[Carroll_1]

Hi all,

We’ve had quite a few inquiries asking about which makes and models we’re currently working on, so I just wanted to post an update of our current library of conversion adapter plates and couplers. All are either completed and in production or just wrapping up initial prototyping.

• 94-04 S10 pickup 2.2L w/5 speed - clutch style
• 94-04 S10 pickup 2.2L w/5-speed - clutchless style
• (The S10 adapter fits numerous other GM models with 2.2L engine)
• 94-04 S10 pickup 4.3L w/5-speed - clutch style
• 90-97 Mazda Miata/MX5 1.8L w/5-speed - clutch style
• 93-94 Mazda MX6 2.0L w/5-speed - clutch style
• 93-94 Mazda 626 2.0L w.5-speed - clutch style
• 93-97 Ford Probe 4 cyl. w/5-speed - clutch style
• 91-94 Toyota Tercel 1.5L w/C-150 5-speed - clutch style
• 92-99 Toyota Passeo w/C150 5-speed – clutch style
• 96-99 VW Jetta 2.0L w/5-speed - clutch style
• 93-02 VW Golf (will need VIN and trans code to confirm fit) - clutch style
• 92-95 Honda Civic w/S20 5-speed - clutch style
• 88-97 Ford Ranger 2.3L w/5-speed - clutch style
• 94-97 Mazda B2000 4 cyl. w/5-speed - clutch style
• 2001 PT Cruiser w/5-speed - clutch style

If you're unsure about a specific application, send us an e-mail detailing your vehicle's model, year, engine size, and transmission, and we'll cross reference it on our electronic interchange system to confirm a fit. Also, most designs are set up for use with a WarP or ImPulse motor, but can be modified for mounting to ADC, D&D, or others for a reasonable fee.

Having spent the last several months developing these adapters/couplers, we’ve put a temporary hold on starting any additional new models as we focus on putting the final touches on our "complete S10 kit" over the next few months. Thanks for your support.


Craig Dusing

[david85]

I don't suppose you have anything for the saturn SL series?

[Carroll_1]

No, we don't currently have any Saturn adapters. But we'll take a look at some Saturn models once we get a few lingering projects wrapped up.

[jaspersk]

I can share my experience with Electric Vehicle Solutions for anyone thinking about working with them. I recently purchased a clutchless coupler and adapter plate for a '95 Jetta. I can tell you that it was great working with Craig and the folks there and I'd recommend them to others. There was absolutely no noticable vibration or runout when I ran the motor and coupler alone at 12V unconnected from the transmission. Craig has been very helpful in answering all of my questions and has been a pleasure to work with.

There has been discussion about diy adapters, open source hubs, and working with a local machine shop to have them built. Other posts have suggested this will save you money. As such, I originally developed my own plans and tried to find a local machinist to work with. That might work for some but based on my experience, I would not recommend that approach to others. It was hard to find someone willing to work with me and the few that gave me a quote to build it off a plan were no less cost than what I'd pay a place like Electric Vehicle Solutions. More importantly, I learned that there are nuances and design details that go into the coupler and plate. A local shop doesn't have all of the expertise and experience that is needed. If you read Craig's post on taper lock bushings, you'll get a feel for the amount of research that has gone into their design. Here are some examples of other unknown problems that I avoided by going with a known vendor:

• It is very difficult (if not impossible) to get dimensions of the transmission mounting bolts and spacers without precision equipment. Rulers won't cut it. Some shops have this but it adds to your cost if you can't find a dimension sheet for your transmission from someone.
• The coupler needs to have zero runout (I didn't know how to design for that). I have read other posts where folks had problems with wobbling or other vibrations but I think I have minimized the risk of that problem by going with a known design.
• The plate came with a removalable section to get around an interference with the transaxle. My original plan didn't account for that so I saved myself a lot of frustration had I done it on my own.
• Alignment of the motor and transmission is critical especially for a clutchless design. My plate came with spacer rings designed specifically to match my transmission and the dimensions were perfect. They have very tight tolerances in the spacer rings and how the motor mounts up to the plate to ensure the motor shaft is perfectly centered to the transmission shaft. It was to the point that I had to lightly tap the plate to get the spacers into the transmission. They lined up perfect but I share that to illustrate how tight the tolerances need to be.

Again, I had a good experience with Electric Vehicle Solutions and would recommend them to others. In retrospect, I could have never come anywhere near the quality if I had built my own and they saved me a lot of unforseen problems.

[ElectriCar]

Nevermind I found your website.

[mr5by5]

It is now March '09 - last post from Electric Vehicle Solutions 12/08 said they would be "putting finishing touches" on their complete S-10 kit over the "next few months".

Nothing new on your website (but a great recommend from a customer on this Forum!) - where is the new S-10 kit at development-wise?

[Carroll_1]

Well, those three months flew by. I just finished the prototype bolt-in front battery box/controller frames and built a production welding jig last week. The first-off production frames will be powder coated next week and I'll install one in my S10. I'm still working on the rear battery box frames. Same process; I'll finish the prototype, produce welding jigs, then produce a first-off production run.

The battery box frames will be the last pieces to complete the kit. I've also been working on a Toyota Tercel conversion the last several months, and been using it to test several components I intend to use in the kit. The battery charger, DC-DC converter, contactor/control enclosure, brake vacuum pump system, heat sink, gauges, battery heaters, hot water heater, and more, are all parts we've been installing and testing for inclusion in the S10 kit. I'm doing my best to get it all wrapped up, but I won't offer the kit until I've had a chance to road test every part in real world use.

Craig Dusing

[mr5by5]

Thanks so much for the great update on the S-10 Kit development!

It sounds like you are busy and progressing nicely - I was afraid that with the economic down-turn and lowering of gas prices things might have been delayed...

I have had a look at "album" with photos of "Electric Red" and I can see that you do high quality work! With your stated dedication to "checking everything out" you just might be earning yourself some future business from me. Maybe I will start looking for a nice S-10 now!

Thanks again and please keep us posted on progress/availability of the S-10 Kit.

[JRP3]

Do you have an adapter plate for a 1988 Fiero? I think it should be the same bolt pattern as an S10 but rear corner of the mounting plate would have to be cut back to clear the right side axle shaft.

[Carroll_1]

JRP3,

I don't have an adapter design specifically for a Fiero, but if it would be a modification to the S10 pattern, we'd sure take a look at it. Do you have a photo or anything I can use to compare? I've had quite a few people inquire about Fiero's, but I didn't realize they were close to the S10. I'll try to research it further.

Craig