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This is just me thinking out loud, but I wonder what the degree of compatibility is between the HCH1 and Insight's electronics and drivetrain. E.g. transmission bolt pattern, cluster wiring (digital vs analog), IMA wiring.
Driving around in the salt, eventually the HCH1 will be rust, and I put more miles on the Insight, so I'm daydreaming about a franken-car. It would be easier to rebuild the 3 cylinder, of course (whenever that ends up being), and the economy would be better, but it would be interesting to take the best of both cars and see how it comes together.
-The LDA engine in the HCH1 is generally quieter and smoother than the ECA1 in the Insight, has 33% more torque/HP and a 50% larger electric motor, with a 33% larger displacement (1.3 vs 1.0). I have been unable to find any BSFC numbers for it, but if geared properly, it shouldn't be too significantly different.
-The HCH1's transmission is a bit shorter to compensate for larger wheels, but shifts smooth as butter; I've never used a MT that feels as good. So, I could do a final drive swap and use the HCH1's transmission, or try and mate the Insight's transmission to the HCH1 engine, in which case I'd want to do the syncro fix. Plus some stuff with the VSS, depending on the cluster.
-I like the HCH1's seats. They don't kill me like the stock ones in the Insight.
-The HCH1 cluster looks nicer, IMO, but is larger and I might not reasonably fit it in the Insight.
-If I reuse the Insight's cells (in better condition) in the HCH1 pack, I could regain most of the hatch space dedicated to the IMA. The HCH1's pack is significantly more compact.
On the other hand, I love the weight savings the Insight has. The aluminum unibody is stiff and responsive, the steering is vastly superior, and it's a lot more aerodynamic to begin with.
Again, just talking to myself.
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