ENGINE BAYFRONT RAME4001 INSTALLGAS TANK REPLACEMENT
OwnerDan Worcester
LocationSan Antonio, Texas US map
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Vehicle1966 Volkswagen Notchback
Type 3 upgraded to 4 wheel disk brakes, and HD suspension. T3 has front and rear torsion bars to allow ride height adjustments. Also a unique car in the US, which gets as many questions as the conversion.
MotorAdvanced DC 4001 Series Wound DC
Electro Automotive adapter plate. VW HD pressure plate and disk. Later throw out beaing with improved holding clips.
DrivetrainVW 4 speed transaxle, T3 front end. Front is later rotor and calipers, rear is a Rabbit disk brake conversion kit.
ControllerLogisystems 750 amp, 72 to 120 volt
This unit has worked quite well. 104 skin temp in 95 degree Texas travel. Good response, and easy install from the Curtis conversion.
Batteries12 Interstate U8VGC, 8.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Wanted to carry 4 people, so 4 in gas tank hole, 4 above motor, and 4 in luggage shelf. This gave weight balance similar to stock car, but heavier.
System Voltage96 Volts
ChargerQuickcharge 96 V
On-board transformer type, programs can be selected for different batteries. Shows state of charge as a digital display. 110V version seems to take all night to recharge.
HeaterNone, reviewing ceramic or hair dryer options. Not needed in Texas except a few days a year, and my gas car does nicely for those days. No plans for AC. No radio, I listen to the motor hum.
DC/DC ConverterMeanwell SD-350-D
Seems to work quite well, and can hear it's fan running at start up until I get a 12 volt gauge installed.
InstrumentationAnalog amp and volt, and analog 12 volt as soon as I pull it from my motorcycle. Also have a 12 volt and motor temperature LED's mounted in the dash.
Top Speed68 MPH (109 KPH)
Flat stretch with a fresh charge. Run about 55 to 60 to and from work on a regular basis.
AccelerationSimilar to gas powered version of this car. I can stay with a small 4 door sedan from lights, just can't do high speed passes at 60 mph. However, my STi does that nicely.
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
This may improve as the batteries settle into action. I have a 30 mile round trip and can plug in each day at work, so this has not been a problem to date
Watt Hours/MileStill working on this.
EV Miles
Start:13,700 Miles (22,043 Kilometers)
Current:14,055 Miles (22,614 Kilometers)
Total:355 Miles (571 Kilometers)
 
    As of 10/2/2008
Seating Capacity4, and not batteries in the passenger area. Custom light weight interior.
Curb Weight2,400 Pounds (1,090 Kilograms)
Still working on this as well. Wheel base was too short for the scales at work, so will try to get exact figure later.
TiresGoodrich Touring 185/65-15 mounted on Porsche Fuchs alloy wheels. These have a 640 wear rating.
Conversion TimeStarted in May 2008, but two months doing the suspension and restoration work for the VW. 3 months of weekends and a few evenings on the EV portion. I tried for "no harm" if someone ever wanted to go back to gas.
Conversion CostBought an unused complete kit that was 15 years old for $1500, but the Curtis appears to have died. With batteries, wiring, box materials and new controller, $5500. The car restoration is a separate column in the spread sheet.
Additional FeaturesScat Procar seats and other interior pieces. "If it's too loud, you're too old." bumper sticker. Bus mirrors so I can avoid being rear ended by the folks doing 80 plus in Texas.
Should be a blast as a daily driver. Can't be anti-social with a Notchback with "Electric" emblems on the side!!! People stop me to talk every day. Will start attending both car shows and alternate transportation meetings when it is truly a daily driver.

code by jerry