Quote:
Originally Posted by Ecky
Given that amount of power, my guess is that you'd top out around 40-45mph.
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Plugging in some numbers I ballparked (4000lbs, 35 sqft frontal area, 0.45cd), you would need 23HP from the electric motor to maintain 55mph on a level grade, which is something like 18,000 watts.
Even without considering the electrical part of the system, at that point, you're getting into the price range where a new-to-you low miles gasoline or diesel engine will be less expensive and likely a lot more reliable.
I would however like to see something like this built.
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Some back of the envelope calculations:
Let's be optimistic and assume 90% efficiency from your A/C motor (most EVs are DC, so I doubt you'll find one from a wrecked car). You'd need about 20kw to cruise at 55. I don't think you'll find too many in this size that run on gasoline, but let's assume you score a diesel one for not too terribly much:
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^ The manual claims approximately 2 gallons per hour @ 100% load (55mph), which would put you in the ballpark of 27 miles per gallon on diesel.
If you can find a gasoline generator of this size, and assuming it's just as efficient, due to the reduced BTU content of gasoline vs diesel, you'd be closer to 24mpg - which is still a very attractive number in a vehicle that size.
However, I'm willing to bet you can get 24mpg with a drop-in diesel engine and some taller gearing, for a lot less than the cost of a 20kw generator + A/C motor + controller + fabricating mounting and drivetrain components.
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What I like about this gas-electric system is it can be transferred over to another car, in a day.
Thank you for the calculations! 24mpg from a 20kw gasoline genset is swallowable.
What would be the price range for a low end 20kw gas-electric traction system, including 25 HP motor, sufficient motor controller and genset(s)? I guess it's too much because I'm asking...
The pusher trailer is a very smart idea, since it's not a good idea to hypercustomize the drivetrain on this rig; due to my income. A pusher trailer with an ultraefficient engine, trans, and power axles that pushes the van 100% would be traction for life, as the pusher trailer can be swapped into a different rig like a trailer is hooked to a different car/truck. Are pusher trailers legal? Of course I would mod the signals, power brakes, power steering, and anything else legally required to be operational when the car is moving to run with the detuned engine off.
Wouldn't swapping a gas engine for a diesel require modifying the fuel system, belts, pulleys, fuel pump, and everything that interfaces with the engine? Then theres the electrical! It's more than just "drop in", getting sick of people making these kinds of changes sound so easy. Unless there is some 5.2L 318 diesel with all relevant orifices in the same place as the stock engine, same for that tall-gear manual transmission; it will means rerouting every system.
Here is a discussion I found on the internet on improving fuel economy in 1986 dodge vans: m dodgeforum com>forum>showthread.php?t=289541&styleid=9
Quote:
Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr
Any attempt to reinvent the wheel while keeping the unproperly-tuned V8 wouldn't worth the effort and the cost.
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How?