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Any Electric RX?

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Old 05-11-13, 12:11 PM
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IN Any Electric RX?

Curious if any electric converted RX-7 are on the site?
Old 05-11-13, 05:37 PM
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Old 05-12-13, 02:48 AM
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electric rx7? they make those?
Old 05-12-13, 10:10 AM
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There have been a few over the years. Most using DC motors an lead acid batteries.

I did a quick search but could only find one thread:

https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...build-1026188/

However I know I've seen more so perhaps some more extensive searching will turn them up.

There are a few RX-7s on the EV Album:

EVAlbum: Search Results

Originally Posted by Spinz DVP
electric rx7? they make those?
It would be a conversion.
Old 05-12-13, 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Aaron Cake
There have been a few over the years. Most using DC motors an lead acid batteries.

I did a quick search but could only find one thread:

https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...build-1026188/

However I know I've seen more so perhaps some more extensive searching will turn them up.

There are a few RX-7s on the EV Album:

EVAlbum: Search Results



It would be a conversion.

It is a conversion, I'm using a DC motor, lithium batteries, trying to keep the weight down, I want it to be fun to drive.
Old 05-12-13, 07:54 PM
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Comparatively, that shouldn't be too difficult. The old Honda insight battery packs would probably fit in the rear bin/seat area fairly well.
Old 05-13-13, 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by elevatorguy925
It is a conversion, I'm using a DC motor, lithium batteries, trying to keep the weight down, I want it to be fun to drive.
So, driving regularly, how would you compare
Time to get up to speed compared to before?
Old 05-14-13, 08:27 PM
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Originally Posted by elsiete
So, driving regularly, how would you compare
Time to get up to speed compared to before?
Well, I have never driven the car, bought a damaged engine car and a no engine car.
I am just starting on the conversion, money allowing I should be putting 250hp to the transmission with tons of torque, it should be quicker that the stock engine
Old 05-15-13, 04:20 AM
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I hope you're not using an N/A transmission for that.

And I've gotta ask how you intend to build (and control) a 175kW+ motor.
Old 05-15-13, 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by samjaza78
I hope you're not using an N/A transmission for that.

And I've gotta ask how you intend to build (and control) a 175kW+ motor.
\

Using a Warp9 motor from my truck project, controller is 1000 amp 360 volt unit, while not inexpensive, has a lot of programmable features. I planned on 190v @ 1000 amps.

I will be using a turbo car 5 speed transmission, hopefully it will take the HP I am hoping to see.
Old 05-15-13, 11:43 PM
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interesting
Old 05-16-13, 02:13 AM
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I can only wish you luck in this endeavor.
Old 05-18-13, 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by elevatorguy925
It is a conversion, I'm using a DC motor, lithium batteries, trying to keep the weight down, I want it to be fun to drive.
Thank you. It is nice to hear someone is not turning a light and nimble RX-7 into a lead sled.

Any reason you're not going AC? Just cost?

Originally Posted by samjaza78
Comparatively, that shouldn't be too difficult. The old Honda insight battery packs would probably fit in the rear bin/seat area fairly well.
Not only are the Insight batteries NiMH and no Li-ion, but they are WAY too small for EV use. The Insight pack is 6.5AH @ 144V. Practical pure EV packs start at 50AH. As even 50Ah offers fairly abysmal range (less than 50 miles typically), real EV packs are 100AH or more.

Originally Posted by samjaza78
I hope you're not using an N/A transmission for that.
And I've gotta ask how you intend to build (and control) a 175kW+ motor.
Electric motors have a completely different HP/torque curve than gas engines so you can't compare them directly.

And yes, a Warp 9 will have no issue shredding an NA RX-7 transmission as well as the differential. Should be able to break drivetrain components at will just putting the right foot down in 3rd gear from a dead stop.
Old 05-19-13, 06:42 PM
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While I am not hoping for part breakage, I am looking for fun factor, I can dial down the controller and keep it reasonable. I am not familiar with the insight batteries, but am thinking 100 to 130 AH at 156-192volts.
I know that another Mazda with dual warp 9 motors is running 9 sec in the 1/4, I don't have the bank for that kind of action, already looking expensive.
I am using DC over AC because I had the motor and other parts from unfinished truck project that stalled at the 18k battery purchase point. It was either change it up or go lead acid in the truck.
Old 09-21-13, 10:13 PM
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I tested the car today, works well, surprised that I got the traction, although still had wheelspin. I have a few issues with the brake calipers sticking.
I will see how long the NA differential lasts with 3 times the torque of the stock setup.
A few more details to address, but very close to done.
Attached Thumbnails Any Electric RX?-imag0437.jpg   Any Electric RX?-imag0423.jpg   Any Electric RX?-imag0436.jpg   Any Electric RX?-imag0431.jpg  
Old 09-21-13, 10:37 PM
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Way cool! You'll have to keep us up to date with your progress.

Maybe a comparison to the Tesla once it's going well?

Anyway, best of luck and keep a heavy duty set of rubber gloves in the car. Oh, don't forget the cutoff for the rescue first-responders if they should ever be needed. I'm just saying...

Are you doing anything with kinetic energy-recovery systems yet? (Brake/recharging.)
Old 09-22-13, 08:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Opposite Lock
Way cool! You'll have to keep us up to date with your progress.

Maybe a comparison to the Tesla once it's going well?

Anyway, best of luck and keep a heavy duty set of rubber gloves in the car. Oh, don't forget the cutoff for the rescue first-responders if they should ever be needed. I'm just saying...

Are you doing anything with kinetic energy-recovery systems yet? (Brake/recharging.)
I would have to spend a lot more money to be in Tesla competition.
I need to get some gloves, but use a lot of insulated tools. I have a mechanical disconnect inside the car and another under the hood, although a good point on 1st responders, I need some signs to indicate where to find them.
As for the energy recovery, it is much easier with AC systems and my DC controller doesn't support it.

Mhomoney.blogspot.com for the build information
Old 09-22-13, 08:56 AM
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Jerry it's Dan. I bought those seats from you. Would you happen to want my storage bins?
Old 09-22-13, 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by thethingthatshouldnotbe
Jerry it's Dan. I bought those seats from you. Would you happen to want my storage bins?
I would be interested, the ones I have are a little rough. I am probably going to modify them as well to fit the charger in one of the spaces.
Pm me with your number
Old 09-22-13, 09:03 AM
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Awesome car! If you ever need help working on anything besides the motor, let me know! I also have a few buddies who are into rx7s who would be down to help or check out the car.
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