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…
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.…
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…
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,…
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…
Prius Meet at Capital Seafood Restaurant in Irvine, CA
On Sunday, September 30th, 2012, I attended the first Prius owners’ meet. The meet was organized by Rodney, aka “Hawaiianbuilt” and held at Capital Seafood Restaurant down in Irvine, California. I’ve attended a handful of RSX meets when I still…
Update: Nokya LED projector fog lights and Xentec 5000k HID cutoffs
It’s been a while but I’ve been far too busy to find a clean wall to photograph some high-res output cutoffs given off by the Nokya LED projector fog lights I’ve installed weeks ago and the Xentec 5000k HID kit…
DIY: How to eliminate “ground shadow” from Prius projectors
You may or may not have heard of the infamous “ground shadow” effect that seem to affect only 2010+ Toyota Prius projectors. There are expensive HID kits (expensive by today’s standard, that is) with special bulbs that are designed specifically…
DIY: How to install an HID kit on your 3rd gen Toyota Prius
No rocket science is involved when it comes to installing modern aftermarket high intensity discharge (HID) xenon kits since most contemporary kits are manufactured with updated technology, standardized and almost 100% plug-n-play. Most kits these days can be purchased for…
Review: Xentec 5000K HID plug-n-play kit (H11 bulbs)
After taking the plethora of generally negative reviews on Xentec HID kits into consideration across multiple online venues (e.g. forums, product reviews, etc.), I’ve decided to gamble $3x.00, including tax, and purchased a Xentec 5000K H11 HID kit for the…
Review: NOKYA OEM Style LED Projector Fog Light Kit Clear (NOK9560)
I meant to write this review a few weeks ago but did not have the Nokya projector fog lamps installed on the Prius due to lack of time and because my fog light comparison project was still ongoing. I ordered…