UPDATE: DIY guide is now available: DIY: How to add daytime running lights to a 2010-2011 Prius My next weekend project for the Prius is to convert the high-beams into daytime running lights (DRL), like older Toyotas and certain models,…
UPDATE: 2012+ 3rd gen Prius grille blocking strategy
I last gassed up on April 1st, 2013 - making this my 3rd gas-up in 2013. So after nearly 2 months since I started the grille blocking strategy research, I think I have viable data to share. For one, I've…
Prius vs. RSX total monthly cost of ownership analysis
After owning the Prius for a good 10 months, I figured I sit back and do a monthly cost of ownership analysis comparing the operating costs between the Prius and the RSX based on my own personal experience. The result…
2012+ 3rd gen Prius grille blocking strategy
While I gassed up once in a span of five weeks so far for the year 2013, the MPG rating at the last fill-up was as an abysmal 40.5 MPG (according to Fuelly; still, can't complain about gassing up once…
Prius PLUS Performance Evolution badge (PT413-47110)
Since completing the Prius PLUS Performance package, minus the PLUS 17" split spoke alloy wheels, I think it's time to slap on the PLUS badge. The part number for the badge is PT413-47110 and can be purchased for $45-$55, depending…
First gas-up for 2013
Since relocating closer to work (5 miles), I have enjoyed shorter commutes and total elimination of competing with other drivers on LA's bumper to bumper traffic during rush hour. Today's the first day I had to gas up for 2013.…
Review: Back to the Roots DIY home grown oyster mushroom kit
While on the flight back to Los Angeles from Philadelphia post-Thanksgiving, I flipped through Delta's SkyMall mail order catalog that was placed in the backseat pocket of passenger seats for passengers to read. One item caught my attention and it's…
DIY: How to install Prius PLUS Ground Effects kit by TRD
I have finally gotten around to write up the do-it-yourself installation guide with complete instructions on how to install the 7-piece Prius PLUS Performance Ground Effects kit by TRD onto a 2012+ 3rd gen Toyota Prius. I wrote this guide…
June Lake Loop and my first attempt at astrophotography
One area of photography that I want to dive into and ultimately improve upon is the area of astrophotography. More specifically, photographing the Milky Way. Ever since a child, I've heard stories from my pops describing a white band of…
The period of lull between tinkering with the Prius is coming to an end
Ever since October 2012, the momentum of my past time hobby that involves tinkering with the Prius has slowed down to a lull. Between relocating, planning for multiple holidays, planning for holiday vacations and budgeting for said vacations, work related commitments,…
Review: 6-1/2' Pre-Decorated Pull-Up Christmas Tree from Improvements
We've been eyeing this tree since November 2012, but due to budget constraint incurred from our moving expense and holiday vacation plans, we had to forfeit a tree for Christmas 2012 :[ (we're not folks that make impulse purchases on…
iPhone 5 now available on Straight Talk (contract-free carrier)
iPhone enthusiasts (like myself) that are holding out for the iPhone 5 but do not want to subscribe or renew their contract(s) with any of the overpriced top three carriers (AT&T, Verizon and Sprint) can now purchase an iPhone 5…
First Look at the 2015 4th Gen Toyota Prius
Anyone seen the conceptual artist rendering of what the 4th gen 2015 Toyota Prius could possibly look like? If you're a fellow Prius enthusiast, then this is probably old news to you. If not, here are some scans from Holiday…
Genuine Toyota Prius Lower Door / Rocker Moldings vs. Fake eBay Replicas (marinecombat)
I've been meaning to write this entry for a while, but it kept slipping from my train of thoughts. Anyways, it has come to my attention that a lot of Prius enthusiasts are purchasing chrome Toyota lower side door moldings…
