Hailing Frequencies - Delta Flyer

[Chuck.]

That would take a lot of work for a downgrade...my description of a 5-speed Insight is a CRX with a hybrid drivetrain, with a family chest area in the back for the batteies, replacing steel with aluminum for body and chassis.

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by Delta Flyer

Driving an Insight with MIMA I'd liken to having a low-powerd PC running linux - great if you know what you are doing, but disaster if you don't.

Gotcha.

Can't have the automakers letting the drivers make too many decisions, I suppose! It's too bad that's the reason for the absense of a manual shift hybrid.

[Chuck.]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Hey Delta -

Totally random idea, but I was talking this over with my boss as EcoGeek.org the other day, and I was wondering what you thought about an insight powertrain in a CRX? I'd have to find a wrecked insight or something such, of course, but would it be a worthwhile move?

I had a CRX HF - very similar to a 5-speed Insight. Main difference is the power train and the body/chassis is aluminum instead of steel. Speaking of powertrain - that includes a family chest sized compartment for the batteries and supporting hardware....



I spent under $25 for the plexiglass because I was showing the batteries to so many people.

[cfg83]

Delta Flyer -

Originally Posted by Delta Flyer

Driving an Insight with MIMA I'd liken to having a low-powerd PC running linux - great if you know what you are doing, but disaster if you don't.

The first couple of years (2000-2001), the Insight had traction pack problems because the software let the state of charge get down to 15%, but the factory recall has it at 40% like Toyota. Also, people that tend to lug 5-speeds, stress the pack - that's why Honda no longer makes 5-speed hybrids.

Actually, I use the Assist sparingly to nudge my Insight into the lean burn zone.

Welcome to EM! I had no idea that was the reason. I thought it was because they were giving up and copy-catting the Toyota Hybrid design and dropping the manual to simplify the production line.

CarloSW2

[MetroMPG]

Delta: that's a great display. I've forwarded it to an aquaintance Insight owner who's showing his car at the Ottawa EV Expo at the end of this month. I hope he'll do a similar setup - much more interesting than just looking at the outside of the car.

[Chuck.]

He needs to take a look at www.99mpg.com - the installation of MIMA for the detail of the battery hardware.