Update: DIY guide is now up, DIY: How to install JDM Prius power folding side mirrors I am making decent progress in sketching the wiring diagrams to help assist in the installation and wiring up a set of JDM Prius power…
Received my JDM Prius power folding side mirrors kit, my thoughts
Update: DIY guide is now up, DIY: How to install JDM Prius power folding side mirrors I generally do not have time on a weekday to entertain Prius projects. Heck, I rarely have time on the weekend and it looks like…
Prius JDM power folding side mirrors ordered, DIY coming soon
Update: DIY guide is now up, DIY: How to install JDM Prius power folding side mirrors I’ve been able to source out a 3rd gen Prius JDM power side folding mirrors kit for $500 + $83 shipping and have placed an…
Next Prius project: Converting high-beams into daytime running lights (DRL)
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…