Anyone here done an EV conversion of a classic car?
Posted by 1mursenary@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 280 comments
Have a ‘51 Chevy Styleline that I’ve rebuild the carburetor on, got it running reliably, but the emissions still really get to me. Stinks up the whole house after I back it into the garage. How blasphemous is it to put an electric motor in there?
It’s got a power glide transmission. Have $10-15k to throw at it and would do the install myself. Has anyone here done something similar? How’d it go? Were you happy with the results?
25_Watt_Bulb@reddit
If the car's exhaust is so dirty it makes your entire house smell after you run it... you just don't have the engine tuned properly. Either too rich, too lean, wrong ignition timing, something (or everything) is out of adjustment. I have a 1968 Ford Falcon with only marginally more advanced emissions controls. You can barely smell the exhaust when standing right next to the car idling, and I've asked my wife if she can smell it the times she's followed me in her car and she says no.
I would make sure you can actually tune the existing engine correctly before taking on a dramatically more complicated project like a full EV swap. Electric would be similar, where you could "make it work", but there's a huge difference between being able to move and actually working well.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I absolutely could put more work in fine tuning the existing engine, that is true
YettiRey@reddit
You need to take her to a specialty shop that can tune those old carbs. They hook up an emissions machine as they tune her to get it as efficient as possible. They could also tell you what may be wrong with your car to improve its efficiency
DrEnd585@reddit
Or you can research carb tuning. You don't need a specialty shop just some time and willingness to learn. Carbs are the easiest concept for fueling a car
YettiRey@reddit
Sure you can get it close. Hell an experienced person (not OP) can get it pretty damn close. But a machine can get it exact and thats why I say take it to a professional shop.
best possible burn means less fouling, longer engine life, and better fuel economy. Plus OP might have it incorrectly jetted. A Profesional shop likely would have the necessary jets to tune him perfectly.
Mavrosian@reddit
You aren't going to get the carburetor tuned perfectly by just a "machine". That's going to be multiple dyno pulls and lots of jetting changes. Realistically, close will be just fine. Who cares if his high speed cruise is 13:1, idle is 15:1, and WOT is 12.5:1? It'll run and be enjoyable -- it just needs to be close. If it's eye wateringly rich and smoking people out of the house, then he's closer to 10:1 or 8:1 at idle.
25_Watt_Bulb@reddit
I bet if he had it jetted correctly and the idle mixture tuned he’d find the engine suddenly idling at 1500 rpm because of how high the idle throttle is right now to compensate for the poor tune.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Lolololol not OP
YettiRey@reddit
No shade but because of the problems you had I figure you don't know jack about tuning
Hell my most experience is lawnmowers an generators. I just really want a 77 trans am and researched all I could about carbs
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I def don’t know a lot about carbureted cars and learning more by the hour it turns out
Elowan66@reddit
Don’t feel bad, I have a car with 70s Bosch mechanical fuel injection. When it’s cold the whole neighborhood smells like raw gas.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Yeah I crop dusted the whole neighborhood and now I’m talking about electric motors
Ch4rlie_G@reddit
Anything without a catalytic converter will smell a bit, but tuned well it’s minimal.
I have a pre-cat wakeboard boat (2005, they started Cats in 07).
Every time I start it and my neighbor is on the dock he says “I love when you start your boat, it smells amazing”.
He just loves the smell of gas and fumes I guess 🤷♂️
Elowan66@reddit
I bought a cheap chevelle once with an engine that smoked blue so bad you couldn’t see the car behind you at a red light. 😅
spock345@reddit
80-90% of the way there is usually enough to get it to stop smelling. This is a single barrel downdraft Carter or Rochester on a stovebolt six, not a set of Weber DCOEs.
Ch4rlie_G@reddit
Find the oldest, grizzliest mechanic you can. Or find a classic car dealer and ask them who they use.
At 16 my Grandfather gifted me a 1966 Buick Electra 225. Drove it 660 miles from Minnesota to Michigan and could barely get the car to merge on the freeway. I found a shop with a bunch of old dudes and they found at some point somebody installed the plug wires in the wrong order.
Also sent the carb to a specialty rebuilder and then tuned it.
Car was right as rain.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I absolutely could put more work in fine tuning the existing engine, that is true
SlightlyDrooid@reddit
DeBoss Garage on YouTube is in the process of converting a ‘48 Chevy using a Nissan Leaf
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Omg talk dirty to me
SlightlyDrooid@reddit
DeBoss Garage has some super sick builds. They’re working with another company to provide retrofit kits and they’re currently fitting electric drivetrain to a ‘95 Ram that will be powered by a diesel “range extender” with enough power to never really need to plug in
Mavrosian@reddit
My brother EV swapped a '71 MG midget and a '69 Mercedes. He still has the midget, and that thing is SCARY fast. Perhaps I could put you two in contact?
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I’ll take you up on that if I decide to actually do it, reading through the comments have given me second thoughts
Mavrosian@reddit
kk
carguy21801@reddit
superfastmatt on youtube
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I have watched some of his stuff but I’m going to need him to dumb it down for me a little
Sorry_Site_3739@reddit
May come of as a bit rude, but if you need him to dumb it down, I doubt you have the necessary skills and knowledge to do a conversion yourself. It’s not something you do in your garage over a weekend.
velowa@reddit
Couple things:
Working with EV systems can literally kill you. The safety precautions are a level above what you need to do for normal project car work.
Skills and knowledge are able to be acquired but see #1 above. You need to start with safety and then after you have a healthy respect and safety practice you can then learn all the electronic control systems.
OP, if you have 10-15k, either get EV West to do a basic conversion for you instead of doing it yourself (might be over $15k but you’ll still be alive to enjoy the car) or buy one of their kits. You’ll still learn a lot and have a cool ride either way but the guidance will go a long way.
Sorry_Site_3739@reddit
Good points. Don’t fuck with high voltages if you don’t know what you’re doing. Matt was an actual automotive engineer at Tesla, he knew what he was dealing with.
velowa@reddit
Didn’t realize that. Makes sense why I saw him in a Tesla shirt in the land speed racer windscreen vid.
evileagle@reddit
Yeah, he's not really a fan these days, but he was an employee WAY back. Like OG engineering team times.
velowa@reddit
Good to hear. I saw the t-shirt and was hoping he wasn’t a Musk fanboy.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I want to know how to do it tho, so I can do it again maybe
velowa@reddit
Sure, makes sense. A kit would be a great way to get into it. You’ll still come away with a good base to grow/improve upon for when you are ready to do it from scratch. Or, maybe you are the type of person that is able to drive yourself through a big project with a lot of unknowns and uncertainty. How did you do with that Mercedes project on your profile? Looks pretty dang complicated.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
The Mercedes is done and sold, it turned out to be a great car.
velowa@reddit
Sick!
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
5.5L V8, kinda wish I would have kept it…
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Not rude at all, 400v systems are no joke and I’m aware of the dangers. I’m into big projects. Going to have to read some books to get up to speed
Sorry_Site_3739@reddit
Do some safety courses as well, working with voltages that high requires certification here.
Ch4rlie_G@reddit
A different idea: take an official EV mechanics class or find a local certified EV mechanic willing to help you. A lot of the work will be fab and fitment.
Can you weld?
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I should look up what book they use at the local community college for their EV program, that’s a good idea. Can weld but not pretty
wsfrankm@reddit
You should watch AgingWheels on YouTube. He's got a few videos on YouTube explaining how EVs work and is working on a swap himself.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Subscribing, thank you
razrielle@reddit
Jerryrig everything did an EV conversion with a Hummer that explained a few things. Electric supercar does it all the time if you look them up
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Adding them to the list. Honestly guys the response has been great and y’all have offered a lot of options I hadn’t even considered
eispac@reddit
Came here to recommend superfastmatt too. Guy has a sense of humor that I find funny. He is smart and tells the story without omitting where he messed up (“but that’s a problem for future Matt”).
mcbergstedt@reddit
Also Aging Wheels on YouTube.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Might be first aging wheels mention here thank you friend
patinaYouUgly@reddit
Second this, he did an old Jag with a Tesla powertrain and a lot of videos on it.
gafonid@reddit
On the one hand, that's an excellent EV conversion candidate because it's already quite heavy and the engine isn't an important part of the car's character
A 300hp model 3 motor with about 150 miles of range worth of batteries would make that thing an ultra reliable around town car you'd use basically all the time because there's no downside. It'd basically never break, would cost pennies to run, and no more "oh shit I forgot to gas up" because it's plugged in every night and has a full tank every morning.
ON THE OTHER HAND, the stinkiness would be resolved by just using an EFI, electronic fuel injection system, as there will be far less unburned gas.
I'm a HUGE ev conversion advocate, but it's not a simple process and it isn't cheap. A decent conversion is going to be at least 15 grand in parts. You can go cheaper but you'll have to start using crappier parts and do more integration work yourself instead of relying on forum posts.
But man, that thing on electric would be the best cruiser you could ever imagine
T. Converting a 71 Corvette to electric
Prickly_Wizard@reddit
Wouldn’t even bother with a model 3, it’d probably be just fine with a Hyper 9 HV. Maybe a dual motor setup if he wants more kick. Makes things a tad simpler than running 400v seeing as he’s not as experienced, and they’re pretty easy to set up.
gafonid@reddit
i thought hyper 9s were kinda expensive, but it's true that you can get away with much lower voltage and they are simpler to build around
Prickly_Wizard@reddit
They also have a well developed system around them, a little more ‘plug and play’ than a Tesla swap.
gafonid@reddit
Oh, another benefit of a conversion is you gain A LOT of understanding and skills that'll be invaluable in the future as more cars go electric.
k00ksonly@reddit
Look up EV West, they sell conversion kits for classic VWs, maybe that's a good starting point?
JoshPum@reddit
I think it would be cool in a "saving the car" situation where you don't have an engine and trans. But if it's original and still runs, I'd leave it alone. Either way you go, sweet car man! I love that 40's style!
Fabreeze_Biscuit@reddit
No. Why? We’re not communists. You’re welcome.
Shienvien@reddit
Not me, but I helped my father do it - before EVs were a "thing", so it got somewhat famous in my country. Overall, quite happy with it, especially after the lead batteries could be swapped for lithium a decade and a half later.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Wow an EV OG! Do you have any resources you recommend or was your father an electrical engineer?
Shienvien@reddit
He's since helped many other people and has a bit of a side business with solar panels and such, so he has effectively become fairly adept at such matters (we are both [primarily] in IT as far as our higher education goes) - originally I believe he did consult some others, too (one of which might have been a different relative of ours that actually was an electrician).
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I guess my question is where did he (and you) learn to do it? Did you go out to the garage and just start doing what you thought was best?
ThePandaKingdom@reddit
You gonna need a basic understanding the components. Motor controllers, motors, wiring, etc. in general an electric drive train is more simple but don’t electrocute yourself.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
The education and safety aspect are my biggest hurdles, want to do it right
ThePandaKingdom@reddit
Understood. I might suggest building a bare bones RC car or something first. Having to source the parts and research what you need will be good practice for the big real thing. Its obviously not the same thing, but i think it might be helpful. Ive never built an electric full sized car, though haha.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Maybe my son needs a go kart as a practice run…
ThePandaKingdom@reddit
Now we’re talking. That will be a lot more inline with a big car haha.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
This is honestly a great warm up and he’s gonna be stoked to help
Ch4rlie_G@reddit
Search for grind hard plumbing electric go kart on YouTube. They have converted a bunch of stuff to electric.
Their little Chinese electric vehicle “Chang li” was hopped up to the extreme :)
That channel goes into just enough detail to satisfy the DIY guy curiosity.
CythExperiment@reddit
It's not as hard as it seems. I put electric motors on my mountain board. There are solutions and learning materials.
ThePandaKingdom@reddit
Yep. Electric stuff just needs to be hooked up to a battery and a control unit and your gucci. The issue becomes fabricating mounting for everything where it needs to go haha.
I have designed, printed and built an RC car from scratch, it’s not HARD to understand the electronics, but you need a basic understanding of how it all works to at least know what you dint know. If that makes sense haha.
If OP is truly cluelesS at this stage, maybe buying an RC car kit would help. Not thats it’s a 1 to 1 comparison AT ALL, but the basic elements are there.
IndefiniteVoid813@reddit
What car did you guys convert?
SwShThrwy@reddit
Was this the Volvo 245 conversion? If so I have a million questions
Shienvien@reddit
An even older vehicle (also intentionally left vague for fear of essentially doxxing myself).
SwShThrwy@reddit
Didn't think about the doxx! Good catch.
I've got a 1990 240 wagon I want to convert to EV, mostly because the engine and transmission were donated to another car years ago. I wish the guy who did one a decade ago had documented it better...
black_carbon_59@reddit
First of all: Heresy
trans_am_man@reddit
Ok, so from what I'm reading you have neither the skills nor the cash for an actual EV swap yet you refuse to just live with a classic as a classic... at this point just sell the car and lose your hipster points. It's ok, this hobby is only for the rich and those with the determination for it. Not for everyone.
ctennessen@reddit
We just finished swapping a land Rover Defender
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
How’d it go?
ctennessen@reddit
Had some headaches with software and charging system but mechanically it was incredibly easy.
That_Gopnik@reddit
Please don’t…
ishtarot@reddit
you have to do this
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
It is my calling
Late-Ad-4624@reddit
Theres an Eluminator crate engine (i think its called that) that is an EV motor that you can use. Its the Mach E motor. No idea what trans can be mounted to it for a RWD car bc i thini the Mach E is AWD.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I’ve heard of this but look v expensive
spock345@reddit
You'll need more than $10-15k to make anything other than a toy.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I would counter that it is currently a toy and I’m not looking for more than 100 miles
fjam36@reddit
Why not? An EV Hummer weighs 9,000 lbs. that sled might just match the weight.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Seriously the steel unibody is a unit
fjam36@reddit
It’s not a unibody. It does have a hefty frame,though.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Sometimes I use words I haven’t fully looked up the definition of, thanks for tutelage
fjam36@reddit
👍
Elpardua@reddit
SAE Energy built a '59 lincoln like 15 years ago for Neil Young.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Second Neil Young reference I’m going to head Down by the River
Tacos_Polackos@reddit
Haven't done it myself, but I know EV West has lots of retrofit parts available.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Oooof pricey! The fact that it’s a complete kit is probably pretty nice. Thanks for the rec
mahdicktoobig@reddit
Whenever I was looking into it, maybe within 5 years or sooner, it was either those guys or you’re pretty much building it from “scratch” yourself.
I work at a warehouse. We have electric motors for forklifts and stuff. Have yet to figure out what kinda size I’d be looking for or anything though. Got a lot more on the to-do list before that 🤷🏼♂️
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I found a guy that made a drag car with lead acid batteries and a forklift motor, maybe it was a Netflix show. The thing ripped
mahdicktoobig@reddit
Those things are torquey af dude, electric is definitely the future. One day someone will make a crate motor with the same mounts as 350’s, 5.0’s, etc. Even if they just banded 4 together and made that somehow work: that’s the same footprint in my head at least 😂
Maybe like 4 for trucks, 3 for most older cars? I have no idea honestly. I was more interested in making “electric drive hydraulics” first. lol. I imagine I’d weld a plate over a layer of batteries in the bed of my truck if I keep converting everything to electric
I wish I knew more about electrician things. Prob why they’re so paid tho
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I’m convinced electricity is magic
mahdicktoobig@reddit
I think it’s technically sorcery; cuz fairies and shit are magic. Fairies require no skill. But yeah, me too man
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Imma figure it out
mahdicktoobig@reddit
God speed, apprentice sorcerer. May Merlin be with you 🫡
CaptainPants27@reddit
So speaking of EV West, they partner with Zelectric, which is pretty exclusive to classic VW and Porsche EV builds.
However, they all are some of the nicest people ever, and incredibly smart. I commissioned a couple of EV builds with them (in a former work life) and Dave Bernardo is a gem of a human.
Seriously, I’d consider just contacting Dave out of the blue, via their website or Insta. I used to talk shop with him for fun, he’s so knowledgeable about all the challenges and options for conversions, and could possibly give you some directions based on his experience.
Just food for thought!
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
This is a great idea thanks I’ll hit him up
CaptainPants27@reddit
Good luck to you and your ‘51!
1TallTXn@reddit
Myself, I like the old motors. Yes, from an emissions standpoint, they're not great. But, I feel good bit of their beauty is appreciating what was done 70yrs ago. That said, there's a lot of good logic of going EV. Lower maintenance for a vehicle that won't see many miles, more power, and others I'm sure.
Could take an approach like Edison motors are doing with their semi trucks and heavy duty pickup kits (forthcoming) and put a smaller battery setup with a generator on board to keep the batts up to power the drive line.
Many different ways to go about this and none are 'wrong', in the end, it's your car and your vision as to what it means to you.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
These are inspiring words sir, thank you
1TallTXn@reddit
Is it really more "sacreligious" to go EV than to put a Ford 302 in there? More than a modern LS? Both are extremely different than the original and make the car considerably in every metric save authenticity. You do you. Keep us updated, I wanna see it regardless!
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
You’re right man, you’re right
Dawkinsisgod@reddit
Why don't you sell it and go ruin some shit box Honda or something nobody gives a flying fuck about? Straight up sacrilegious.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
So you’re saying it is blasphemy
1TallTXn@reddit
Nah, he's being a dick. Your car, your choice.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Manifest destiny
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Also if you want to buy it, it’s for sale
Harryslother12@reddit
Ev conversion because of fumes is a little excessive.
Tune the carb better/rebuild the engine or LS swap it and put cats on it. Or just put cats on it
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Yeah but we like projects in this house. Engine swap for better/more efficient engine is def an option
octane_matty@reddit
Yeah not necessarily against the ev conversion but a newer small ICE swaps should be more common. Throw a BMW awd drivetrain in it and it’ll be smooth and quiet
aaronmcnips@reddit
Super fast matt on YouTube
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Oh god here we go again, fine ok, I’ll get an engineering book and take notes alright
aaronmcnips@reddit
You could also snatch up an ev from an auction and just set the body on that
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Interesting indeed……….
olov244@reddit
deboss garage is putting (I think) a nissan leaf setup in an old convertible
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Second mention of Deboss, I’m checking them out. Thank you for the rec
altiuscitiusfortius@reddit
Robert downey junior has a show on Disney plus where he changes his classic car collection from gas to electric. It's not bad.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Have not heard of this as the kids have Disney+ on lockdown
altiuscitiusfortius@reddit
Actually it was on hbo max, my bad.
https://m.imdb.com/title/tt20297790/
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Turning this on with wifey tonight
spicymax123@reddit
I haven’t. I’m thinking of doing one on my Volkswagen Beetle - they sell kits, and it’s essentially plug and play with the engine swap that is (I hear) minimally invasive
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
The VW kit is as plug and play as it gets, from what I understand
jeremiahishere@reddit
Why not install a catalytic converter or two for $500? Swapping to ev sounds like an extreme solution to a simple problem.
Sakowuf_Solutions@reddit
I think that’s the point though. It’s a pretty solid flex of electro-mechanical aptitude.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Honestly I think it’s going to be pretty simple in the overall scheme of things but electricity is intimidating
salmonstamp@reddit
Op, it isn’t simple. I’m all for it, but there is a forum of ev projects for sale that never got finished. If it was simple, more people would do it. Most ev retrofits, while cool, will maybe get you ~120mi of range and you’ll probably blow that 10k just on parts to get started. I looked into it thinking along your lines, and unless you’re dedicated and have the cash to throw at it, it just isn’t financially viable yet, maybe one day though. If you’re serious, start pricing everything out, then assess the car as is. All that torque will require upgrades to the frame, brakes, suspension, steering, and driveline so make sure you factor that cost in.
As the guy above said, cats help with exhaust smell. You can pick cheap ones up on Amazon for ~$40 a piece and you’ll get a 2-4 years of regular daily driving use out of them before you need to replace
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Ah the ol hubris at it again, thank you for your insight. I don’t mean to downplay the complexity of the project, just that it is doable
salmonstamp@reddit
I’d love to do an ev swap but I think we’re still 5-10 years from it being a viable option for diy enthusiasts. It can be done and people have done it, but it’s kind of difficult to source parts on a budget and the range you get will only ever be suitable for short distances.
If you want efficiency and drivability, you can’t really go wrong with a good ol LS swap. Even an old school small block/700r4 combo will get you a significant upgrade in drivability and performance if you’re just looking to enjoy it
IAmJohnSlow@reddit
How much range do you feel is reasonable for the type of diy you're talking about? Just curious what the target range would be
salmonstamp@reddit
Equivalent to a gas engine. So ~300mi. If I own/build a vehicle, I like to use it, or have the option to go on a road trip
MannyDantyla@reddit
I would say it is already a viable option. Cheap? No, not unless you get salvaged parts and an aftermarket controller that can make them all work together. Oh, wait, that already exists! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC_xLe306M8
MannyDantyla@reddit
This should help then: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC_xLe306M8
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Thanks man I’ll check it out!
PJ_Huixtocihuatl@reddit
Counter point. It's just a flex on how much disposable income you have.
MannyDantyla@reddit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC_xLe306M8
PJ_Huixtocihuatl@reddit
Cheaper just to get a working Nissan leaf. And you'll have A/C and all that good stuff.
Sakowuf_Solutions@reddit
You’re certainly not wrong!
frinkmo@reddit
Thanks man!! I have the same issue. Gas smell. Not at the point to do something about it yet but you gave the answer before the time.
dirty_hooker@reddit
An EV swap is pretty extreme. Thing is that old carbs and cats don’t get along. You’d really need a closed loop FI system to make a cat happy. Which, a CL FI system might be all that’s really needed to make OP happy anyway. That and possibly new rings / valve seals.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Ok ok this is a great counter point. On an aside I do want to mess with an EV swap for personal reasons
ender_wiggen44@reddit
So I've been working with a company that does just that. One of their conversions is a VW Bus. If you would like the company name I'll DM it to anyone that wants. The company does classic vehicle EV conversions and Custom car builds. Just don't want to throw the company out there and break any rules.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
DM is open my man
sav_arm@reddit
Chevy performance has a kit for this https://www.chevrolet.com/performance-parts/ecrate
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Shut the front door!
Swumbus-prime@reddit
There is also the Ford Eluminator motor. Like others said, grab a Leaf battery set and plug it all in. Simpler said than done obviously, but we are indeed at the point of off-the-shelf aftermarket EV conversion support.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I know ford sells the engine for the Mach E in a crate, if that’s the same engine. It’s like 22k just for the motor however
TwoplyWatson@reddit
Must be bought and installed by authorized dealer.* so budget is out the window.
Softpretzelsandrose@reddit
I’m not an EV fanboy by any means but as soon as I saw that kit released I got obsessed with the thought of daily driving an electric g-body el camino
MidlandsRepublic2048@reddit
What a waste of a classic
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
This sentiment is part of the consideration
MidlandsRepublic2048@reddit
There are way better ways to solve the emissions problem than jumping straight to electric. Drop a more modern engine that has at the very least EFI. Yes it means you'll have to program a standalone ECU to handle the electrics and electronics, but it'll keep the character of the car far more than an electric conversion. Plus, 10-15k ain't enough for that kind of work anyway.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Fair points thank you
Loud_Independent6702@reddit
Why tf would you testla anything
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Because you can
Lower_Kick268@reddit
I haven’t, but we likely will Tesla swap our 1966 Cadillac Deville in the future because drivetrain parts are so much money
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
This is where I see a lot of classics headed
Lower_Kick268@reddit
I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing, it’s better than scrapping classics
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Long live the classics!
nudgezyo@reddit
There's a company in uk that converts uk classics to electric, it's crazy but works well , p.s you seen boostedboiz tesla/honda wagon?
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I have not but I’m going to find it bow
error805usernotfound@reddit
Nope, but I've just heard that Hagerty will insure those when you're done with it.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Awesome thank you for the input
SheepdogApproved@reddit
Check out EV West. They do some really clean and high quality EV conversions of old Porsches and VWs, and have developed a basically drop in kit for Tesla motors and battery cells. They have done other cool projects too.
I know it’s a different car, but you could take some inspiration from there.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Ev west has come up enough I’m definitely emailing them
mpython1701@reddit
Not me but got to ride in a 60s VW bus that had been converted to electric and it was really fun.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I’ve also ridden in a converted classic and it was pretty cool
snestalgia64@reddit
Here's an Electric Toyota MR-2 for sale on Facebook Marketplace
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
A similar motor might not be out of the question, and for $3200 that’s reasonable don’t need a ton of hp
snestalgia64@reddit
I've actually met this guy at a car meet, and he said it only gets about 50 miles of range which is kinda of lame
RollingGuyNo9@reddit
Cool thing about owning cars, you’re free to do whatever the hell you want to it.
Personally, I think an EV with classic 50’s styling would be kind of neat. Like out of one of those old “THIS IS THE FUTURE” videos where the styling is almost the same but it like runs like a Mr Fusion 3000 or something crazy.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Sick paint job with a lightning bolt down the side
titsmuhgeee@reddit
One of my dream builds is a Model A pickup with an EV conversion. I'd love to drive a Model A, but I have no interest in maintaining an antique drivetrain.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
So much less maintenance
derpderpherpderp@reddit
Neil Young has an old electric Lincoln.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
You’ve got a Heart of Gold
pedey67@reddit
https://www.hpacademy.com/courses/electric-vehicles/ Is a great start
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
This is awesome thank you so much
KeyFarmer6235@reddit
It can be done, and there are companies that specialize in converting classics to EVs, but from what I understand, it's very expensive, and I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up costing more than $15k, but I'm not really sure.
I will say, that if I was in a similar situation, and had that much money to spend, I'd probably just spend it on fixing the issues with the car and spruce it up a bit. But, at least in my area, you can find a lot of quality, running and driving classics for that price range, so you could be an idiot, like me, and buy another car.
But, imo a smarter option would be to sell this one before buying another one, so you'll have extra money for either a nicer car, that doesn't have the same issues, or to buy one that would make for a better EV conversation, like one without a drive train. I can find those all day long for around $5k, less if it's a 4d/ a lesser desired make/ model.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I went to a local shop and they told me $60k hence why I’m looking into DIY
ignatzami@reddit
EVWest is another great resource. I’ve planned out a conversion of a Subaru Sambar, so I know a lot of the theory, just need the funds.
There’s also a few EV conversion subs that have good info.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
What subs do you like for this sort of stuff?
ignatzami@reddit
r/EVConversion
sneakpeekbot@reddit
Here's a sneak peek of /r/EVConversion using the top posts of the year!
#1: 1957 MGA EV Conversion | 27 comments
#2: leaf swaped 1983 4x4 Subaru BRAT | 17 comments
#3: EV Conversion Pickup truck looks like stock with its new Electric Motor
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1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Good bot
B0tRank@reddit
Thank you, 1mursenary, for voting on sneakpeekbot.
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windraver@reddit
Go here
https://www.diyelectriccar.com/
I have a build there as well. I converted a 1986 Honda CRX.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Awesome build my man! Will be frequenting the site
okayilltalk@reddit
Check out derelict ev.
bobtheburgerbro@reddit
Don't you even fucking dare do that
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
There it is!
bobtheburgerbro@reddit
If you EV convert that
I will find you. That's not a threat. Its a promise
Puppythapup@reddit
There’s some videos of a dude who took a Nissan leaf, and an old Volkswagen fastback and just put the leaf inside
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Holy hell!
velowa@reddit
My dude, that’s basically what EV conversions are. You modify the axles or driveline to splice in an electric motor and you use all the other bits (controller, gauges, battery) from the donor car to complete the build. A really common method is buying a totaled but still operational Nissan Leaf because they are cheaper than comparable Teslas. My suggestion: do some googling using “vintage car Nissan Leaf” or “vintage car Tesla motor” and check out other people’s projects.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
A lot of googling in my future
_weedeater@reddit
That's a lot of work to drive a nissan leaf.
Creative_Mirror1379@reddit
My brother in Cali is doing an electric old dodge van similar to the scooby doo van. If I get some pics I'll try to post
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Following
velowa@reddit
I posted in a couple of the threads with some suggestions, but good luck with it and post photos if you go for it. It’s a cool sled and EV would be rad, just be careful with the watts. :)
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the encouragement! I’m going on a tour of junk yards this weekend and see what options I come up with
rynoman1110@reddit
A car like this nobody would really care, but for something like a Tri Five Chevy, old Corvette, etc you will get a lot of dirty looks at best, accosted at worst.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
A level of blasphemy does exist in this territory it seems
rqx82@reddit
If the EV conversion doesn’t work out or is too intimidating, I would consider swapping in a 4.2 I-6 drivetrain out of a Chevy trailblazer or one of its twins. You can probably buy a complete vehicle for $5-7k, sell back or scrap what you don’t use, and use the rest to finish the swap. Still straight six, but at least double the power, probably double the mpg, and much cleaner with modern emissions.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Great idea actually and much more budget friendly
dadbodfat@reddit
My cousin converts classic BMW’s into Tesla drive units
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Does he have a YouTube?
Skvora@reddit
Ew god no...... Sub 5 min refill of a sweet v8 that'll take ya 300 miles and won't give you any shit is the entire point, last I checked.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
This person has a way with words, straight to the point
Skvora@reddit
Entire point of internet, besides sarcasm and griefing, ain't it?
Schmoses@reddit
Check out http://www.plasmaboyracing.com/zombieHistory.html - some great info in there on a Datsun that was converted to electric in the 90s. I think it would be a cool project if you have the resources and know-how to make it happen.
Is your problem with the gas drivetrain emotional (as in the emissions makes you feel bad) or practical (the smell, maintenance, driveability, etc.)? By keeping an old car on the road instead of sending it to the scrap heap, you are doing just as much for the environment as anyone buying a newer electric car in my opinion. You are keeping another giant appliance on the road instead of it sitting in a landfill rotting away.
A lot could be done to clean up the output of the original engine. Throw a wideband O2 sensor in the exhaust to help get the carb tuneup dialed in, put an HEI distributor on it for better spark, and add a catalytic converter to the exhaust system. Gas mileage will likely increase and the fuel smell will probably be much better.
pdxarchitect@reddit
I've seen this car in person, a long time ago. It's truly a labor of love with a lot of R and D done in the garage. It's clear the intense amount of effort that was involved, and cool to see that it lives on. I didn't know that it had been rebuilt after the crash several years back.
Troutsicle@reddit
I've seen it a few times at the Blue Lake Datsun meetups. I didn't know they crashed it :(.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Schmoses thanks for the reply friend, I will definitely check out the link. It’s a little of both on the emissions, did make me a little sick and I don’t love the idea of burning a bunch of gas with this thing. I do want to drive it though and I think it would be an all around better experience electrified. Great recs for getting gas emissions down too, thank you
rigby1945@reddit
Check out Icon's Mercury conversion https://www.icon4x4.com/derelict/pastprojects/37
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Icon keeps coming up, I’ll check them out
rigby1945@reddit
Probably because a lot of EV conversions have been VW, Porsche, or other light sports cars. There are tons of shop all over the world who do those conversions. Icon's Mercury is exactly what you're doing. For a car your size, the most straight forward thing to do is to find a wrecked Tesla 3 and swap the motor and batteries from it. There are tons of resources on how to do that. There are also shops that sell the parts for conversions. EV West in San Diego, CA is a really good place for off the shelf parts
MannyDantyla@reddit
ME ME ME!!
I'm starting on converting a 1962 Mercury Comet to EV, and I've finished converting a 1966 Honda motorcycle to electric. Join us at r/EVConversion
Noodnix@reddit
I’m in the process of converting an ICE car to electric. In my opinion, the decision to convert to electric comes down to this question. Does the conversion make it a better or more usable vehicle?
Raalf@reddit
15k will get you roughly halfway.
Source: priced it out and have been following cost updates for close to 10 years now.
You'll need 3 major components (but that's not all): battery, motor. Battery management system (BMS).
Battery can be sourced from anything. Home built, prepack, etc. I recommend using a very flat style - same type of cell across the entire pack.
Motor can also be sourced by nearly anything but you'll want to choose one than mates well with your BMS. It will have some consideration from the battery but the majority of the choice will do with the car - weight, desired performance, efficiency, etc.
BMS is the key. You'll want to choose the right BMS for your solution. I highly recommend EVWEST or another reputable builder to advise here; it will pay for you to spend most of research here.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the reply Raalf! How have costs moved over the 10 years you’ve been following? Steady decline?
Raalf@reddit
Battery costs are half what they were for lithium. Lead-acid is still about the same as it was, maybe even 15% more I'd guess relative to inflation.
BMS costs are all over the place. I've seen a raspberry pi running a whole car. We don't recommend a pi car because pi can fail in the heat, etc. I've also seen a $14,000 BMS which absolutely is overkill. So it could be said it's roughly the same but way more options, which is good!
Motors are where improvement has happened the MOST. 10 years ago finding a 500hp motor than wasn't $15,000 was impossible, but thanks to Tesla and Ford you can just find them nearly anywhere for 2-5k used. So prices are down significantly and performance has improved by major leaps.
My personal opinion: batteries will keep coming down but not as fast we want because the demand will not stop; they can be used for home backup systems, camping, etc. motors will continue to get better and cheaper with more options. BMS will eventually start finding their niche levels and you'll end up with "classic Ford BMS for midrange performance" style classifications. This will likely help stabilize prices, but that could in turn make them go up if regulatory bodies get involved.
sycoticone@reddit
If you do an EV upgrade plan on doing a lot of chassis work. Classic cars don't like big torque unless properly modified to handle it.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
What about little torque?
sycoticone@reddit
Let's say... yes. These old frames really weren't designed for a lot of power, and the way eletrical torque comes on is brutal compared to most ICE engines. I got the bright idea to put a 1200hp big block in a 57 Ford and did so some chassis work when I upgraded, 4 link, coil over front end, and added crossmembers, etc. In less than 3 months of weekend driving i had pretty much destroyed the original frame and was seeing panel gaps from the damage. Nothing broke, but even with all the bracing and crossmembers, it was just too weak and twisted between all the additional reinforcements. 6 months and 30k later I added an Art Morrison chassis built for the power and rebuilt the whole project! It does hook like crazy now and rides better than ever, but it was a rough road to get here.
Some-Ice-5508@reddit
Why is this marked NSFW???
ArtimisRawr01@reddit
Mods. Crush this mfs balls
turbo88Rex@reddit
Im working on a 1950 Coronet... its getting a 528 CID V8 because freedom. On a classic plate no emissions test needed or I can just register it in a county that doesn't require emissions. Im oldschool though, I want the sound and feel of a real engine turning petrol into noise and torque.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
The 235 straight 6 does sound good but only makes like 90 hp
turbo88Rex@reddit
Yea the flat head I6 on the Coronet made similar, im shooting for 700ish wheel at altitude through a T56 magnum and a ford 8.8 with a posi. I have a few old turbos lying around from my race truck and I kinda wanna see how much power the I6 can hold on an engine dyno before it kicks the rods out of it
BrokenBehindBluEyez@reddit
A guy in my area put a 40s international truck on a Prius drivetrain, he sold it not that long ago...
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
This is another question I have, does this make the car more or less likable from a future buyers perspective
Raalf@reddit
Less., because troubleshooting problems with a custom drivetrain will be limited to 1. Someone who wants to handle that level of lack of support and 2. Someone who has the skill.
If you are concerned about the resale (and I suggest this anyway) - document the entire build and keep it on YouTube.
25_Watt_Bulb@reddit
If you actually finish the project and it's done to a professional level? Maybe more desirable. But in the much more likely event you don't finish the conversion (because most people don't) or it isn't done to a professional level? I and many people wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole after that. Give me a car straight out of a field over one that someone has muddled with a ton.
BrokenBehindBluEyez@reddit
I think it depends honestly.... My son and I were working on a 56 international pickup on a s10 frame with ls swap....
I had considered leaving the V6 in there but the fist I got was if I sold it that'd make it harder as most people would want a V8, and if they were buying someone else's project likely couldn't do it themselves.
Back to the truck/my son - some of his friends parents gave me shit for driving a Prius, and then one day one of them dropped my son off while I had the garage up and saw the project. They couldn't believe I was a car guy since I drove a Prius.
The current people in the old car scene are heavily more of the ev/hybrid bad crowd.
So yes, I think it will require a specific buyer and not be as easy to sell.
I think the market is changing a bit, with restomod trucks bringing in younger old car people, but still its going to take a specific buyer and probably fewer of them compared to the big ole v8 guys....
ruthlessk2112@reddit
I just got a stripped 66 corvair corsa, I'm rebuilding to stock but thinking after a few years I may convert to electric. I am worried about the value dropping though
SD33Tfan@reddit
Love this Hybrid Corvair mashup.
Don't worry about the value dropping. My dad has a really nice one, and it ain't worth squat. Do what you want to it and enjoy it.
ruthlessk2112@reddit
I currently drive a Prius and love it, the corvair is just for fun! But long term it may be worth it. Still thinking about it
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Valid concern it would seem
LifeWithAdd@reddit
I’m in the early process of converting my Meyers Manx to EV. It’s absolutely possible but not very cost effective, doing everything myself the lowest I’ve priced out I can complete the project for is $18k.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
May I ask what’s on your shopping list?
Kazurion@reddit
I've only built EV "motorcycles" so I doubt I can help much. Still, it's always the same. A motor, a controller and a battery with it's BMS. You can get a big motor, make a simple adapter and use any manual gearbox without clutch.
Tesla swaps are a thing, yeah. But I think there are far less complex setups. It will require little to no welding.
This all depends on how much you want to spend. Controllers and batteries can be very pricy.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I think I’m on this level, I’m going to find a motor out of a forklift or something. Source the parts and make them work
lingenfelter22@reddit
Imagine it's never been fitted with catalytic converter. Have the exhaust inspected for leaks and add a cat.
Skvora@reddit
Absolutely +1 to pulling in frontwards, and just straight pipe it right. Absolutely zero reason to add what needn't be on a great car.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Luckily non of the CO detectors went off when I backed it in, sounds like modernizing the exhaust would go a long way
DerGRAFder13@reddit
My neighbour converted a T3 PickUp into a EV with 1 Tesla Battery under the bed and 2 Separate Tesla Engines each for one of the axles. Hes a engineer and somewhat of a programmer and connected everything together, so that it is drivable with the original pedals and steering wheel of the T3.
Peak system power was pretty high i think. About 500-800hp. Double the power of regular Tesla engines because there were also 2 of these engines in there duh. Not sure what these engines pull from the factory. Ive only driven a P90D with 880hp before but that one wasnt stock.
Im not exactly sure what turned out of it because i havent seen it in his shop last week. Last time Ive seen it was when it was a functional dry set up (so the engines and battery outside of the T3 Chassis but all hooked up together for testing and adjusting).
This was a prototype model for him. First EV conversion afaik that he did and I think he was in contact with STIHL, because that T3 was a former commercial truck of them (painted in orange etc etc) and that they may want to buy it from him for commercial/advertising purposes once hes finished.
He told me that if this was a good project, then that he wants to convert other classic cars into EVs too. Like when parts are not avaiable anymore or when they got into a crash whatever. Like save a classic by converting it into a EV using parted out Tesla parts.
He has a small classic car restauration bussines (currently he restaurated 3 old british sports car (i didnt recognise them but think of a 911 but british) which 2 of them already finished) and also services regular cars for our municipality and the car of my parents too.
He sometimes helps me with my projects and lends me some specialised tools that i need but dont have. I work on motorcycles tho and not on classic cars. Currently im doing a engine swap/BBK on my grom. He and his wife also keep an eye on our garden when we arent home for a prolonged time. All in all a good neighbour.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Sounds like an awesome neighbor, you mind sending me a DM with his business contact?
Gradedcaboose@reddit
It’s your car, you do what you want. If you wanna drop that kind of money to pull it off, go for it!
Imo, it’s not a thing I would do because of my issues with EVs but it would definitely take care of your current issues with the car
ThePurpleCookies@reddit
It’ll be interesting to see where EV conversions go in the next 5-10 years. It’ll definitely get cheaper and easier. With the (theoretical) added reliability I could see a lot of classics converted. I’m debating it with my bug since it’s not a drivers car.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I think we’ll see more and more classics converted to EVs for sure. Would love costs to come down too
Fr0styTheDroMan@reddit
Realistically, it’s a big project to do what you’re doing, and won’t be cheap at any rate. Maybe start off researching how lithium battery packs work since it’s the most important part of an EV. Cell voltages, how they are put in parallel and series to achieve the correct voltage/capacity, and why a BMS is important to charging, and operating these packs.
How you go about it really comes down to budget and your fabrication skills. Gutting a leaf or a Tesla saves on figuring out the pack and drivetrain, but these are large components that your car was not designed around. So for the pack in particular, you either skillfully fab it in as one chunk, or go deeper into breaking up an OEM pack, stashing the chunks where you can in the car, and keeping it operating as intended. The BMS in one of these packs is a series of computers that need to be happy with each other to “unlock” drive power, making this process pretty involved. Somebody likely makes modules that let you tie custom stuff into the OEM hardware, but expect to pay for it and need a little know how to configure it for your particular application.
You have a similar situation with the drivetrain. Lots of custom fab to drop in a Tesla or similar drive unit. Once again hard to modify these. So you’re probably looking at finding a motor that hopefully fits an available adapter for your transmission, otherwise more fab. Both options will require you to get a motor controller that works with the voltage of your pack and type of motor. You don’t need the transmission either, so if you’re still on the fab train after all this, you could directly drive the differential via a motor. But you would have to ensure the motor you’ve selected for this has the power you need and the correct RPM range to move the car at road speeds.
After all that, there’s charging and instrumentation. Once again a similar set of options are available. You either fab in OEM bits that would have been there, or pay for and tinker with more adapters for more custom options that are easier to integrate physically.
This is already long enough, and certainly not exhaustive. But if all this sound’s doable and fun to you, go for it! I’ve personally enjoyed doing this sort of thing, but knew what I was getting myself into for the most part.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Good stuff in here, a lot to consider and plan for without a doubt.
Nottherealeddy@reddit
Good candidate. I have completed 3 so far. Two to sell, one for a customer.
I would recommend signing up for a class from someone like www.EV4Unow.com
I like this one because it is online, so you dont have to travel for the class if no one is offering it in your area. You also get access to all of the information for a year, which means access to their wiring diagrams, formulas and calculators. They also give you some free consulting time with the deal, so if you run into problems you can call them up for advice.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Eddy this is great, and just what I was looking for some actual instruction type thing! Will be putting this at the top of the list
Nottherealeddy@reddit
I just looked at their site, they are currently running a discount for the training. It was a good deal at a grand, you can get it now for $500.
cpttimerestraint@reddit
SuperFast Matt did this to a Jag and made a lot of good videos on it.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoTU9_iCGa6i_C38pwQyg0pBGoov76NNv
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Gonna have to start reading books just to keep up with Superfast
IntheOlympicMTs@reddit
I’m seriously considering doing to my 86 Toyota pickup 4x4. I only use for the occasional hauling stuff to the dump.
EC_CO@reddit
/r/evconversions is a decent spot too
trailrun1980@reddit
I've fallen behind on my videos after selling a few of my project cars and moving, but this guy has been doing an ev conversion on an old Volvo 164, no idea how it's going, but he's usually good at showing how it's going
https://youtu.be/AYzPms01hAA?si=oT3kvQI-gazhJQ_h
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I will check this out, thank you
Hollayo@reddit
I've seen several that are awesome. If you do it, please make a build thread or something because I want to follow your progress on the conversion. This sounds very interesting!
beermaker@reddit
I bought my Scout for just that purpose, I'm just waiting for tech to improve and battery density to increase while I save my pennies... Thankfully, my archaic 3.2l 4 cylinder refuses to croak.
Here's to hoping Scout Motors makes enough money to justify designing a conversion kit for vintage models.
michaelrulaz@reddit
I know a guy that bought a kit for converting one. He said it wasn’t terribly hard but he did have to fab up a lot of brackets and stuff himself
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I do need to tune up my fab skills
rumad27@reddit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-0bPkM4oiM
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Holy shit this might be the one guys! Tesla battery and hyper 9 motor. The motor new is like $5k and maybe get some batteries from the junk yard?
fiero-fire@reddit
Before dropping out of engineering school we converted a 70s Beatle to electric. It's surprisingly easy if your comfortable working on high voltage systems. You'll also need some fab skills. That was over 10 years ago. Now with all the Tesla on the road I bet finding motors and battery is even easier. There are lots of good guides out there. I big old boat like that would be a decent candidate
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I’ll take the positive words of encouragement and run with them
wellwaffled@reddit
There’s a guy in one of Chevy Advance Design forums that did a Tesla drivetrain swap on a ~1950 pickup.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
I will look for this guy, thank you
3rdGenCamaro91@reddit
Check out the icon YouTube channel. They've done a bunch of classic cars and even been on hoonigon a few times.
1mursenary@reddit (OP)
Awesome rec thank you!
PowerfulSuction@reddit
Edison Motors is doing exactly that for older trucks.. it’s not built for your application, but the concept of your idea is being done.
The put a diesel generator where your engine is (used to increase your range or provide mobile power for job sites), then battery banks, and electric axles.
It’s a revolutionary idea for vehicles, same concept as a train locomotive