:
    May 28, 2014
    105
    145
    0
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Very well, it adheres well to many surfaces if is has been cleaned and prepped. I ran into some issues with Plasti-dipping my wheels and not cleaning the edge well, left over tire shine denied strong adhesion. Proper application is also key, the more dip applied the better and it is important to have direct application for the best results.


    Looks good, retrofits are the best. Your avatar is amazing.
     
    #139 ucsbwsr, Apr 22, 2015
    Daves09prius likes this.
  20. Rob Durrant

    Rob Durrant Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2014
    3
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    1999 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Could I ask please the part number of the Cree bulbs you used
    What lumens did they say and what power

    Sam
     
    #140 Rob Durrant, Apr 27, 2015
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Page 7 of 10