Curious if any electric converted RX-7 are on the site?

 

I ushered in One guy,and I think there is another member on board here.

 

electric rx7? they make those?

 

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.

 

Comparatively, that shouldn't be too difficult. The old Honda insight battery packs would probably fit in the rear bin/seat area fairly well.

 

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

 

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.

 

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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.

 

interesting

 

I can only wish you luck in this endeavor.

 

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?

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.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.