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. Recent Sway-A-Way rear bars and plates made a HUGE ride difference with the battery load. Now at stock ride height all around.
MotorAdvanced DC 4001 Series Wound DC
Electro Automotive adapter plate. VW HD pressure plate and disk. Later throw out beaing with improved holding clips. Will take out the HD clutch and install a lightened flywheel that will work better with the EV motor.
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.
Batteries12 Interstate U8VGCUT, 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
ChargerZivan PFC 1500
Time for newer technology...
HeaterBought a ceramic heater, but it will be warm here before i get it installed. Cozy next year.
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 Speed73 MPH (117 KPH)
Flat stretch with a fresh charge. Run about 55 to 60 to and from work on a regular basis.
AccelerationMuch better now with more amps and selecting a faster acceleration rate. Probably affects range, but i am still well within my design parameters.
Range26 Miles (41 Kilometers)
I plug in at work, so 15 miles each way at 55 mph is perfect.
Watt Hours/Mile18000 Wh/Mile
Flat stretch, and miles may be off as the speedo was slowing failing and finally died. New one to be installed shortly and mileage will then be corrected.
EV Miles
Start:13,700 Miles (22,043 Kilometers)
Current:16,200 Miles (26,065 Kilometers)
Total:2,500 Miles (4,022 Kilometers)
 
    As of 3/2/2009
Seating Capacity4, and no batteries in the passenger area. Custom light weight interior. Installing 3 point harnesses at all 4 positions. May still do a roll bar if i can find or modify one.
Curb Weight2,658 Pounds (1,208 Kilograms)
Borrowed a 4 pad race car scale.
TiresGoodrich Touring 185/65-15 mounted on Porsche Fuchs alloy wheels. These have a 640 wear rating. Run 32 in the front and 38 in the rear and they still look a little low. I will work with this more now that the suspension works as it should.
Conversion TimeStarted in May 2008, but months doing [then re-doing ]the suspension and restoration work for the VW. 3 months of weekends and a few evenings on the EV portion.
Conversion CostBought an unused complete kit that was 15 years old for $1500, but the Curtis died. With batteries, wiring, box materials and new controller and a new charger, $6000.
Additional FeaturesScat Procar seats and other light weight interior pieces. Way too stiff a suspension, but just like my other cars, so no problem. Strongly recommend 4 wheel disk brake kits - that makes a huge difference in traffic.
It is very fun to drive. It was a big hit at the local hot rod gathering with lots of interest. The newest edition of Street Rodder has an article on electric roadsters. We may be rounding the corner into main stream. I hope the US gets moving to catch up on battery technology.

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