What are my options for swapping in an electric motor? (Page 1/1)
82-T/A [At Work] MAR 21, 08:44 AM
Hey guys, BLUF/TLDR, I'm looking for a car that I can have fun with, and drive back and forth to work (70 miles a day) that's ridiculously simple and uncomplicated. The Fiero was the first car I thought of, and swapping in an electric motor was an idea. I thought about perhaps even getting an original 1984 again.

I heard that there were several companies that were now offering "drop-in" replacements for many of the transverse engine combinations... and of course, batter placement was your problem. I figured there's plenty of room in the front, and between the seats where the gas tank would normally go... but never the less... anyone aware of any kind of "drop-in" system... whether for a Fiero or not, but at least one that's specifically for transverse motors? I think the newer motors are decent enough now that I don't need a transmission either, rather just a transfer case. I checked some links, but they were all from pre 2010, and I know a lot has changed since then...

Thanks guys!!!
Dennis LaGrua MAR 21, 10:27 AM
Electric Fieros has been built before. I saw one at Carlisle quite a few years back. The car was completely loaded with lead acid batteries and I believe had a 15 HP motor. My guess is that it weighed 3800 0r 3900 lbs. It required machining an adapter plate to mate the motor to the transmission and fabrication of a mount not to mention the load of heavy copper cables and the controller. The owners son told me that they got only 25 miles on a full charge and top speed was 50 mph. Good for around town on short runs but not for much more, Today we have Lithium Ion batteries that can do much better, but if you decide to go electric I would believe that it would cost a fortune, then how will you handle the A/C , power brakes and heater?

Electric Fiero

Electric Fiero 1

Electric Fiero 2

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

IMSA GT MAR 21, 10:41 AM
This is a car that was built here in California and I've seen at a few car shows in the Bay Area. The member on here is PePe-LePu_For_2. He sold it to a gentleman in New York who happened to do a video on the car:



Here it is at one of the local car shows back in 2017



[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 03-21-2021).]

cvxjet MAR 21, 11:17 AM
I saw his car when I went to my first Golden Gate Fieros club gathering at the John Muir historic home in Martinez...Beautiful car, well done conversion. I was actually curious about the performance; 0-60 vs range....

By the way, although the Muir house was interesting, the really big thing (That I originally thought was not going to amount to much) was the 2nd stop at the "Cobra Experience"....Holy crap! A bunch of Cobras, and other assorted cars, including an original (Still muddy from being found in a field) AC Ace (The car the Cobra is based on)...And a Daytona Coupe plus a real GT-40 with bundle of snakes exhaust headers- Which they started up!!!!!!!

After that I needed a PACK of cigarettes (And I don't smoke!)

Note; I grew up a "Ford" enthusiast- Pantera, GT-40, Shelby Mustangs, Cobras and Daytona coupes...I have a friend who BUILDS Cobra and Daytona kit cars- Real ones made from the original plans (The kits are made in either Poland or S. Africa)

[This message has been edited by cvxjet (edited 03-21-2021).]

bjc 350 MAR 21, 11:26 AM
I've seen two electric Fieros, one being a hybrid. Attached is a link to to a story on the hybrid version. Built by an engineer in the Portland area as I recall.
https://grassrootsmotorspor...lectric-hybrid-fier/

The other was an electric car, using a forklift motor attached to the cluch/transmission via a custom adapter plate. It used lead acid batteries with commercially available controllers. It was built by a guy who worked for Intel. I asked why he converted it and he said Intel offered free charging stations at his work location, so he could drive the 12 miles or so to and from work for free, using the Intel free charging. I think the range was 40 miles or so. He later sold it after buying a Nissan Leaf. I've since lost track of that car.