[Wild]

Originally Posted by tristan582

Its a 1989 fox body with 5 speed. The batteries I have I found out are bad. So where do I get the lead batteries I need.

Considering your limited budget which is already spent after factoring in motor controller adapter kit etc your only choice would be to buy cheap used or find another EV builder selling theirs.

[dladd]

What is your reason for building an EV? I ask because it is important in deciding if it's worth doing it or not. I understand the thrill of a ride in a Tesla, but understand what you are going to be able to build with Lead Acid and $5k is more golf cart than Tesla...

Are you trying to save money? Forgettaboutit. Buy a used econobox and keep it gas.

Are you looking for performance? You will want lithium and a lot more cash.

Are you up for a different and neverending project just because it seems fun to do? That's more the mindset you'll need

spend a few hours (days?) reading the Wiki here, and check out a lot of cars at evalbum.com to see what has been done before, and what kind of performance you can expect with different component choices.

[Mark C]

One more thing to consider. A 144v system in a fox body Ford.

Let me give you an example to ponder. Myers Motors makes a small EV called the NmG. It used to be a good quality DC motor, a Zilla 1k controller and 156V AGM battery pack. (Now it's lithium powered) It's a tiny single seat vehicle and max range on lead was 30 miles and max speed was 75 MPH. You're trying to do close to three times the weight of that vehicle and use a smaller battery pack and less capable controller (based on your budget). Please understand you are aiming for a 10 mile range car if it isn't pushed too hard. If you're ok with that, charge on!

[dragonsgate]

I zeroed in on what I think is an important factor. Tristan said he was 16. Ahh! to be 16 again! You have some time ahead of you to plan and build a nice car if that is what you really want. You will live to see some really good battery technology become available not to mention possible motor advancements. Wild made a good point when he spoke of reading some educational material and expanding the working capital. So before you make any big purchases read and ask questions here and anywhere until you pretty much know the workings of electricity and electric cars. Keep focused and start thinking of how you are going to make enough money to support your project. Have good place to store your car and parts if you start your project soon. I had a 51 Ford I had great ideas for and kept in my parent’s garage when I was about your age. My dad was always griping about it being in the way. When I went into the service he had it hauled off. One other thing. Seeing as how you are just 16 be warned of distractions. At your age there are a lot of them but the most costly can be “girls”. If you find yourself weak and can’t leave them alone like most men then at least try to find one that doesn’t mind helping put gas in your car and is happy just sitting looking at your feet sticking out from under your car and handing you wrenches and at this juncture in time sodas.

[Mark C]

dragonsgate, thanks.....this is a far better response than I gave. Often it is too easy to be critical of others ideas and ambitions.

Well said.

[EVEngineeer]

You should read the stuff on this link. http://www.diyelectriccar.com/wiki/ You will find everything you need to know right here. Since you asked about parts, scroll down to the section that says Selecting Parts in bold. The top section in that list is a link to a Parts List that I created, with the help of others. I noticed that you said you only have 5k to spend. That is pretty damn low for a conversion, so you will need to get some used parts. Here is a link to I believe the cheapest ev conversion ever. http://forkenswift.com/