Geo Tracker 4x4 info wanted for possible Hybrid use

[bennelson]

Space and weight would be the main issue with a vehicle like a Tracker.

The problem I see with the idea of changing out an engine is that it is one more big thing to do!

The idea with a small 4x4 was to be able to leave the engine, and just do some custom work adding and controlling the EV system.

Things could be further complicated by instead adding a driven rear axel to a front wheel drive car, or putting an entire front-wheel drive engine/tranny/wheels in the front of a rear-wheel drive pickup truck.

A friend of mine actually suggested getting a Ford Ranger and Ford Escort. Put the Escort front-wheel drive system in the Ranger, and then just put the electric motor on the rear differential. He suggested that that would save weight and complexity over dealing with 4-wheel-drive components.

If EVERYTHING in an Escort and Ranger were interchangeable, that would be tempting.

Another way to do a hybrid would be to add an electric motor IN-LINE with the driveshaft on a rear-wheel drive vehicle. It would need a very nice tailshaft and yoke to go to the driveshaft, not to mention custom shortening the driveshaft, but there would be no messing around under the hood and a pickup truck would have plenty of room in the bed for batteries.

[rickjames8]

Originally Posted by bennelson

Any chance you have a link for that CRX project?

Yes, this is post #5 for me, so you'll see it in the next post.

[rickjames8]

Here you go...

My mid engine RWD turbo CRX - Honda-Tech

The car was built twice. The first version is a bit more crude. The white car pictured on the first page is v2, and I think had a bit more $ thrown at it.

[Pickwick]

Well let the adventure begin. I'm about to jump right in there and try to attach an electric motor to my 1994 Geo Tracker.
Straight onto the front wheel gear shaft. First removing the driveshaft from the tranfercase to the front axle. Then framing a mounting assembly to support and house the electric motor. Then simply do the basic additions of batteries, wiring and system controls. My desire is to utilize the electric power for stop and go, 0-45 miles per hr driving. The Gas power for constant higher speed drivng. Mabe try a little low speed 4 wheeling using both power plants together. I'm guessing this could take about a 100 hrs to complete, which having to work around so many other projects, could take me a few months to getter done. If anyone is interested, I will hope to give progress up-dates.