1985 Pontiac Fiero
OwnerMichael Shaw
Owner's Other EV1999 Huffy Stone Mountain
LocationSouth Bend, Indiana US map
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Vehicle1985 Pontiac Fiero
SE
MotorGeneral Electric Caterpillar Series Wound DC
Forklift traction motor from an old Caterpillar M50 forklift. 12" diameter, 48 volts, and with unbelievable torque.
Drivetrain4 speed manual, no clutch.
ControllerCurtis 48 volt
400 amp controller from a Yamaha golf cart.
Batteries4 Everstart 27DC-6, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Marine deep-cycle batteries purchased new from Wal-Mart.
System Voltage48 Volts
ChargerZivan NG-1
24 volt charger purchased cheap off Ebay. I charge two batteries at a time.
Heaternone
Instrumentationammeter, voltmeter
Top Speed35 MPH (56 KPH)
This is in 4th gear. Oddly enough, the controller cuts out at about 30% throttle. I've found that this setting delivers 45 volts to the motor, so this is likely all the speed I will get from this battery pack. Need more batteries!
AccelerationBrisk up to the cutout point.
Range10 Miles (16 Kilometers)
At 10 miles the pack voltage drops below 42 volts under load. The car still wants to go but I know this isn't good for the pack.
EV Miles
Start:117,400 Miles (188,896 Kilometers)
 
    As of 7/3/2008
Seating Capacity2 adults
Tires125t15 compact spares. Hoping to change to real tires soon.
Conversion TimeSince January, 2008. Conversion is ongoing.
Conversion Cost$3200 so far.
Additional FeaturesOriginal Delco stereo. In the absence of engine noise, the interior sounds like a concert hall while driving down the road!

Brakes are stock for now. Power assist comes from a vacuum pump purchased from Ebay.
Future plans are to expand the pack, enlarge the controller, and use this car for a 25 mile daily commute.

code by jerry