[snowdog]

Hello all,

I thought I would start a build thread. I have ordered a K1-attack kit car. I have started the assembly. My plan is to have a Tesla drive train. I am sourcing from EV-West. Hopefully that was a good company to partner with. I am waiting on batteries until the build is further along. I will definitely reach out to the forum for advice along the way. I am also documenting in YouTube. Feel free to follow along.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Uk13BnLTGAO5APsfuT9uw

 

[snowdog]

Brian, thanks for all the kind words . My first YouTube attempt ever. Obviously I have a lot to learn.

I obtained the frame dimensions from the kit manufacturer. I sourced the Tesla dimensions from GrabCad. It will fit. Obviously I will need to modify the frame to meet up with Tesla subrame and I may need to modify the suspension points. I may need to widen the rear fenders depending on what size tires/rims I end up going with. I am waiting on the battery purchase for now as it will take me some time to assemble the car. I am planning on ~30kW. Batteries can fit up front as well as between seats and behind the seats. Much of the other electrical, contactors, DC-DC converter, Tesla controller, etc. will be in the back.

 

[snowdog]

Also, maybe I wasn't clear. I will be sourcing the entire tesla subframe (control arms in all). I just need to mate it with the frame.

 

[snowdog]

Also, maybe I wasn't clear. I will be sourcing the entire tesla subframe (control arms in all). I just need to mate it with the frame.

 

[snowdog]

Brian, you make many good observations. Several electric powered options were considered. I was not keen on options that would require clutch and shifting. I also liked the available power for the small size and weight. I know there were other options, however this is the one that I landed on. I am not planning to change the tesla suspension the only modification that may be required is where the shocks are mounted to the frame. The K1 is quite wide, as most cars use wheel spacers when used with the honda drive trains.

 

[snowdog]

Great discussion guys. You all have a wealth of knowledge. When the Tesla subframe comes in I will post some pictures with potential mounting options. I would love for the feedback.

 

[snowdog]

So I have a couple of screen shots of the tesla rear subframe with the K1 frame overlay. The designed placement of the coilovers for the K1 look like they will be ~2in inboard of the stock tesla location. My plan is to change the mounting point of the coilover to match the location and angle of the stock tesla struts. The plan for the frame is all weld on (no cutting) to bring the frame to the four motor mounting points.

You can see a little more in the last 3 minutes of this YouTube video.
https://youtu.be/eqOIkSRNeFY

Suggestions?

 

[snowdog]

Question on battery placement. The kit that I am building (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Uk13BnLTGAO5APsfuT9uw) has large channels that run along either side of the car length wise between the front and rear tires. This seems like it might be a good place for battery locations, right? Any draw backs?

 

[snowdog]

I was planning on using using LG Chem 16S 2.6kWh Batteries. The drawings seem like there should be plenty of room. Maybe I am missing something.

 

[snowdog]

Any fundamental problems with standing batteries upright instead of laying down?

 

[snowdog]

Brian, Thank you for your comments. They have been very helpful. I have been trying to research about the battery boxes, best construction methods, heating cooling considerations. It seems that many of these threads start off good and take some big tangents.

I haven't bought any batteries yet, but yes those were the ones that I was considering.

I was thinking of making a fiberglass box where I can secure the batteries well with some steel tubing supports. I was thinking of starting with the air cooled method.

Do you have any good threads or articles to point me to.

 

[snowdog]

Good point

 

[snowdog]

Tesla motor is in!!!

 

[snowdog]

Ha, Ha, I should have been more clear. I mean I now have the tesla motor. It is not yet mounted to the frame. I will post some photos.

 

[snowdog]

Here is a picture

 

[snowdog]

Suspension, brakes, rotors, spindles are still coming (not here yet). Still confirming dimensions. I will see if I can position it roughly in place. I have a neighbor (metal fabricator) coming over this weekend to help me with some mounting options.

 

[snowdog]

For those wanting more details

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_DMu-_KCpY

 

[snowdog]

The other struts were thrown on to help identify the axle position. Once the suspension control arms and spindles come and are mounted, I will figure out if the Tesla struts or an alternate struts will be used. I am leaning towards an alternate solution thinking that the tesla struts are meant to support a 5,000 lb car and are air struts. Still evaluating, suggestions are welcome.

 

[snowdog]

Starting on Tesla motor cooling system.

For those wanting more details
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KviMFySdezc

 

[snowdog]

More work on Tesla motor cooling system.

For those wanting more details
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ-G7ljfIqQ