Brians EV conversion- Build Thread

rctous · #1 06-19-2008, 02:44 PM

I was not sure where to place this so if it needs to be moved please do so (mods)
I am starting to do my first ev car and I wanted to start a link to show the progress. As of now it is pretty quiet not much to say but I have picked out my dream donor car, need to go get it still probably this monday but here is a photo of it. It is a 91 Geo Storm the performace version LOL. and the motor was ordered today and it is a Impulse 9 single shaft expecting it next week, Not much else to share as I am buying as necessary (budget and stock dependant) I am looking at doint he 8 V flodded golf cart batteries , found them local here for 101 bucks + 15 bucks per for core charges, they are 178 AH rated, need 15 of them as I am doing a 120 VDC system,, any advice is apprieciated and I will up date here as often as I can. This is a great forum site !!! So muck collective knowlege THANKS TO ALL!

dpringle · #2 06-19-2008, 04:58 PM

Brian,

Congrats on getting started... I am about to start mine too....

I'm converting a Ford Probe.... The Storm is probably nice and light for this. It should make a cool conversion.

I pick my donor up on Saturday, and as chance would have it, my boss is out of town all next week.... so I have plenty of time to work on it. The Engine will probably be out by Monday, and I plan on having it cleaned up and ready for fabrication and installation by weeks end... Lets hope. A week solid of every day should get me there.

rctous · #3 06-19-2008, 05:11 PM

have ya picked up the motor yet? what voltage are ya doing?

I am picking up my car Sat as well (I hope) same thing motor out ASAP!

dpringle · #4 06-19-2008, 07:53 PM

I haven't decided on anything solidly yet. Every time I think I've made a decision something else comes my way and I waver....

But I'm thinking that I might do one of the KTA conversion kits... or just go a la carte.

ahem... just bought an engine hoist at Pep Boys... gettin' ready!

rctous · #5 06-19-2008, 09:46 PM

ya I have been that way as well finally just did it on the motor get it be happy and move on,, but ya so many choices. I am going ala carte on the stuff as well as my budget can be spread out more that way. Finally made the decision on the batteries, for the first project car I am using the flooded 8 VDC golf batteries, able to get the 178AH ones for $101.00, from a local supplyer + 15 bucks each for the core charge, Still cheap I thought more maintanence but O well every pro has a con, if all I need to do is a monthly "boiling" and add water I can live with that,, but the decision is over now I can move on. I have litterly been awake all week till 4 AM going over it all ,, on the forums all night as well,, let me tell ya though a week ago I knew nothing and I sure know alot more now!! Can't wait to get the cars Saturday called u haul and linned up the trailer and have a friend ready to help,,, willl try to get the motor (engine ) out Saturday will send progress pics. I think I mentioned it earlier but some of the lead times are crazy now so look ahead or get stuck waiting for 3 months for a MUST have part ( like the motor)

Manntis · #6 06-19-2008, 10:54 PM

does the Storm have the same Lotus suspension as its Impulse twin?

dpringle · #7 06-19-2008, 11:49 PM

Thanks for the heads up on the lag time on ordering.... I will have my funds within the next two weeks, so I will order everything then. I was looking at the 'transwarp 9' today... any thoughts? Says it's more efficient than the warp 9. As far as the pack goes, I haven't settled on flooded or AGM. I will get more longevity out of the flooded, but the AGM's are no maintenance and handle deeper loads (as far as I can tell) . So much to learn.

I am planning on doing updates as well. I'll be posting to my site: http://www.harrisburgev.com

Keep me posted! I'd love to know how yours is going.

Dave

rctous · #8 06-20-2008, 12:26 AM

the probe is probably heavier than my car so more power will not be a bad thing The regular Warp 9 would be a solid choice I am sure. I just saw the weight of the Ford Probe it is 2894 lbs. I really looked at the warp ( it is more powerful) but also unobtainable for 2 months,, the impulse will do me just fine and I paid 1575 for it. The warp 9 is 1700 and most places I called or have seen wanr about 200 bucks or more to ship it. I had my motor shiped on my Fed ex account, it will be about 60 bucks for 150 lb box by ground. There are so many choices just be sure it is a series wound motor and has the ability to advance the timing (unless you are doing re gen) I have already looked at your site ,,,,,,,,,,,cool start (photographer huh???)

rctous · #9 06-20-2008, 12:45 AM

this looks like awesome wire high temp etc
price looks OK as well any one ever use it?

http://www.cableyard.com/catalog/pro...products_id=32

dpringle · #10 06-20-2008, 10:31 PM

Yeah, I'm a photographer for a livin'..... Used to work for magazines / Newspaper in Florida. Now I'm in PA trying to build a clientele.

I can't seem to settle on a motor or controller.... any good research suggestions? I've been all over google and this site, but I just get myself more indecisiveness! I'm leaning toward the Advanced DC or the Warp 9. with a Curtiss 1231C...