Quote:
Originally Posted by Ecky
Yeah I understand you don't want to move the vehicle solely with electricity, I'd just like to throw out there that if the motor you're using is not bolted to the engine's crank, you can, in theory, move your car with it without needing the engine running. Like, let's say for instance you just need to move it up some ramps, you won't need to bother starting your car, you can just drag it up using the motors. Or, let's say you're at a drive-through, you can creep up to the window without the engine running. Saves gas, saves engine wear.
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This part I am going to need to take the time to research and soul-search as to how I want the hybrid system to operate and what kind of battery power I will require. I may have to settle with the hybrid system only kicking on for stop-and-go conditions as well as getting the car moving from a dead stop in snow. The biggest problem with my Trans Am is going from a dead stop in snow, the rear wheels have no issues propelling me so long as I maintain momentum but once I am stopped, the rear wheels can't muster up the traction to get me going again which is why hub motors in the front wheels would be ideal.
As far as highway cruising in lower gear, I am back to finding the perfect blend for my gasoline engine, the right camshaft that provides the low end grunt I need yet does not result in too much fuel consumption. I have had suggestions to put on a higher numerical value gear ratio but that will keep me too high in RPM and reduce my highway mileage. I have also been given the suggestions to use a stroker with my stock camshaft, but I am not sold that more displacement will not result in more fuel consumption even when I baby the car with a feather foot for fuel economy. They are probably right but I need more to go on in order to be convinced.
Afterthought:
If I were to ultimately decide upon a stroker, I then need to figure out the camshaft to balance out all of this power from the stroker kit. Plus, I still would be using a TPI intake on my motor, so talk about adding more fun to the fun!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ecky
I'm not sure why you'd want to run a block heater from your battery if you're already bothering to plug the battery in (which is unnecessary, IMO), because you can just plug the block heater in too?
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Well, for frigid winter driving conditions, it would significantly reduce engine wear upon start-up and help the car warm up faster. My logic for using the lithium battery pack to feed the block heater would be for at work. I can't possibly run a plug a block away to charge up my car. So, I am hoping that one of the larger lithium battery packs would be okay for a block heater running for 8 or 10 hours while I am at work. In order to charge up the battery while driving, I will have to explore my options with the altermotor, but when I get home, I can run an extension cord and charge up my car, no big deal!