The Firebrid Hybrid Convertible Project (Prius platform swap)

[Bill the Engineer]

Even so, I may still need to make some bracket modifications to some parts that stick up high near the Prius v brake fluid reservoir. Square peg into a round hole type of problem. Worst case, it can protrude up into a hollow hood tach casing.



In addition, since the Firebird hood is narrower than the Prius v hood, I will also need to make a small portion of the left front fender removable to access the Prius v fuse panel. Not difficult, but necessary.



Bill the Engineer

[Bill the Engineer]

My Firebird in 1980. Imagine this but with a hood that is 4.5" longer.



Bill the Engineer

[me and my metro]

Just add Datsun 240z side pieces over the fuse box. Iirc they were to access the clutch master. In Los Angeles a lot of those cars had louvers punched in those little panels to help the vapor lock issues. Some just ran with the hood released to let out the heat, but I digress. I can't find a good picture to show you, the hood hinged at the front and the small panels hinged at the back. This is a memory from the 1970s.

[talonts]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

A few days ago while I was taking some days off with my mother and my grandpa I caught me thinking about this thread after a short talk with the old gramps about some old Toyota HiAce vans that still roam around the city where he lives. Even though I'm quite conservative when it comes to cars, after taking a look at the specs of the HiAce and comparing it with the Prius range (not just the regular liftback and the v but also the c), caught me thinking about trying to fit a Prius drivetrain into a HiAce.

Yes, one of my dream cars is a shorted VW van (probably solid panel converted to multi-window - 23 windows wouldn't fit on a shortened pan) with a Prius drivetrain. If I ever get around to it, I will then probably add extra packs to run it PHEV.

[talonts]

Originally Posted by Bill the Engineer

Even so, I may still need to make some bracket modifications to some parts that stick up high near the Prius v brake fluid reservoir. Square peg into a round hole type of problem. Worst case, it can protrude up into a hollow hood tach casing.

Have you looked at other Prius reservoirs, in case they are wider and lower? I know you are limited in how low you can move some of them and still be useful, but that brake reservoir looks like it could lose at least 2 inches in height IF you found a comparable volume one that was wider and lower. To coolant one could possibly be moved to a completely different location.

Or you could use a widened cowl induction hood scoop ;-)

Originally Posted by Bill the Engineer

In addition, since the Firebird hood is narrower than the Prius v hood, I will also need to make a small portion of the left front fender removable to access the Prius v fuse panel. Not difficult, but necessary.

What about rotating the fuse panel outward 90 degrees, and making the removable panel in the inner fender skirt?

[Bill the Engineer]

Sadly, turning the box with the fuses is not possible. The structure that ties the support for the inverter to the strut tower is there. Big can of worms if I were to go in that direction.



I will see what I can find for the brake reservoir cap. The reservoir itself seems to be low enough (...just...) if everything fits the way I think it will.

Bill the Engineer

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by talonts

Yes, one of my dream cars is a shorted VW van (probably solid panel converted to multi-window - 23 windows wouldn't fit on a shortened pan) with a Prius drivetrain. If I ever get around to it, I will then probably add extra packs to run it PHEV.

Those shortened Kombis look quite weird, and I'd be concerned about weight transfer during acceleration. But anyway, it would require a lot of custom fabrication, so maybe the weight balance could be addressed more easily (or not, due to the limited space to fit the battery packs).

[Bill the Engineer]

Hood emblems ordered today to be 3D printed in stainless steel. (curb side and street side.) Once I have them, I'll post some photos.

Bill the Engineer

[Xist]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

The engine bay in a Prius is too cramped, so such a bigger engine bay is likely to be way more convenient to do the maintenance.

I always think of that as being a reason to put a Civic engine in an Accord!

But think how difficult it would be to work on an Accord engine in a Civic!

(What else would I do with it?! :P)

[California98Civic]

Hood emblems ordered today to be 3D printed in stainless steel. (curb side and street side.) Once I have them, I'll post some photos.

Bill the Engineer

When they arrive, with the pics, I'd love details too on how/where you sourced them and the costs. This is good winter project work.