Hi Ralph as a spitfire owner and builder of 3 hybrid electric cars i'd be
interested to keep track of your progress. Off list we could compare some
notes on your design choices. anyway... I'm not familiar with your setup to
use the transmission. In our 3 series hybird electric cars (the latest used
a fuel cell stack!) we didn't use a transmission. The GE motor that was
given to us had an integrated transaxle, that was shiftless. As you well
know an electric motor runs at constant rpm with a flat torque curve, making
shifting gears to maximize power to the wheels unnecessary.
ok assuming you keep the driveline, the hp could be handled by the setup.
the late spit 1500 diffy's are has hardy as anything thiumph ever made. (I
run a 78 in my 72) People have replaced the drivetrain with datsun 510 and
toyata 2.2 (old supra maybe?) trannies and rears. I'd be more worried about
battery placement and what type of stresses that will place on the
suspension. I don't know how much range you'll need, but battery weight was
probably the biggest problem in our hybrid cars. Perhaps stepping up to the
GT6 rotoflex rears would be another alternative.
If you have any questions about electric vehicles email me directly and
check out our web page at
http://fbox.vt.edu:10021/org/hybridcar/
Ryan Smith
Hybric Electric Vehicle Team (HEVT)
Virginia Tech
72 Emerald Green Spitfire
>From: Ralph Goodwin <rgoodwin@ipass.net>
>Reply-To: Ralph Goodwin <rgoodwin@ipass.net>
>To: Auto Cross Discussion Group <autox@autox.team.net>, Spitfire
>Discussion Group <spitfires@autox.team.net>, Triumpn discusion group
><triumphs@autox.team.net>, Vintage Racing Discussion Group
><vintage-race@autox.team.net>
>Subject: Spitfire High School Project
>Date: Sat, 07 Aug 1999 10:36:34 -0400
>
>I am working with a local high school to convert a 1980 Triumph Spitfire
>to electric power. Part of the competition includes an autocross
>competition. The web site used by event organizers for last years
>competition is linked below.
>
>http://www.rptnet.org/ev
>
>The finished project should be at or near original weight and weight
>distribution. Peak HP of the installed motor will be around 100 hp.
>Torque will be significantly more!
>
>We are planning to use the stock drive train from the bell housing back,
>including clutch. It may be possible to run the car in a autocross
>event without shifting gears, but we aren't sure, so we went with the
>clutch. It will also help absorb the torque from the motor, protecting
>the rear end. The transmission in the car has an overdrive.
>
>Can you advise on any drive train mods that will help ensure
>durability. We don't plan on drag racing the car, but we suspect the
>rear end is our weak link. Rules will allow us to make substantial
>modification. Someone suggested a Datsun 510 differential, but they
>hadn't seen it done and didn't know if it is a valid suggestion.
>
>We would also appreciate any suspension mods, suggestions etc. Have
>thought some about coil-over shocks on the rear.
>
>Please don't come back and tell us how we are ruining a classic! This
>car was DEAD!
>
>Any suggestion would be appreciated! Thanks for your help!
>
>Ralph
>
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