My FrankenOpel ( EV conversion )

[GoinManta]

OK Time to start the thread, as by the end of the month (April 08) I will be starting on my Blue Max EV

Anyone following my EV research and trials and tribulations knows I have been looking at doing an Opel EV for a while. I at first was going to do the Blue Max I had.. but had "almost" decided against it. I was going to do the Kaddett.. but then said never mind to that.. Then almost traded for a GT.. then decided against it and went back to the Manta.

I kept coming up with about the same basic range, and such on all three cars. So I decided I will go with the Blue Max. Just not with the Blue Max interior..

In the meantime, I know others have contemplated and asked for info on doing a EV Conversion, so I will post my contacts, insights, experiences, and screw-ups ( Although I am sure everything will go smoothly and there won't be any though.. ) here.

All I know is that my motor will be ordered within the month and the project will get started shortly there after.

[GoinManta]

OK.. lets start with the cars..

Wieghts:

Opel GT -From GM and assorted magazines

1969 1.1L GT 4-speed, curb weight 1863 - 1881 lbs

1969 1.9L GT 4-speed, curb weight 2070 - 2109 lb

Opel Manta (My project)

1972 1.9L Curb weight : 2232

Approximate wieght of:

1.9L Motor : 275 lbs (bare motor)

Motor Accessories : +/- 45 lbs
(Manifolds, Alternator, Carb, Starter, etc.. )

Manual Transmission : 65 lbs

Automatic Transmission : 115 lbs
(Manual states add 50 lbs for Auto)

Weight of exhaust : +/- 20 lbs

Weight of gas tank/metal lines/filler neck : +/- 10 lbs

Weight of radiator and hoses : 10 lbs

Weight of GT headlight buckets & assembly w/ cables, etc.. : 25 lbs

.................

Transmissions

Manual - 3.428 / 2.156 / 1.366 / 1.00

Automatic - 2.40 / 1.47 / 1.00

S-10 5 Speed Transmissions
(Much easier to swap to now that you wouldnt ahve a Opel motor, and kits are out there for mating to this transmission pretty inexpensively.)

1985 Minivan : 4.3L : 3.50 / 2.14 / 1.39 / 1.00 / 0.73
1984-86 Chevette: 1.6D : 3.76 / 2.37 / 1.49 / 1.00 / 0.86
1985-86 S10 : 2.5L & 2.8L : 3.76 / 2.18 / 1.42 / 1.00 / 0.72
1982-1984 S10 : Most : 4.03 / 2.37 / 1.49 / 1.00 / 0.86

Personally if you are to go the S10 route, go for the 85-86 S10 as the 0.72 5th gear will give you a better top speed.

.................

Rear Ends:

Std Opel Rear Dif Gear - 3.44
Optional GT (Kadett) - 3.18 / 3.67
Optional Manta Rallye - 3.67

For top end speed (especially lower voltage projects (Under 96 V) go with the 3.18 and the Chevy S-10 tranny. The lower the ratio the higher the top end. The thing to remember is the Electric motor has a ton of torque.. and no problem turning the higher gear ratios (Or is it lower.. I always get that backwards - either way the lower numbers) What it lacks is RPM. You can get some that want to go into the 6000 range, but they are happiest in the 3000 range. Also lower the RPM range, the less power the motor uses.

[GoinManta]

OK.. A couple of thoughts I had about body modifications.

1) Order & Install front spoiler from GTS

2) Install side skirts for Manta

3) Install rear deck spoiler (similar to my sons Manta)

4) Cover the opening in front of the radiator

As for rims and tires.. Sticking to a with a 185 profile and will probably go with a light 13" BMW rim.. probably the "Turbine" wheels I orginally had on the Black Manta.

[sawdust]

Originally Posted by GoinManta 4) Cover the opening in front of the radiator

Will you have enough air to cool the electronics ?

[gtzero]

Hey Charles,

Check these sites:

EV Weblog: eve
'95 Probe Electric Vehicle Conversion
Porsche 914 EV Conversion

Good luck,

Manny

[2 Fast 4 U]

Charles, you are doing a electric conversion, why are you talking about S-10 5 Speed Transmissions all you need is a gadget that works like a gas peddle, nothing nicer than a electric motor that has a RPM control , you would be able to hook up the electric motor direct to the rear dif , and place all the batteries and electronics in the enginebay