TRD Plus Rear Sway Bar

Just out of curiosity, what other suspension mods do you have? Im debating whether or not to play with sway bars and stuff but Idk if it's worth it for where I'm at now

 

My comments exactly - the best bang for the buck. I can't understand why Toyota didn't just design in the same rigidity in the rear axle. Also the rear sway bar is "made in: USA of domestic materials".

 

I love my rear sway bar and lowering springs from trd...my car handles great. Don't forget to lick up a Rude person's front. Chassis brace.

 

I have the Tanabe strut tower brace, both Cusco front braces, Cusco mid brace, and lowered on Eibachs. I added a Hotchkis rear swaybar and I did feel a significant difference in turn in and handling. It was more responsive to steering inputs and the car feels even flatter in the turns.

I would assume that you would have a similar experience if you added a rear sway bar based on your mod list in your sig.

The only difference between my setup and the OPs is that the TRD bar utilizes endlinks, where the Hotchkis mounts to the strut assembly.

 

interesting.. as I would think the Plus springs would have a bigger improvement than sway. So far, it's been great!

 

My chassis/suspension upgrades were as follows in this order below. Basically started off with the cheapest first and then got a bug! Luckily my Prius is a limited edition here in UK, it came with the bodykit and wheels and interior leather etc so is a great start to modding!

1) Ultrabrace lower centre brace off eBay.
2) Tanabe lower front brace (changing to Rude person's as Tanabe too low to floor for lowered ride)
3) Cusco strut brace (bought 2nd hand)
4) H&R lowering springs

At every stage I have noticed improvements over the last upgrade but even with the stiffer springs there is still a noticeable sway if you push the car around corners.

I agree with a previous post if you want less sway a rear anti sway is the way forward rather than lowering springs, but that is what an anti sway is for!

I intend to get a rear anti sway sooner rather than later and then I'm sure the car will improve even more.

 

I assume you upgraded from 15" wheels already?

 

Speaking from experience, for stability and overall handling improvement, plus sizing on tires/wheels combo makes the biggest impact. Sequence should be tires/wheels then suspension. I think the stock Persona handled quite well as it's has 17" wheels. I read a lot of instability/poor handling complaints by Gen3 owners... the only difference, the 17" wheels.

 

Plus size wheels are also the single biggest thing you can do to make your ride a LOT rougher.

 

The less compliant sidewalls DO improve turn-in. The larger diameter wheels increase the unsprung weight, the rotational mass that the car has to accelerate and brake, and move that mass away from the center of rotation, making it that much more difficult to accelerate and brake that mass.

The mid Ultrabrace helped a lot with the chassis flex, and the TRD lowering springs gave a somewhat firmer ride, while eliminating the "TRD OffRoad Suspension" look that the stock springs give. I'll probably add a strut tower brace and the front underbraces from Rude person's at some point. I'm on the fence about the TRD bodykit. I've read that it DOES improve the car's aerodynamics...

 

My question if OP swapped wheels was due to his comment, "If you had only one thing to do to improve the vague, flaccid handling of a Gen III Prius; this would be the place to start."

Reading that statement alone, I disagree and would say improving contact patch thus the Plus wheel size suggestion.. but OP never noted that. that's what great about customizing.. everyone can do it their way to meet their own requirement.

 

That's the subjective part, the "return". It's just preference really.. unless you're doing lap time around Laguna Seca, I don't really see a "return" with any of the handling upgrades. Only goal I see here is improving the drive experience That to me is hard to put a dollar amount on.

For me, not monetary return but I enjoyment is improved in 2 areas, aesthetics and handling. I would go as far to say I would not have bought a Prius if it wasn't for how it looks.

 

Just reading through the previous posts... I have a Persona that included the Sports Appearence package. Forged 17's, Toyo Tires and the TRD Gorund Effects kit. I love the car, but it did not look right. It looked like I could curl up and take a nap in the wheel well!

SO... I just got back from having the TRD Spings and Anti-Sway Bar installed. I have to say that I agree with Sfcyclist. I added the additional components because I enjoy a firmer ride. I am definately happier with the way the car feels. I also got 3mpg more on the way back from the dealership... Maybe lowering the car helped? Not likely? I'll let you guys know how the mpg's go...

Either way, better or worse, I haven't done any mods to a car in over 20 years and it feels good to have some fun again!

Even if its tamed fun as I Pulse and Glide my lowered Prius!