Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi all,
I've renewed my interest in getting my garagester rolling. It's a '69 SRL. I'm going to an EV conversion workshop to check into installing an electric motor. It looks like the roadster is a good candidate for conversion because of the light weight, and the lack of extra electric systems on the car. My commute is less than 13 miles each way.
If anyone has heard of, or seen this done, I'd love to hear from them, as most of the process is custom per car model. A lot of time will be spent cleaning the car up as well. I don't know if I really want to get into a "frame-off" resto, but it would be time well spent, as the wiring harness is in pretty rough shape.
Ken Kiplinger
San Jose, CA

Welcome. An electric Roadster would be interesting. Please document the process and results.

When I looked into this, the challenge seemed to be attaching the electric motor to the transmission bellhousing. Also modifications to the electrical motor output rod. I think the roadster would be a perfect candidate! I hope you really go through with it.

Kyle

Yes. The adapter plate will be the most precise part. Basically, it's just a plate that the bell housing and motor mount to in place of the rear of the block. Luckily, I have a spare transmission, so I can measure the bell housing and get the adaptor plate built before actually pulling the motor/tranny. Unfortunately, I don't think that I have a spare flywheel. I'll have to look into that. I have a bunch of spare parts in storage... I'll be sifting and sorting them soon to take inventory and see what's required.
As far as the motor output rod, I don't believe that there's modification needed, but maybe I'm oversimplifying the process in my head. There are some motors out there now that are specifically for EV's, so I'm not going to buy a used aircraft generator, or anything wacky like that.
The other parts that will be tricky is modifying the springs/shocks to handle another 600-800 lbs. We're talking about 12-16 marine batteries for this thing. I'm looking to get 70 mph and about 70 miles in between charges. I won't compromise on the top speed, but the range is negotiable at this point. My commute is nearly all freeway. I'm used to my Camaro SS, so it will be a different experience. All of the batteries need racks, and that will be interesting. The radiator and exhaust system come out, so perhaps the engine compartment will hold quite a few batteries. The motor is quite small.
The workshop that I'm attending is put on by Electro Automotive, and he has a kit for a Porsche 914 that does 90 mph. I'm going to see if his kit could be modified to fit the Roadster. I don't think that the Datsun is quite as aerodynamic as the Porsche, but it should be somewhere close.

Well, I'll donate a flywheel to the project. The Prius has been around long enough, what about trying to find a salvage battery pack? Could save on some weight?

Kyle

Thanks for the offer. I'll see if I have a flywheel. I may.
About the Prius battery, It's a valid question, however, I'm thinking that it would violate the KISS rule. Also, they're very large, and I'm assuming a custom fit. I've been cautioned strongly to make this as simple as possible. I think that if I were to do this 5 years in the future, there would be more options. I'm going to try not to do anything to the car that can't be pretty well undone, so if there are other options for batteries in the future, I want to keep my options open.
There are other Lithium ion battery options too, but cost is prohibitive.
Don't forget that the Prius has a gas motor for acceleration. The batteries may not be enough in that case. I WILL ask the question though.
Thanks for the thoughts.
Ken

the 914 was a favorite electric conversion choice because, among other things, the brakes could be easily upgraded for the added battery weight, due to the Porsche - VW legacy parts bin.
note: it was also found that due to the torque curve of the E motor being kinda square (same torque from low rpms as high rpms) that only 5th and R gears were used.
So, in terms of KISS, what if you got rid of the gearbox and mounted the electric motor direct to the driveshaft? 4th gear of a 1600 trans is 1:1 ratio anyway, correct? (and could have the electric motor under the package shelf in back)

You'd lose reverse, but could always Fred Flintstone that, like motorcycles do.

battery racks should be easy to weld to the roadster frame, with maybe fiberglass panels to keep the weather off them.

Hmmm. I don't know if the motor will push the car from a stop without the gearbox. It would be cool though. Again, if there were a backup motor for acceleration, then it could work, but then I would need another driveline. I'll ask, but from what I've read so far, it doesn't seem plausible. The horsepower is not high for these motors. True, it doesn't need rpm to run at peak hp, but I don't think that I'd be able to get to speed from an onramp in a safe manner. I'd get run over. Again, I'll ask the question at the workshop.
Thanks,
Ken

It is interesting to me that Electro Automotive system uses a Flywheel I have seen some systems that just a coupler from the electric motor to the transmission input shaft and a flat mounting plate. I think you only need forward and reverse.
Phil

someone HAS done an all electric Roadster, or at least started

http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=3635

More herehttp://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f= ... ric+motor+

I'd love to try one, my thought was a mini pickup, old datsun or toyota, room under the bed for batteries.