But can you drive a train??:D

Semper FI LOL

no but i can go whooo -whooo :thumbs:

MO

what an awesome project and a job well done on it! i can really appreciate the time and effort that went into building and converting the car! very impressive to say the least!!

Well, if all goes right, I'll head for SoCal for PLRX's Bomber Run in April or May. I'll drop you a note....I'd love to see (and maybe get a ride in) the car. :cheers:

Thank you MadDave...

Frizlefrak, sure give me a shout when you get close... I'm sure we can arrange a ride :D

Regards

MO

MO, I just found your thread and read through from last June to now. Thanks for sharing your adventurous journey. Great story! :rock: :cool:

Thank you ZR1 This march will be going on 3 years of the conversion...

As of July it will be 3 years on the road :) It has been a blast!

MO

what part of socal are you from! I need to avoid it. Im up the road a few hundred miles, and frankly the smog checks scare me as the car is not cali friendly.

Hey Gamewood,

I'm in San Bernardino, they setup right around the corner from me... Can't wait to have them wave me over now HEH..

MO

Hey Mo Brandy,

Excellent planning and execution.

As soon as technology catches up with better batteries, electric cars will be very popular and you will be known as one of the pioneers.

Have a question. Tell me about your elec power steering. Is it variable pressure to I can have more pressure when trying to squeeze into a tight parking slot, and less pressure at freeway speeds?

Where did you buy the pump and how much $$ do they cost?

Hey Dsagers,

Thank you!

Yes I'm actually looking at headways or lithiums as we speak. To dramatically increase my range.

The electric power power steering is actually from a MR2 , you can purchase them online from EV Source in Logan Utah.

http://www.evsource.com/tls_steering.php

It is about $920 but it is a turn key solution... They make it to run off 12v. However you need to be sure you get the correct fittings from the pump to your power steering hoses. I'm not sure if they handle them or not, but I picked mine up at Summit Racing...

It has the capability to only run while in a turn, but the power draw even on a fully electric car is minimal like 25 amps when straight and a max of about 50 amps @ 12 volts so I really didn't bother with the extra work. There are proximity switches you could attach to the steering box, but my feeling was it really would not save all all that much.

To answer your question the pump does not work as hard in a straight line as it does pulling into a parking space. The feel is really good as well.

Please let me know if you have more questions.

MO

Very nice. And it doesn't have to look like a Prius.
Looks like a well planned and well built project.

Thank you Racer 1993,

I actually met with a possible lithium battery sponsor this past Tuesday, it looks really good for getting a 200Ah battery pack, this should get me around 95 miles of range.

I will keep everyone posted as this moves forward.

MO

So cool!!!!
Excellent work my friend.
Any updates on the lithium batteries?

Hey Bosco,

Thank you!

Funny you should ask.

I'm actually negotiating with a sponsor as we speak, he flew out from Tenn to look and ride in the car, they are running some tests on some of their 200Ah lithiums. Which should extend my range to about 90-100 miles.

I should hear more after the 8th of May.

Best regards,
MO

New Manzanita Micro 40 Amp charger


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...4ef899b28f.jpg

Manzanita Micro 40M


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...467896ceb4.jpg

Close up view


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...00f3ee99b8.jpg

J-1772 charging connector


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...96d69ab066.jpg


Under the hood


MOre to come ! GBS 200Ah Lithium Battery pack coming soon!

Enjoy!

MO

:thumbs:

New Lithium Ion Batteries
 

Hi Folks,
I just picked up 9 of a total of 18 GBS 200Ah lithium Ion batteries.

I will post pictures once I have some more time.

The new range is expected to be over 100 miles and a bout 325 HP.

Regards,

Mo

Hi Mo. Will you be at Big Bear Bash at the end of June? I'd REALLY like to see your car...

Hey Cliff,
I'm not sure the car will be ready , but let me know when you are in town, you are welcome to come by and see it...

Best regards,
MO

Wow, I am in Riverside a few times a year, I would love to see this in person. Great job!!

Hey USABaja5, sure shoot me a PM you're welcome to come see the car anytime ;)

Best regards,
MO

New Lithium Batteries are here! -More pictures!
 

Hi Folks,

Those who have been following the build

I finally started getting the lithium Batteries. They are GBS 200Ah batteries Distributed by Lithium Pros.

There is will be a total of 18 batteries and 72 cells. The expected range will be about 100 miles. 244volts for a total of about 49Kw of power.

Here are a few pictures to show the mods to the rear of the car which will house 12 and the remaining 6 will go up front.

Enjoy

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...270043b24d.jpg

J1772 charging adapter

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...f3355829f0.jpg

New Lithium Batteries

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...82c42ebbe5.jpg

GBS 200Ah Battery

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...3931c4fe6b.jpg

Removing the 16V XsPower AGM batteries


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...f80a73737c.jpg

Trunk area cleared for installing the new lithium batteries


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...587ee9fd25.jpg

Cargo area cut away


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...078b5dae70.jpg

Ready for new battery rack installation


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...8e1fcfda78.jpg

New support and ABS panels being installed



https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...c47b5887f4.jpg

New floor in and complete


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...45ca3d8e55.jpg

Inside cargo view

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b3ab89f09d.jpg

Nine of 18 total packs installed. the battery frame will be bolted in and covered with ABS material


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...fa6b171550.jpg

Another view , after the frame is boxed in the rear fascia will be re-installed.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...319866b1c5.jpg

View of the battery pack from inside the cargo area. This will be covered in clear lexan sealing the pack from the drivers compartment.

That is impressive. Well done!

This is awesome to read. Im a motor head but I like this build!

You gotta get a pic of this thing parked in and plugged into one of those California recharge stations in front of the most hippie stores you can find.

If this isn't a feature car for GM HighTech mag I don't know what is.

Thank you guys!

It has been a fun build, I'm waiting for the remaining 9 batteries. Once I have them in, there will be more videos and pictures to come.

Best regards,

MO

Wow... :cool:

Nice work , looking forward to more Jetson videos :rock:

How much weight difference with the new batteries ?

Just wondering because it seems like a few months since you ordered the batteries:

Any idea what is taking so long?
Shortage of lithium?
Your order is stacked well behind an auto manuf order?

When you get it done and park it at one of those charging stations you HAVE to take pictures of all the folks gawking at an electric Corvette.

Good luck!

OH YEAH! So, how much weight are you dropping? I want to see some video of this quite dude freaking people out at a local drag strip!

This has got to be one of the coolest projects I've seen so far. This takes alot of guts, and mechanical/electrical savy.

Keep us updated, for sure.

:thumbs::cheers:

I am not easily impressed but your work does!

:thumbs:

hi folks,

Thank you ALL for the very kind comments!

I will definitely get some more pictures. :D

The batteries are readily available it was coming up with the cash to purchase. Also Lithium pros were running some load tests for me to see which pack would be the best for the build. I will be getting another 4 in the next two months and should be complete by September.

The batteries I'm replacing are 50 Ah and weigh 46 pounds. The new GBS batteries are 200 Ah and weigh about 55 pounds each, so I'm getting about 4 times the power density at the expense of about 162 pounds total. As I mentioned the range should be in the 100 mile range.

The car will weigh in at about 3700 pounds.

The pack will charge in about 4 hours if the batteries are down to 80% depth of discharge.

Regards,
MO

Awesome :cool:

I may have missed this, but is it recharged with 110v or 220v?

It will charge either 120 or 220v I have 250v 50 amp service in the garage.

Of course at 120v takes about twice the charging time...

Regards,
Mo

Hey, great build. Inspiration to all for all the hard work.
One thing, what kind of fire suppression/safety system do you have. Reason I ask, I have dealt with a LiOn fire/explosion before, and it is not fun.

I have fire extinguishers, they batteries are a formulation that even if shorted, overcharged or penetrated they will not cause a fire.

Also they will be sealed from the passenger compartment.

The website shows :

- 10% higher energy density by weight and by volume;
- Superior safety performance due to patented new safety valve and pressure cap designs;
- Dual Safety Valve Design, One On Each End
- Batteries do not explode or catch fire when batteries are shorted or punctuated resulting in internal shorts;


Regards,

Mo

:thumbs:

Congrats on the batteries and sponsorship! Well deserved...

Thanks for the update.

Maybe run it by Leno's garage when your done? Your project is more interesting than some of the feature cars that show up there.

Thanks ! that sounds like a great idea!

MO

Hi folks,
Those who have been following my build, I have been slowly gathering the batteries and adding them, I'm at 13 out of 18, there should be 4 more arriving at the end of the month. I just purchased the BMS ( battery management system which monitors all the cells. I have 5 batteries to go to finish the build.

I took the car out for a 12.5 mile drive and used 33Ah of battery. This seems a bit high, but I managed to hit EVERY light on the way. At 50 mph I'm averaging about 60 amps draw on the pack ( which is 200 ah) So even with 5 batteries short I can still hit 60 miles range. Once finished I should be at about 325 hp and 700 ft/lbs of torque at 0-2800 RPM

Still some wiring I need to tidy up, on the BMS the showed the wrong plug locations ( the illustration showed the bottom view versus from the top, why I have no clue)so I need to go back shorten some wires up.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...39874ef6ae.jpg

Rear pack being fitted into the car.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...28647b2e4b.jpg

Front pack installed. (I'm working on the box for this.)

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...f92ba6fe1d.jpg

View of under the hood

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...ca06e5fb29.jpg

Wired and installing BMS wire taps

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...f5e401aa05.jpg

Punch list for the BMS

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b4cebfced3.jpg

Laying out the BMS and connections, it only comes with 6' lengths so it required adding longer lengths to reach the batteries.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b4d9c9ceeb.jpg

Rear Pack buttoned up.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...61dcfac1fa.jpg

Inside view, the plan is to seal the front up with clear lexan.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b759c0ef3d.jpg

BMS wired ( wiring needs to be tidied up the instructions showed the top connector at the bottom thus longer wires :(.)

Enjoy...

MO

:rock:

Great work continued! I like you're not just settling for having made it electric to begin with and continue to work and improve it.

3235 hp ??:eek::eek:

LOL Thanks for the catch Jack... 325 HP :D

Regards,

MO :D

For those wondering how the build is going.

Still waiting for the last 5 batteries, Three are supposed to arrive this coming week.

I'm hoping to be in the Route 66 Car Show in San Bernardino, CA this year.

I'm currently at 173 volts with the 13 batteries ( 52 cells) Took a short trip around town today. went 14 miles and used 38 Ah's Given I have usable 160 AH (out of 200 Ah) should net me about 58.94 miles at 55 mph. 6,217 watts were used

I will end up with about 240 volts with the 18 batteries for 38.4 Kw battery pack so If I take the 38.4Kw /6,217 = 6.17

So 14 miles * 6.17 = 86.47 miles estimated range.

Mo

:thumbs:

Very cool Mo. :cheers:

Twice the range of Chevy's own Volt! :) I love it.

That's 700 lb/ft available right away, correct? :eek:

Given the torque and the range, you may have to replace rear tires before you recharge :rofl:

This is one awesome C4!

Thank you!

Yes from 0- about 1600 RPMs falls to about 300 at 3200 rpms.

I had to tone down the controller in REverse, I was chirping tires backing out of the garage... Not a good feeling LOL.

Regards,

MO

:thumbs::cool:

Any chance that you would take it down a 1/4 track? Would be interesting to see how quick and fast it goes.

Regards,
Steve

Hi Steve,

At this point probably I'm guessing at least low 14's. 0-60's should be sub 5.7 sec.

But perhaps my calculations will surprise me.

MO

For those who are interested in my range.

I took the car out for a drive Saturday, I'm constantly going farther in steps to see how the batteries and other things react.

I went 22.5 miles ( which doesnt seem far to most people but going from lead acid I would have been very close to calling AAA LOL

At 22.5 miles I used right at 50 Ah as I pulled into the garage. The batteries are 200 AH but you ner push them past 80% or in this case 160Ah. So my calculations are starting to prove out to be correct.

So 3.2 times 22.5= 72 miles. This is with the pack as it is today ( rivaling the Nissan Leaf and the Volt. Once the remaining 5 batteries arrive the higher voltage will allow me to use less current so this will actually push the range very close to 100 miles .

The nominal pack voltage right now is 166.4 volts so the 166.4 * 50 Ah= 8320 Wh consumed in 22.5 miles = 369.77 Wh/ mile this is "really" good as this number usually reflects about 10% of the weight of the car. So theoretically with me in the car it should weigh about 3697.

Funny as the car before I converted it it weighed 3460 pounds. I removed 938 pounds from the car. The car was at 2522 pounds. I added about 1055 pounds back into the car. So the car should weigh in the neighborhood of 3577 pounds.

Mo

I thought the Volt has a 40 mile range before the engine had to fire up?

so how fast is it compared to the 383 ? what is your new 0-60 ?

Yes that is my understanding too.

Mo

With the full pack and set at 1300 amps starting in 3rd gear should be in the neighborhood of 4.8 - 5.1 seconds.

Right now I'm around 7 seconds running the controller at 700 Amps.

Using first or second would haze the tires.

MO

I'm thinking that one of the auto manufacturers should give you a call and ask for you to help them with their electric programs. :thumbs:

:iagree:

It took millions for the Volt to be designed, and it failed.

Thanks for the compliments guys.

MO

So you're looking at twice the range w/o burning any gasoline. I'm very impressed.




How do you figure that?? The thing has barely been released! I'd say that the verdict is still out on the success or failure of the Chevy Volt...don't you think?

[QUOTE=Tom400CFI;1581780851]So you're looking at twice the range w/o burning any gasoline. I'm very impressed.


Correct Tom400CFI It is a BEV strictly batteries, I'm still finding out the maximum range. With the current battery pack ( I'm still short 5 batteries of the complete pack) I have gone 30.4 miles on 70.3 Ah of battery. I can safely go 160Ah ( the batteries are 200Ah ) so doing the math I could go about 70 miles. As I think I mentioned above somewhere with the full pack I should see about 90 miles range.

Regards,

Mo

[QUOTE=Mo_Bandy;1581783299]I'm a bit late to this thread, but what a great project! Congratulations.
Just to clarify a few points, the 200Ah limit is based on taking the battery charge down to 80% of a full charge right? Is this the rated value new or over the whole battery life (ie. what does this 200Ah figure look like when plotted over many discharge cycles/years?). Does the voltage output degrade over time for these batteries? Also, how is the battery pack cooled, or does natural convection/conduction remove the internal heat?
Again, this looks like a great job you've done.

Hey Fredd1

Thank you!

Correct, the batteries are rated at 200AH however, the mileage I am stating / calculating is actually based on using 160AH or 80% of the full 200 AH.

At about 80% DOD ( depth of discharge) is a rule of thumb of how much energy that one should remove from the battery pack. The manufacturer states that the batteries will exceed well over 2000 cycles given you not go lower than the 80%, and are estimated to last about 10 years. Of course going lower will more dramatically affect the life of the battery pack.

The folks who have been using these batteries are stating that the capacity loss is almost unchanged (who have had the packs for about 3 years now), as well as manufacturer excellerated life tests. So it is expected that the capacity will drop over time, but with the help of a BMS or Battery Management System that the pack will last for many years keeping the cells within the manufacturers tolerances.

Yes under extreme conditions the batteries could require cooling, but given where I live and not dealing with harsh cold climates, I do not have to worry too much about it. So yes at least at this point the normal convection of internal heat is working just fine.

My BMS does have the capacity to toggle cooling fans on based on the battery temps ( it has 4 thermistors to monitor the battery temps). The batteries will handle temps to over 140 degrees but of course operate much better around 85 degrees. Even pulling up to 600 peak amps from them thus far has not been an issue. As you see they are strapped together to keep them from expanding.

After driving and pulling almost a continuous 125 amps (pushing 65 mph), I have popped the hood after a drive and felt to see if there is any heat from the batteries and cables and they actually were no more warmer than ambient temperatures ( including the pack in the rear of the car).

I will be finishing battery enclosures for the front as time goes on. People like looking at the batteries so I may end up going with Lexan.

I will be providing provisions for fans in the event I need to cool the batteries down, but as of this time it has not been necessary.

I will see I can find a graph showing the capacity in relationship to the cycles and post it.

Thank you for the kind words.

Regards,
Mo

Hi Folks,

This weekend was a major leap forward in a couple directions I would like to share.

I'm still 2 batteries (8 cells) shy of the full pack.

I have incrementally taken the car 20, 30 and 40 miles distance to get a feel on how the battery pack will react with the given distances, and frankly could see none...

Saturday I took the car for a 65 mile drive to further check the distance.. according to my calculations I should be able to do about 80 miles as I have mentioned many times. I went 65 miles using about 114 Ah of the usable 160 Ah's. So I'm obviously quite happy with the results thus far.

Sunday for the first time since I have converted the car I took it onto the LA freeways... Any one of you who live out here know what I mean!

I pulled on the I-10 freeway and before I knew it I was up and running at about 70 mph at about 4000 rpms in 3rd gear. ( I drive in 3rd gear from 0-80 mph without having to shift) I could have went on into forth gear but I'm taking baby steps LOL

Mo

:thumbs:

Your car is so very cool I would love to see it in person someday. I love looking at just about anything automotive but your vette has got my intrest level at a high point. I'm glad you keep us updated because I look forward to the latest information. :cool:

That had to put the ole Corvette permagrin on your face! :cheers:

OH YEAH!!!!! :willy:

MO

Mo.....you continue to amaze. Well done. :cheers:

Frizlefrak!!!!

How are ya?

Thank you... Yesterday 72.3 miles on one charge OH YEAH!

MO

So what's your charge time after a drive like that?

Hey Shakedown,

If I use all 160 Ah it takes right about 4 hours, I have a 240 volt 40 amp charger.

I can set it to charge slow which could take overnight or rapid charge.

For the most part with my drives (about 20 miles) I only have to charge about 2 hours.

Mo

Not too shabby. :cheers:

I took a top 20 award from a local car show with 158 entries. I drove the car round trip 72.5 miles round trip to the show and home again .

http://www.ndneyes.com/forum/award1.jpg

Congrats! ~Cheers~ :thumbs:

Wow, Mo, your C4 is representing our generation very well!

Can you smoke the tires starting in 3rd? :D

Thank you!

I have been a bit apprehensive, as there are an additional 770 pounds of batteries in the back with a stock rear end and 315-35 17. Sounds catastrophic to drive shafts and half shafts LOL

MO

Mo, it's time for an update (before this thread gets too old :ack:)

Did you get the other batteries in?

Are you getting to the 80 mile range?

Hi folks
I apologize for the lack of updates.

Work has been crazy.

Yes to answer you question I took the car to a car show about a month ago.

I placed in the top 20 out of 158 cars. The show was 38 miles away, I drove the trip round trip with out having to charge. I went 78 miles on a charge and still had about 20 amp hours left in the safety zone. I used 140 amp hours out of the 160 the batteries are 200 amp hours.

Best regards,
Mo

So that was that a yes to getting the other 5 batteries installed. Have you had chance to see how much HP and Tq it's putting out now with addtion of the 5 extra batteries. You may have said this and I just missed it, but are you using lithium batteries. I remember reading you got a battery sponser, but don't recall what type of batteries you would be using. Just a thought you should apply for a grant from the goverment to help with expsenses and upgrades as you come up with them. With the amount of solid work you have done I'm sure you could get awarded one no problem. Have you thought about selling a electric conversion kit based your setup. I would be much more willing to try a electric car if it is in a vette body than something like the Volt. Just a thought I'm sure i wouldn't be the only one willing to find a used C4 and convert it to electric bassed on your design. Just a thought. Keep us posted on your progress and you have done some amazing work.

This is fantastic, I've wanted to do this since I was a kid.

Go green!! We need to get the younger crowd hip on this technology.
Lipo batteries and brushless motors are where it's at.
Nice build and thanks for sharing.

Hi guys,

Thanks for your kind words :)


So I am currently running 16 12 batteries or 64 cells, and have repeatedly been able to go 80 miles at an average of about 55 mph.

I am actually looking to go with 3 more batteries for a total of 19. This will get my range to an estimated 136 miles. ~fingers crossed :)

My battery sponsor is Lithium Pros www.lithiumpros.com you will actually see the front of my car on there electric car page. The batteries are lithium ion phosphates they 13.6V 200 AH batteries weighing each at about 55 pounds. I will be done at 19 batteries total.

If I run the batteries at a full blown 1200 amps and the motor set at 172 volts at 1400 amps I will be making about 320 horsepower at about 600 foot lbs of torque at the motor... 0-60 under 5 seconds

I'm running around most of the time 192 at 900 amps or about 231 HP and I am generally well ahead of the rest of the cars in traffic. I have been at 80 mph numerous times still pulling hard in 3rd gear. In forth gear the car will top out at about 95 mph.

i have never thought about a grant, but you know I will look into it... As for making a kit it really would not be that hard. I have pretty much nailed everything necessary to put together a bill of materials. if there is a vested interest I would maybe consider putting together some kits...

I will also say that I have also run the car almost 2 years with an automatic as well so anything is possible.

I went to a manual transmission more as a preference of efficiency so I don't have to "idle" the electric motor.

The motor again is a Netgain 11HV which is a 11.5" dc series wound motor capable of 288 volts and 1400 Amps or a total 540 hp ( for about 10 seconds)...

Thanks again for the interest on my build, with the holidays coming up I will plan on some new you tube Videos. :D

Best regards,
MO

Anxiously await the youtube vids Mo. :cheers:

One of my favorite threads on the forum. Good job Mo, this is really cool! :thumbs:

:cheers:
-Jay

Thank you Jay!

Once it stops raining I will put some videos together!

Best regards,

Mo

I can't wait to see the videos.

I was gonna PM you the other day... would be interested to know ballpark pricing. The only issue is I'm in a condo with a shared outdoors parking lot. Not really much I can to do plug-in, although my girlfriend's house is just a few blocks down the road...

bolowbc,

I shot you a PM.

Best regards,
MO

performance cold weather vs hot weather
 

Mo,

I know it doesn't get that cold in sunny CA, but do you notice a performance difference in cold weather vs warm? Do the batteries last longer / work better when it's cold or warm?

Just wondering ...

That's an excellent question.

When I was running lead acid there was a dramatic difference. Like most of the EV counterparts in colder areas they put heaters in the battery boxes to keep from losing range and keep the batteries about 85 degrees.

Since it warms up pretty good here once the sun is up I didn't bother to do so, but the heaters can be easily added.

So yes extreme cold or extreme heat will affect performance.

With my lithium pack I'm not seeing as much of a hit, but the pack is almost 8 times the size killowatt wise) than my lead acid pack.

Regards,
MO

Always really interested in your work on this.

It'd be neat to run a quarter mile (you say 10 seconds is max at max amps).

I'm sure that torque (and appropriate sticky tires) would make for an awesome launch.

Out of curiousity, how much of a hit would your range take after a single 10 second max amp wot blast?

Hey Dizwiz24,

Yes I haven't had it to the track yet for a good 1/4 time, I'm guessing the car should run in the mid 13's ( I may be pleasingly surprised) My best guess would be at least 4 runs and still have some left. I drive the car pretty hard around town compared to the other EV drivers who tend to drive with an egg under the pedal. Even driving somewhat conservative the car seem to leave others behind when leaving the light. I can cruise the freeways at 70-75 mile per hour and that is the top of 3rd gear, it I shift to 4th I probably would top out at about 90-95 mph.


I'm actually running a large pack for drag racing, as I'm running 200 Ah batteries. For power / weight pack I would probably run like 40AH - 60Ah and a pack voltage closer to about 300 volts. That pack would would shed almost 400 pound off the weight of the car. Of course I would need to recharge between runs but as we know the weight svings alone would cut close to .4 of a second off the car.

I realized the other day going through some calculations that I made some serious errors in the weight of the car. Fortunately to the good side I thought he car was closer to abut 3800 pounds It look like I may be closer to about 3400 pounds

I had it weighed when I had 20 lead acid batteries in it it weighed 3260 pounds the Optima 50 Ah batteries were 768 pounds total for a range of about 25 miles

With the 16 GBS 200 Ah 880 pounds ( 660 pounds over the rear wheels) puts the car at about 3372 pounds and my range is over 80 miles on a single charge!

Thanks again for the interest in the car.

MO

Hey, if you have to make a mistake, that's the way to do it :D

Big smile on my face thinking how much higher your torque is than other 'vettes, same year, and how much lighter your car is.. ! I will read this entire thread. Great, great stuff. Fantastic work.

I've been fantasizing about an electric convertible corvette for commuting, which is about 33 miles round trip with 5-6 miles at 70mph (each way) and a big hill at the end. (I can get 120V to recharge at work, maybe soon 220V.) I agree with you, a corvette should move--and yes, my username is crazy, but in the same dream that I have 150kWh my other car is a red 2014 stringray. ;) Step 1, get the car, thinking C4 but also considering newer as well.

Mo, do you see any problems with converting a C5? I would love to integrate as much of the stock dash as possible. ... Happy to keep you or whoever else is interested in the loop, if when this happens. PM me and I'll keep a list of interested people. Are there any other EV Corvette threads (not just this forum)?

... And last thing, a possible business idea for your sponsor: with the recent stink on the 787's lithium batteries, it reminds me of when laptop batteries were nearly banned from carry-on luggage. Thermal runaway is scarey. I can see car insurance companies having a problem with it. For peace of mind it'd be great to have temperature of the battery casings (or even internal battery temperature) integrated into the main circuit along with the inertial safety switch.. curious to know how aware the EV community is on this, or if your battery sponsor has any ideas for having a thermocouple as part of the casing. Cheers

150Kw,
Thank you for the kind words!

You could still do a C5 the secret is adapting as much of the computer or ECM signals as possible. I still have my Tach, speedometer. I would be good to have a factory service manual so you can easily see what goes to where.

You can get and adapter for the motor to mount to your transmission. You can use an automatic, ( which I did for about a year before dropping in a ZF6) but if you do not have the car I would suggest looking for a manual transmission. You may need to step up the clutch. I am running mine with a 6 speed but no clutch pedal. LOL but remember the motor stops when you do so it is not that big of a change to drive... Drop in 2-3 gear and go...

There are a few other vette's I'm aware of... Volt Vette (older c4) is in Minnesota another in (Older C4) Canada and a C3 in I think New York .

Volt Vette ( you can do a google search) received some press in Corvette Fever, personally I believe mine looks nicer ... but who am I ? LOL You can do a Google search, his was built by a bunch of guys, I built mine by myself. He is running direct drive ( no transmission) . I personally would stick with a transmission. There is also a diyelectriccar.com forums where you can see a few conversions as well for Ideas.

The GBS batteries I have are proven safe, they can be shorted run a rod through them or shot at LOL and will not go into thermal runaway. I have had no issues with my insurance company whatsoever. In CA the registering to a BEV was actually quite straightforward as well.

I will send you a PM and offer advice if you need it. My conversion even with many incremental upgrades has been going now for about 4 years come March.

Yes we all or all should use inertia switches in our cars... Mine will kill the contactors to immediately shut down the main pack. I also have a circuit breaker and a solid state fuse for additional safety as well.

Hopefully I have answered your questions.

Best regards,
MO

I'm still learning, but there seem to be few battery management systems that include temperature data. Makes sense, since batteries have an optimal range for max range,watts,etc. So maybe there are performance reasons to want the internal battery temperature, in addition to the safety/fear motivation I mentioned.. (Makes me start thinking about modulated air cooling and heating pads. Doesn't Tesla do active liquid temp control?)

Anyway, just throwing a bone here. :) If GBS is reading and does decide to make an internal thermocouple model, do show some 150kWh love :D

/end hijack