Front Quarter ViewRear Quarter ViewEngine Bay ViewUnderhood ViewInstrumentation
OwnerDave Brandt
Owner's Other EVs1986 Ford Escort
Kartco 675ST Go-Kart
1970 GE E15 Elec-Trak
LocationSavannah, Georgia United States map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1986 Pontiac Fiero GT
This Fiero was rescued from a slightly less than reputable West Virginia used car lot via ebay. I suspect it is really a SE in GT bodywork, due to the VIN and the way the wiring was.
MotorWarfield WarP 9 Series Wound DC
Advanced timing from the factory
DrivetrainStock 4-speed Manual
ControllerCafe Electric Z1K-HV
1000 amp 72-300V input programmable motor controller.
Batteries19 Power Sonic PS-121000, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
Low to medium rate sealed AGM batteries - available in a wide selection of sizes, and they have handles!
System Voltage228 Volts
ChargerManzanita Micro PFC-20
Awesome charger. Need to get 240V in the garage so I can use it to it's full potential.
Heatertwin ceramic cores in series for 3kW. This baby gets HOT!
DC/DC ConverterIota DLS-220-55
The 220V Iota model works well as a dc-dc converter. I leave it on all the time, and use a relay to switch to higher output when the key is on.
InstrumentationBATMAN II EV meter from Bruce Sherry Designs (bought from Cloud electric) - continuously monitors voltage, current, amp hours, and watt hours, both positive and negative. Very convenient for monitoring Wh per mile and charging efficiency. Built in RS232 output.
Top Speed100 MPH (160 KPH)
I've had it to 70 in 3rd and it had plenty more to give.
AccelerationGood. Not drag racing good, but good. Just what I was aiming for.
Range35 Miles (56 Kilometers)
This is with 'southern style' driving (i.e. stupid driving-treating the accelerator like an on-off switch and not coasting). Better range if driving conservatively, but around here that'll get you DEAD real quick.
Watt Hours/Mile300 Wh/Mile
This is with the 'southern style' driving, and is over a 22.1 mile commute that includes 60 and 70 MPH runs on interstate. It's been as low as 250 Whr/mile, but averages about 300 even.
EV Miles
Start:149,524 Miles (240,584 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight3,650 Pounds (1,659 Kilograms)
Approximately right at GVWR of 3650 lb.
TiresNew Fuzion Hri all 4 corners.
Conversion TimeAbout 1 year of weekends and evenings
Conversion CostAlmost exactly $20,500, including donor.
Additional FeaturesThe Zilla and BATMAN II RS-232 ports are integrated into center console. Heat-warped console storage drawer replaced by subwoofer. Don't let anyone tell you that good sound in a fiero is impossible. With Kenwood replacements for the 4 tiny factory speakers and a simple 8" sub, this sounds terrific!
Since the converted vehicle mashed the worn out factory springs flat, I added custom springs from Coil Spring Specialties, St. Mary's, KS. Probably should have got "lowering" springs, as they seem to really increase the height. Rides great, though.

I have yet to see a battery amp draw over 225 Amps, and it's usually under 175. High voltage Rocks!

Added a small DPDT relay to kick the DC/DC up to 14.2V when the car is switched on, and stay at 13.6V when it is off.

While I enjoy the restoration process, I probably would not do a fiero again because it only holds 2 people. I also wish I'd known about the vast array of upgrades available for this car before I started (and of course, that I had known what shape it was really in when I bought it).

code by jerry