Paul's how NOT to convert a Metro - Page 21 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

vpoppv · 11-01-2009, 08:49 PM

Busy day today. I tried my hand at DC welding. Well, actually more like my face. One cable gone, one connector permanently welded on, and 3 nice silver/black spots on my glasses. Exciting! I put two of the smaller batteries in my pack so I get to see if I can make it to school and back tomorrow. Oh, and I went 6 miles with my old pack with a good amount of juice left. If I can figure out how to make the potbox work correctly, I might actually take the car to Wal-Mart! It looks like the 0-5k and 0-10k pots won't work because the 300 degree rotation is more than the throttle cable can do, but Radio Shack doesn't have anything but a 0-50k left, so I guess I'll try that. Theoretically, I can make the 30 degrees from 0-5k work by just making the lever longer. We'll see. Wasn't too happy with what I was doing with all that today. At least I figured out that right now, my stock Geo TPS is only going up to about 1970 Ohms, so I can probably get a little more oomph if I can squeeze another couple thousand Ohms. I'm actually kind of shocked really. First off, the factory service manual for every year Geo all state that the TPS goes from 0-5k. Then, I went and checked 3 cars and they all showed about 200-2k Ohms. Second, I am surprised that the car runs so well on such a limited throttle! Third, I'm scared of what a true 0-5k will do! Oh, and I FINALLY put one of those Harbor Freight multimeters to my battery pack so I can at least see my voltage. Oh, and I also replaced the lightbulb with a 620 Ohm 10W resistor. Makes me sad. I liked the whole visual thing. Made the car look like a " Build 1001 electrical projects" kit though. I just can't stop thinking about if 1970 Ohms goes to 25 mph, then 5K can go.....

vpoppv · 11-06-2009, 07:02 PM

Along with the end of the work week comes the end of the third week commuting in the electric car.

I often feel like I have accomplished nothing with my life, but this little conversion reminds me that I might not be the biggest loser out there.

It looks like I have four useable group 24 batteries, so I think I can safely build a front rack for them. After studying Ben Nelson's pics, I think they'll fit, but I might have to take out the motor and trim the adapter plate a little. It will be nice not to have the front end sit like there's no engine in it

bennelson · 11-06-2009, 09:08 PM

If the radiator and other bits in the front of a Geo Metro are removed, there is enough room for 4 group 24 batteries mounted longitundanely.

Put all 4 right next to each other and they should fit.

vpoppv · 11-07-2009, 08:57 PM

I got my Chinese ammeter today! Man, that shunt is a healthy chunk of metal! The funny thing is I ordered it 3 days AFTER I ordered the book "Build Your Own Electric Vehicle", and I still haven't received the book! So I guess it takes less time for something to ship from China than Michigan....

Christ · 11-07-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vpoppv

I got my Chinese ammeter today! Man, that shunt is a healthy chunk of metal! The funny thing is I ordered it 3 days AFTER I ordered the book "Build Your Own Electric Vehicle", and I still haven't received the book! So I guess it takes less time for something to ship from China than Michigan....

Dude... I know that gauge. I just read about another conversion with that gauge in it, but it was on peachparts.com. I'll find a link, it has some useful information on those gauges in it.

vpoppv · 11-07-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christ

Dude... I know that gauge. I just read about another conversion with that gauge in it, but it was on peachparts.com. I'll find a link, it has some useful information on those gauges in it.

Cool!