Owner | Dave Brandt | ||
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Owner's Other EVs | 1986 Ford Escort Kartco 675ST Go-Kart 1970 GE E15 Elec-Trak | ||
Location | Savannah, Georgia United States map | ||
Web/Email | WebPage | ||
Vehicle | 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT This Fiero was rescued from a slightly less than reputable West Virginia used car lot via ebay. I suspect it is really a SE in GT bodywork, due to the VIN and the way the wiring was. | ||
Motor | Warfield WarP 9 Series Wound DC Advanced timing from the factory | ||
Drivetrain | Stock 4-speed Manual | ||
Controller | Cafe Electric Z1K-HV 1000 amp 72-300V input programmable motor controller. | ||
Batteries | 19 Power Sonic PS-121000, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM Low to medium rate sealed AGM batteries - available in a wide selection of sizes, and they have handles! | ||
System Voltage | 228 Volts | ||
Charger | Manzanita Micro PFC-20 Awesome charger. Need to get 240V in the garage so I can use it to it's full potential. | ||
Heater | twin ceramic cores in series for 3kW. This baby gets HOT! | ||
DC/DC Converter | Iota DLS-220-55 The 220V Iota model works well as a dc-dc converter. I leave it on all the time, and use a relay to switch to higher output when the key is on. | ||
Instrumentation | BATMAN II EV meter from Bruce Sherry Designs (bought from Cloud electric) - continuously monitors voltage, current, amp hours, and watt hours, both positive and negative. Very convenient for monitoring Wh per mile and charging efficiency. Built in RS232 output. | ||
Top Speed | 100 MPH (160 KPH) I've had it to 70 in 3rd and it had plenty more to give. | ||
Acceleration | Good. Not drag racing good, but good. Just what I was aiming for. | ||
Range | 35 Miles (56 Kilometers) This is with 'southern style' driving (i.e. stupid driving-treating the accelerator like an on-off switch and not coasting). Better range if driving conservatively, but around here that'll get you DEAD real quick. | ||
Watt Hours/Mile | 300 Wh/Mile This is with the 'southern style' driving, and is over a 22.1 mile commute that includes 60 and 70 MPH runs on interstate. It's been as low as 250 Whr/mile, but averages about 300 even. | ||
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Seating Capacity | 2 adults | ||
Curb Weight | 3,650 Pounds (1,659 Kilograms) Approximately right at GVWR of 3650 lb. | ||
Tires | New Fuzion Hri all 4 corners. | ||
Conversion Time | About 1 year of weekends and evenings | ||
Conversion Cost | Almost exactly $20,500, including donor. | ||
Additional Features | The Zilla and BATMAN II RS-232 ports are integrated into center console. Heat-warped console storage drawer replaced by subwoofer. Don't let anyone tell you that good sound in a fiero is impossible. With Kenwood replacements for the 4 tiny factory speakers and a simple 8" sub, this sounds terrific! | ||
Since the converted vehicle mashed the worn out factory springs flat, I added custom springs from Coil Spring Specialties, St. Mary's, KS. Probably should have got "lowering" springs, as they seem to really increase the height. Rides great, though. I have yet to see a battery amp draw over 225 Amps, and it's usually under 175. High voltage Rocks! Added a small DPDT relay to kick the DC/DC up to 14.2V when the car is switched on, and stay at 13.6V when it is off. While I enjoy the restoration process, I probably would not do a fiero again because it only holds 2 people. I also wish I'd known about the vast array of upgrades available for this car before I started (and of course, that I had known what shape it was really in when I bought it). |