Prius aero mods (undertrays, grille block, mirror delete...)

[davidglover]

Gets me excited to start mods on our first Prius - a 2005.

[Ryanrpm]

Originally Posted by krousdb

Yes they are sheetmetal screws. I will have to remove for inspection and oil changes.

Finished the RH Mirror delete last weekened.

I also saw the same mirrors at Walmart and picked up two. BUT, can you tell me where you bought your mirror mounting brackets?

[bwilson4web]

Interesting! Thanks from bringing this thread forward.

I'm unhappy with my stock, side mirrors because of the blind spots. So I have no problem with replacing them with interior mirrors that provide better blind-spot and side coverage. Located at the top outside of the windshield, this can work along with my upgraded backup camera, gps and bluetooth unit:


Thanks,
Bob Wilson

[KrautBurner]

Originally Posted by davidglover

Gets me excited to start mods on our first Prius - a 2005.

me too !!!

but mine is a 2001



I know this is an old thread,
but I'm having a hard time finding info on anyone modding the first gen Prius

[bwilson4web]

In priority order:

1. 1-1.5kW inverter - emergency power as well as remote power. I've used it with a reciprocating saw to make big tree limbs into something I can drag, carry, and stack after the storms this winter.
2. GPS+bluetooth - gives you hands free cell phone. The Chinese rear view mirror lost the bluetooth after a year; the GPS map is not upgradable, and; the rear view camera is going marginal and too low. Also, the rear view camera needs to be mounted high, looking down, say top of the rear window. Will use Garmin next time.
3. beeping backup LED light - I like to give the pedstrians something else to ignore as they step into the path of my backing up car. My lawyers will LOVE IT!
4. dash cam, front and back, with GPS - mounted using bungee cords to the passenger head rest, it provides empirical data about a trip and my lawyers will LOVE IT!
5. split water noodle air inlet block - using thin bungee cords at each end, it reduces high-speed drag and shortens warm-up time below 75F. Stows on shelf above traction battery in trunk.
6. tow bar - to hang the truck nuts and tow the Jon boat or half a ton of hay.
7. largest diameter front tires - to give a permanent over-drive. Indicated MPG will appear to be off and you'll need to use the GPS for speed but apply the calibration constant at the pump and you'll be pleased.
8. minimum three transaxle oil changes - to Type WS, dropping the pan, and wiping clean. Reduces wear and friction.
9. Scangauge II or equivalent - helps to keep the car in the highest fuel efficient regions and diagnostics 'in the field' if you throw a code.
10. mini-shop jack and jack stand - flat tires happen but it also encourages oil changes.
11. Fumoto oil valve - makes oil changes easier so less likely to skip.

Bob Wilson

[KrautBurner]

Originally Posted by bwilson4web

In priority order:

1. 1-1.5kW inverter - emergency power as well as remote power. I've used it with a reciprocating saw to make big tree limbs into something I can drag, carry, and stack after the storms this winter.

1. not a bad idea,
   can you give me a link for the right way to do this?
   or do you just use one in the cigarette lighter?
   
   

   GPS+bluetooth - gives you hands free cell phone. The Chinese rear view mirror lost the bluetooth after a year; the GPS map is not upgradable, and; the rear view camera is going marginal and too low. Also, the rear view camera needs to be mounted high, looking down, say top of the rear window. Will use Garmin next time.

   I've got no intrest in talking on the phone when I'm driving
   and I prettymuch know where I'm going (at least when I'm commuting)
   so I don't feel I need a GPS
   
   

   beeping backup LED light - I like to give the pedstrians something else to ignore as they step into the path of my backing up car. My lawyers will LOVE IT!

   I don't spend much time in reverse (other than backing into my driveway)
   so this isn't something i think I'd use either
   
   

   dash cam, front and back, with GPS - mounted using bungee cords to the passenger head rest, it provides empirical data about a trip and my lawyers will LOVE IT!

   in my experience,
   attaching a camera to myself or my vehicle is all around a bad idea
   first of all, Im not sure I wanna document my actions
   and more importantly, it's like wearing an Evel Knievel helmet and cape (somehow it makes me wanna do stuff I shouldnt be doing)
   
   
   

   split water noodle air inlet block - using thin bungee cords at each end, it reduces high-speed drag and shortens warm-up time below 75F. Stows on shelf above traction battery in trunk.

   I have no idea what this is
   can you post a link?
   
   

   tow bar - to hang the truck nuts and tow the Jon boat or half a ton of hay.

   I'm not gonna be towing with this thing
   or attaching Truck Nutz
   
   

   largest diameter front tires - to give a permanent over-drive. Indicated MPG will appear to be off and you'll need to use the GPS for speed but apply the calibration constant at the pump and you'll be pleased.

   interesting idea
   I wonder how much it would adversly effect me on hills
   
   my commute includes about 5 very large (half mile long and several hundred feet of elivation) hills
   and the car already feels like it's working pretty hard to make it up (altho, i'ts got no problem keeping up with the cruise set at 62
   
   

   minimum three transaxle oil changes - to Type WS, dropping the pan, and wiping clean. Reduces wear and friction.

   "3 transmission oil changes"?
   just to flush out the old oil?
   is it really that dirty?
   
   what is "Type WS"?
   is there a weight?
   
   

   Scangauge II or equivalent - helps to keep the car in the highest fuel efficient regions and diagnostics 'in the field' if you throw a code.

   I was wondering if this would be useful to me
   the Previous Owner said he had some sort of USB Dongle that I can hook up to my Laptop and scan/clear codes
   I havn't picked it up yet, I've got HPtuners for my GTO (amazing program)
   
   

   mini-shop jack and jack stand - flat tires happen but it also encourages oil changes.

   I've got tools, jacks, stands, etc... I do most of my own maintenance
   
   

   Fumoto oil valve - makes oil changes easier so less likely to skip..

   I'll have to look this up
   can't imagine how much easier it would be (but I havn't done one yet)
   
   

Bob Wilson

[matt36415]

ws transmission fluid is Toyotas fluid, there are few alternatives, some people use valvoline maxlife as a cheaper alternative. Info on it is hard to find too. On Toyota Nation in the gen 5/6 camry thread there is lots of discussion about it. According toToyota its a 'lifetime' fluid. Magic. Why didnt someone make a magic, dosent get dirty or break down fluid years ago?

In Australia the toyota forum for what you get as a V6 camry is full of problems with cars using this fluid because they are 'sealed' units, no dip stick and no recommended service...... ever.

Sorry for rant. I used to rebuild auto boxes at a Holden dealer and at least half died due to fluid problems, too low, too hot from towing, not replaced for far too long...