What old car would you convert to electric?
- Thread starter mpack88
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Corvair would be interesting.
Willys CJ-3. It would be a hoot off-road. Keep the manual trans.
I can see a battery pack for a Volt going into an Fiero with little modifications. However, keep in mind with MR/RR engine/drive layouts, the driving axle is the rear axle. Unless it’s a Tesla, brake by wire will not apply brakes to the front axle as it sees it as “generator” in regen braking. And if you flip the lines, brake balance will be off. There was a few guys who wanted to stick the Prius drivetrain into a MR2 - the brakes stopped that. It might have been possible with a Lexus GSh brake actuator.
The VW Bus/T3(Vanagon) will pose a different challenge - battery packaging.
There's some company making what they claim isn't a reproduction of one. You be the judge.
In a discussion of what to do with a used one, I think someone mentioned possibly electrifying a Grumman LLV.
But it's already been done. This looks like someone published this in 2014.
https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/02/f8/edagfact.pdf
I can't find any dates on this, but this one is from the Advanced Vehicle Testing group at the Idaho National Laboratory.
https://avt.inl.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/fsev/zapfact.pdf
But it's already been done. This looks like someone published this in 2014.
https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/02/f8/edagfact.pdf
I can't find any dates on this, but this one is from the Advanced Vehicle Testing group at the Idaho National Laboratory.
https://avt.inl.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/fsev/zapfact.pdf
Vintage Ford Escort with a manual transmission seems to be a common electrification candidate.
I had an 86, 5spd. Uuuugh. There were indeed some good qualities to the car, such as it was made of metal, and it’s turn-in was surprisingly natural and smooth. That’s about it.
he means the ford escort. not that ford escort
I was thinking 911 to try to better balance the car. Porsche 914 is a solid choice. Probably would make it a quicker car by converting to electric.
Or a 912, to try to give it some more zoom!
My thought is , battery goes where the engine was, still have 2 trunks, one up front and the small one rear. Still balanced handling, and it would be light.
For an Grumman LLV and a grip of money, I’d use A123/Enerdel Li-ion(I think they’re using Li-FeCo cells) batteries, same ones BAE Systems is using on their HybriDrive hybrid/full electric bus drivetrains with Siemens ELFA motors. BMS and charger would be off the shelf BAE Systems.In a discussion of what to do with a used one, I think someone mentioned possibly electrifying a Grumman LLV.
But it's already been done. This looks like someone published this in 2014.
https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/02/f8/edagfact.pdf
I can't find any dates on this, but this one is from the Advanced Vehicle Testing group at the Idaho National Laboratory.
https://avt.inl.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/fsev/zapfact.pdf
The Bolt’s drivetrain and batteries would be easier - and all GM. Bolt the Bolt’s motor to a 4L60E.
Now days with the cost and reliability of modern EVs make the diy aspect not make much sense financial or otherwise.
Certain cars and components have adapter plates ready made to graft them into specific drivetrains
Old Porsche and VW tend to have the most support
There are independent control solutions to use leaf motors, batteries and other components outside the car.
Lots of possibilities but also still expensive and less reliable than OEM.
That is said from someone who owns 2 antique BEVs
Oddly enough folks have body swapped old cars like your onto rolled running Prius chassis (if you want something completely different.
Certain cars and components have adapter plates ready made to graft them into specific drivetrains
Old Porsche and VW tend to have the most support
There are independent control solutions to use leaf motors, batteries and other components outside the car.
Lots of possibilities but also still expensive and less reliable than OEM.
That is said from someone who owns 2 antique BEVs
Sounds like an ideal platform for an idi diesel swap with manual transmission.
Oddly enough folks have body swapped old cars like your onto rolled running Prius chassis (if you want something completely different.
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The 454 in the 77 step side in my sig ate the cam and of all the options I`m considering electric is not one of them. Once had a 1966 VW bug that tossed a rod, EV would have been top option were it available 4 decades ago.
As silly as it sounds, maybe something like a Ford GT40, resto-mod style vehicle. Install some Tesla running gear, some rolling-pin style tires and flared fenders, keep it as light as possible otherwise. Done correctly, it would be a blast to drive!
Delorean which had a terrible engine. An electric engine would make a really cool fast car.
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+1
The European Ford Escort was a BEAST! Especially the one offered in the 60s-70s for rally racing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Escort_(Europe)
When it came to Delorean,
I never understood why people kept fixing the crap drivetrain and didn’t just drivetrain swap into something plentiful, simple and reliable from GM .
Heck an iron Duke is likely more reliable even if underpowered
not worth a lot in the first place + takes a lot effort and money to swap. oh and the PRV is a great engine family with all kinds of potential.
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