Mazda MX-5e Tesla Powered
Discussion
Cool project. So, it'll be lighter than standard because of all the weight-stripping. Would be interesting to see how the weight compares if the EV swap was the only thing done. How much does one of those Tesla units weigh compared to an MX5's engine and gearbox, exhaust etc? How does it affect the weight balance?
The Bearded Tit said:
Cool project. So, it'll be lighter than standard because of all the weight-stripping. Would be interesting to see how the weight compares if the EV swap was the only thing done. How much does one of those Tesla units weigh compared to an MX5's engine and gearbox, exhaust etc? How does it affect the weight balance?
The Tesla SDU is 88kg and it will sit where the diff is currently located. The batteries will be where the fuel tank currently is and will also run along the centre tunnel. We plan to move 12V battery and some other stuff into the bonnet area.I'm in the process of building my own scales to measure the corner weights.
Interested to know why your getting rid of the Power Steering? The car was designed with steering geometry to work with power steering and uses the appropriate rack ratio.
The only MX-5s that come without Power steering were those poverty spec, naff run out models and it was done as a cost saving, not a 'performance improvement'. The Non assisted rack is awful.
The infamous 'depowered PAS rack' is similarly awful, generally used 'bEcoz RaceKar!" by people who think not having power steering is cool. Despited the fact the car drives better with it, on road and track.
The only MX-5s that come without Power steering were those poverty spec, naff run out models and it was done as a cost saving, not a 'performance improvement'. The Non assisted rack is awful.
The infamous 'depowered PAS rack' is similarly awful, generally used 'bEcoz RaceKar!" by people who think not having power steering is cool. Despited the fact the car drives better with it, on road and track.
Very interested in this. For some exceedingly odd reason I have a desire to EV swap a Morris 1000.
I guess it depends on what you intend to do with the car, but I'll be really interested in how you approach HVAC for comfort and screen clearing. If the power-steering makes a reappearance - because I assume you're going to need a decent amount of front grip to avoid terminal power understeer - Bad Obsession used an electric pump.
I guess it depends on what you intend to do with the car, but I'll be really interested in how you approach HVAC for comfort and screen clearing. If the power-steering makes a reappearance - because I assume you're going to need a decent amount of front grip to avoid terminal power understeer - Bad Obsession used an electric pump.
Edited by Smitters on Saturday 25th March 07:05
snotrag said:
Interested to know why your getting rid of the Power Steering? The car was designed with steering geometry to work with power steering and uses the appropriate rack ratio.
The only MX-5s that come without Power steering were those poverty spec, naff run out models and it was done as a cost saving, not a 'performance improvement'. The Non assisted rack is awful.
The infamous 'depowered PAS rack' is similarly awful, generally used 'bEcoz RaceKar!" by people who think not having power steering is cool. Despited the fact the car drives better with it, on road and track.
We are going to see what it is like without. PArtly to save weight and also because we don't plan a vacuum pump to drive it. If it doesn't work out, we could add electric assistance.The only MX-5s that come without Power steering were those poverty spec, naff run out models and it was done as a cost saving, not a 'performance improvement'. The Non assisted rack is awful.
The infamous 'depowered PAS rack' is similarly awful, generally used 'bEcoz RaceKar!" by people who think not having power steering is cool. Despited the fact the car drives better with it, on road and track.
Rob
Smitters said:
Very interested in this. For some exceedingly odd reason I have a desire to EV swap a Morris 1000.
I guess it depends on what you intend to do with the car, but I'll be really interested in how you approach HVAC for comfort and screen clearing. If the power-steering makes a reappearance - because I assume you're going to need a decent amount of front grip to avoid terminal power understeer - Bad Obsession used an electric pump.
The plan is to install full electric HVAC and this will be a test of the system we plan to install in the OSSEV.I guess it depends on what you intend to do with the car, but I'll be really interested in how you approach HVAC for comfort and screen clearing. If the power-steering makes a reappearance - because I assume you're going to need a decent amount of front grip to avoid terminal power understeer - Bad Obsession used an electric pump.
Edited by Smitters on Saturday 25th March 07:05
Rob
snotrag said:
The infamous 'depowered PAS rack' is similarly awful, generally used 'bEcoz RaceKar!" by people who think not having power steering is cool. Despited the fact the car drives better with it, on road and track.
We did that with our Mx5 track car. It was better depowered, on a track at least. Could be a personal preference thing and can totally see why you'd avoid the complexity with this build.
We have finished stripping down the front end and treating any rust. The whole front end and the constituent parts of the bumper have been done. It's now time to put it all back together!
Whilst we are not using the 1.6 engine in this project, we are spending a lot of time to check it is all running well. It's only done 80,000 miles and would be an ideal donor for my son''s 1990 Eunos Roadster 1.6 which has done 135,000 miles.
Whilst we are not using the 1.6 engine in this project, we are spending a lot of time to check it is all running well. It's only done 80,000 miles and would be an ideal donor for my son''s 1990 Eunos Roadster 1.6 which has done 135,000 miles.
robcollingridge said:
No joke. It will weight less than the original Eunos Roadster we have just collected. Slightly less range though :-)
Yes, more involving to drive too. Loads of driver focussed upgrades including ditching the power steering, improved suspension, better brakes, sports seating with 6-point harness, etc. And 295hp
Sounds ambitious, must be a very small battery to get it lighter than the original car. Yes, more involving to drive too. Loads of driver focussed upgrades including ditching the power steering, improved suspension, better brakes, sports seating with 6-point harness, etc. And 295hp
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