[david85]

I have finally started the real part of the conversion.

The engine and transmission are out, and I did some minor measurements under the hood to see how the 200Ah lithium cells would fit. Still have to pull the fuel tank, lines and exhaust system. A cold snap is on the way, so the warm weather is over. Shop is not heated.....

The amount of room behind the front bumper is very encouraging. I figure I can fit at least 24 of the cells under the hood. I will know more once the motor and drive are installed, but at the very least I already have room for 24 of the 48 cells. There is also lots of space behind the bumper corners, not sure what I can install there...maybe the vacuum pump and a few inches of sound insulation on top.

The aluminum sheet metal for the battery boxes is on its way. Sorry, no updates on the brushless motor yet. But I am considering a warP 9" if that proves to be too hard to get in a timely manner. I could always upgrade later and sell the brushed system.

The battery shown here is my sample and the cells are the same model as what the 144V battery will use. There is room for a string of 12 cells right where the radiator used to be, and another 12 cell string against the firewall. The rest should fit below the trunk floor in a custom drop box, so cargo room will be the same after the conversion. In theory, there is also more room at the fuel tank location, but considering how hard it is to get to, I might just leave that empty for now since I already have all the room I need. The only catch is I won't have a place for the spare tire anymore, but it may even fit under the hood. Will have to see.