Back end of CorvairConversion BeginsEngine CompartmentCockpitMotor MountedThrottle configurationFront BatteriesMotor Mount
OwnerBill LaRiviere
LocationBirmingham, Alabama United States map
Email email image
Vehicle1964 Chevrolet Corvair Spider Convertible
4 speed manual transmission.
Motor HPEVS - AC50-1 1- or 2-Phase AC
I chose to go with the ac system due to the
amount of hills in my area. I am hoping to
capture some of the energy on the down hill
slopes to help with the range.
Drivetrainyes
ControllerCurtis 1238-7501
Rated to 108v with cutoff at 122v. I will be
running at 96v.
Batteries8 C & D Technologies Powerware 12500, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
Decided on powerware battery based on talking to
someone who had used them with great success.
It also reduced the battery weight by over
400lbs.
System Voltage96 Volts
Charger HF PFC3000
AC Charger
HeaterPTC Heater Core
DC/DC ConverterElcon 96VDC Nominal Input
Operating voltage 84-120V
InstrumentationCurtis 840 Display
Top SpeedNot tested yet.
Watt Hours/Mile350 Wh/Mile
I am using 350 Whr/Mile for calculations.
Seating CapacitySeating capacity is two adults in front bucket
seats, and three small to medium bodies in the
back bench seat.
TiresPirelli 195/70-14 P4 All Season Radials that are
low rolling resistance.
Conversion Time9 Months, due to Electro-Automotive. Extensive
delay for motor adapter.

Many interesting hours learning a lot about
cars, welding, painting.
Conversion Cost?
Additional FeaturesBluetooth device for streaming radio, and phone conversations from
Android phone.


Load shocks model: Monroe 58263
2Aug2010 - Electric conversion parts received. Now I need to work
on electronic parts and where they will reside. I am working on
battery racks. Another fun process, in that I am learning how to
weld. I originally wanted to keep the internal pieces as original
looking as possible. I have seen some different mods that look
hood that I am thinking about.

12Sept2010 - Engine has been removed and battery brackets are
welded in place. Controller, DC-DC controller, Battery charger
mounted. I struggled with the throttle, but made necessary parts
as a link and all is installed and wired. Fortunately the Curtis
gauge fit in the dash for the Spyder guage cluster. Unfortunately
the cable from the controller to the gauge is too short, so I
will have to extend it. Minor problem.

27Sept2010 - Low voltage wiring is complete. I have installed the
inertia switch and Emergency Off switch. The Emer Off switch is
located next to the accelerator pedal. There is no mistaking it,
a big red button in front of black carpet. My next hurdle is to
figure where and how I want to mount the plug for the battery
charger, mount the inertia switch, install the dash. Once that is
complete, I will be ready for batteries. That may take a while.
I will start with five batteries to get the wires from front to
back installed, and the wiring for the controller and battery
charger.

31Dec2010 - I had to modify the battery racks for the change in
direction on battery selection. I have installed the batteries
and finished off all the wiring. HV and LV wiring complete.
First test, was, well funny. I powered up, and the controller was
not programmed for a Corvair (reverse rotation engine). You got
it, first gear, a little gas, and backwards I went. Well, I had
to get it out of the garage, so down the street I went. I was in
reverse, driving forward. I have changed the wiring on the
controller to tell it the motor should be in reverse. I now had
to start on the suspension. The tires rubbed when I turn. I have
installed some coil spring helpers for now, ordered new shocks. I
have driven it up the road in forward gears, and have found
another bug. The clutch is not releasing. Problem, yes. But she
is alive now.

May 2011 - Well the new direction for batteries did not work out.
I did not do my homework on the battery that was suggested, and it
cost me. Lesson learned. New shocks for a 1972 Monte Carlo,
clutch fixed, ammeter, and new tachometer installed. Off she
goes, quietly cutting into the wind. She gets alot of looks on
the road. Fun to drive.

July 2011 - I have returned the batteries due to lack of range,
and am going to put 16 6volt golf cart batteries in. I am wanting
to get at least 240ah batteries to get me closer to the 40 miles
per charge I have as a goal. She is parked for now, batteries
and hold downs in the spring.

12 April 2012 - New Interstate 125xc batteries purchased locally.
Still fun to drive. I hope to get out soon to do some range
testing.


code by jerry