Electric propulsion

E

E30fixated

Member
I suppose hard-bitten Z4 enthusiasts will call this electric revulsion.... but flak suit on, here goes: My wife bought her Z4 new in 2003; practically never drives it now. Apart from the option of selling as-is, I think it would make a great in-town runner if converted to electric propulsion. I'm wondering how much a 50,000 mile, 2.5 litre engine, plus 5-speed transmission, would fetch? Also the weights of these components would be useful info. Anyone who has an interest might like to visit http://www.ampREVOLT.com where the recent Miata project caught my eye. Glenn from Spartanburg, South Carolina
 
you might get $1000 or so for the parts. M54 engine is 375lb + fluids. not sure about the 5-speed but my guess would be in the ballpark of 100lb having lifted one with a friend.

remember there are weight savings from the fuel tank, all the engine electronics, etc.

Back in high school (a good 15 years ago now) we converted an old ford to electric power for a competition in south carolina... fast lil bugger. We saved weight wherever possible. (removing trunk lining, sound insulation, etc.)

You could also save a chunk of weight if you decided to make it an all-time roadster. (removed the convertible top entirely so it's always open.). Just have to cover up the hole behind the bulkhead.

CF hood, light weigh smaller rims + tires, and you should be good!
 
I've always fancied the idea of building a kit car, and more recently been interested by the idea of an electric one. Would make an interesting toy for a few years, plenty of small problems to solve too (powering ancillaries like power steering pumps, brakes etc) - unless you build something lightweight and power-assistance free.
I should note that I've a background in designing the electronics for hybrids - so like most things if you do them as your job you don't have the interest to do so at home too. I'm not working on as many frontline projects any more so am interested in building something very simple and paper-work free!! Also having seen the paper-work side of it though, it's hard not to be put-off by the volume of safety issues that you can end up considering.

Have you looked on this forum: http://www.diyelectriccar.com/
 
Was at the FoS the other week and would have to say as fast as the electric cars are, and some of them are very fast indeed, they miss the noise of a decent engine and that takes a lot away from the experience in my opinion.

I fully understand the idea of an electric city car and have no issues with them for that but as an experience they leave me a bit meh!
 
richtea78 said:
...they miss the noise of a decent engine and that takes a lot away from the experience in my opinion. I fully understand the idea of an electric city car and have no issues with them for that but as an experience they leave me a bit meh!
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The fellows who build 'live steam' locomotives, say ~1/8th full size, which burn coal, have much the same feeling. Nothing like the stack talk and coal smoke from a steam loco! On the other hand they think about boiler inspection, cooldown/cleanup, and related issues. Recently we are seeing some 'steam' locos actually powered by electric motors. The tender is a good place for storage batteries. As for sound, they use large loudspeakers driven by a variety of electronic options. The result is convenience with nostalgic sound; no sulphurous smoke, tho.... How about the sounds of a roaring Ferrari V-12 emanating from an electric Mini :D
 
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