New EV914 build owned by engineer of Classic Retrofit, Electric AC for a 914 Options

[914e]

Aside from the conversation about available distance w/o a charge, the one thing that has struck me for every EV conversion I have seen is that the ride height never seems right. They all look like they have lost a bunch of weight and no one replaced the shocks or springs. They all seem to ride way to high.

It took some effort to get the bug's ride height right. We found a way to add more batteries to the back. The engine was heavier than the electric motor and batteries.

[914e]

Aside from the conversation about available distance w/o a charge, the one thing that has struck me for every EV conversion I have seen is that the ride height never seems right. They all look like they have lost a bunch of weight and no one replaced the shocks or springs. They all seem to ride way to high.

I think it's the opposite. They usually weigh hundreds of pounds more with all the lead batteries.

Lead batteries are not used any more. The lithium batteries are about a quarter of the weight for the same amount of power.

[mepstein]

Aside from the conversation about available distance w/o a charge, the one thing that has struck me for every EV conversion I have seen is that the ride height never seems right. They all look like they have lost a bunch of weight and no one replaced the shocks or springs. They all seem to ride way to high.

I think it's the opposite. They usually weigh hundreds of pounds more with all the lead batteries.

Lead batteries are not used any more. The lithium batteries are about a quarter of the weight for the same amount of power.

I agree but I've only seen 914's with lead batteries. I have not seen any of the newer builds. Granted, I'm in Delaware and not exactly the tech hot spot of the country. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[mrholland2]

the other thing that got me was they were taking off the targa vinyl and planning on reusing it and some worn seals!!! why!! they were saying it was hard to source replacement seals and the vinyl (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)
do they not know about 914rubber??? Someone call them and tell them! if you are spending that kind of $$ on AC etc etc surely you can spend a few hundred $$ on new vinyl and seals!!!

They were keeping the vinyl as a template for cutting new

[DRPHIL914]

the other thing that got me was they were taking off the targa vinyl and planning on reusing it and some worn seals!!! why!! they were saying it was hard to source replacement seals and the vinyl (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)
do they not know about 914rubber??? Someone call them and tell them! if you are spending that kind of $$ on AC etc etc surely you can spend a few hundred $$ on new vinyl and seals!!!

They were keeping the vinyl as a template for cutting new

ah well, still, it’s old and out of shape, just order it from 914rubber

[Jonny Retrofit]

Hi 'teeners!

Believe it or not I only just got to see the Vintage Voltage episode as it only aired just now in the UK. As with most things in TV land, things are not quite as they seem, so I thought you might like to know more about the car.

I bought this car 5 years ago from California, the PO bought it as a roller and converted it to electric power 20 years ago, he used it for his commute to work. It was a typical first generation conversion with a fork lift motor mated to the transmission.

I met Moggy a few years back when he was working out of his own garage and we needed some help with the conversion, mainly the fabrication of battery boxes and engine mounts. Months passed and he was getting more attention so was struggling to find time to do the car. After 18 months he phoned to say that he was moving to a bigger premises and to tell me about the TV show. So the goalposts really moved.

In parallel, Classic Retrofit was also growing and you just can't do everything! Moggy's place is 6 hours drive from us and we had Covid lockdowns and travel restrictions. It just made more sense to get his guys to do more of the work. We have collaborated on the layout and design of the conversion all along.

The main goal was to retain the weight distribution. We have achieved 49(f) / 51® with a total weight of 1200kg. Although that is 250kg more than the ICE 914, it is pretty much the same as a 911SC, but we have 300HP and instant torque.

We considered putting the batteries in from underneath but this didn't work out because of the strengthening required for the rear of the car. The battery supports that you see in the show also strengthen and tie the rear swing arm mounts together which is a weak point. As well as the cabin strengthening we also have the inner wheel arch plates and the swing arms are boxed too. The drive shafts are custom made and heat strengthened to deal with the torque as 930 units have been snapped like twigs. So there is a lot going on in a small area and it is immensely stiff and strong now.

Although the Ronal turbo wheels look great on the car in the show, we could not make them work so the car will run a 911 bolt pattern. The front end is 911SC and the rear has custom made adjustable shocks/springs but still the original diameter. Because we are retaining the narrow body, we are limited to 8 inch rear wheels. We want good weight transfer on launch to get those tyres to stick so the compliant full size spring is important.

Brakes. 911SC or Boxster fronts. VW/Audi rears with electric E Brake.

The car still has a full rear trunk and 1/3 of its front trunk.

Interior. We are currently going with a retro modern look but this changes on a daily basis! Obviously it will have our electric AC and heat and lots of other toys.

The car is a rolling development platform for all things 914 AND EV. The electric drivetrain is really only the beginning of the story.

More info here..

https://www.classicretrofit.com/blogs/news/...vintage-voltage

[DRPHIL914]

Hi 'teeners!

Believe it or not I only just got to see the Vintage Voltage episode as it only aired just now in the UK. As with most things in TV land, things are not quite as they seem, so I thought you might like to know more about the car.

I bought this car 5 years ago from California, the PO bought it as a roller and converted it to electric power 20 years ago, he used it for his commute to work. It was a typical first generation conversion with a fork lift motor mated to the transmission.

I met Moggy a few years back when he was working out of his own garage and we needed some help with the conversion, mainly the fabrication of battery boxes and engine mounts. Months passed and he was getting more attention so was struggling to find time to do the car. After 18 months he phoned to say that he was moving to a bigger premises and to tell me about the TV show. So the goalposts really moved.

In parallel, Classic Retrofit was also growing and you just can't do everything! Moggy's place is 6 hours drive from us and we had Covid lockdowns and travel restrictions. It just made more sense to get his guys to do more of the work. We have collaborated on the layout and design of the conversion all along.

The main goal was to retain the weight distribution. We have achieved 49(f) / 51® with a total weight of 1200kg. Although that is 250kg more than the ICE 914, it is pretty much the same as a 911SC, but we have 300HP and instant torque.

We considered putting the batteries in from underneath but this didn't work out because of the strengthening required for the rear of the car. The battery supports that you see in the show also strengthen and tie the rear swing arm mounts together which is a weak point. As well as the cabin strengthening we also have the inner wheel arch plates and the swing arms are boxed too. The drive shafts are custom made and heat strengthened to deal with the torque as 930 units have been snapped like twigs. So there is a lot going on in a small area and it is immensely stiff and strong now.

Although the Ronal turbo wheels look great on the car in the show, we could not make them work so the car will run a 911 bolt pattern. The front end is 911SC and the rear has custom made adjustable shocks/springs but still the original diameter. Because we are retaining the narrow body, we are limited to 8 inch rear wheels. We want good weight transfer on launch to get those tyres to stick so the compliant full size spring is important.

Brakes. 911SC or Boxster fronts. VW/Audi rears with electric E Brake.

The car still has a full rear trunk and 1/3 of its front trunk.

Interior. We are currently going with a retro modern look but this changes on a daily basis! Obviously it will have our electric AC and heat and lots of other toys.

The car is a rolling development platform for all things 914 AND EV. The electric drivetrain is really only the beginning of the story.

More info here..

https://www.classicretrofit.com/blogs/news/...vintage-voltage

thanks for posting the info and updates, please post afew pics here too and keep the page current, i think there is a lot of interest in it. My son and i bought my 914 12 years ago with the intent to do a conversion to EV but several things got in the way, one was just the expense for the batteries at the time and lack of range, so since it is a rare color and numbers matching car we restored it instead.
but i still would love to do one and do it right, and now with the technology finally getting to the point were that is feasible. love the development of the batter boxes. i think using Tesla components is probably the way to go . looking forward to the rest of the story.

[Steve]

Watching motor trend, and saw a 914, and thought okay, I'll watch that, don't like the show all that much. Interested in the concept, engineering can be a bit off as can the logic.


Place battery box in the 914, they decided to load from the top down via the engine bay. Save yourself the trouble and build from the bottom up, and place the pack on a stand and lower the car over it. Come on.....

But the usage of the Tesla rear motor should make a nice run at it. It is the details like that that drove me nuts. But in the first few minutes of the show, I started linking pieces together. UK fitter of modern electronics into older cars, specifically AirCon. Its got to by Classic Retrofit guys. Then I say some of the parts being prototyped, and while I am not a huge fan of the center console, and wish they took the time to redo the fresh air blower, it works.

Show Vintage Voltage - Season 1 Episode 10



Aircon bits original console and side vents piped in.



Production on the car stoped due to COVID-19

Not a huge fan on the changes they have planned to the body, but each their own.

I get making it more aero, but come on Ronal Turbo wheels are not any more areo than lets say a Mahle Gas Burner. And in an EV I would go for lightness and low drag over looks any day. So hopefully the car comes together, it looks good, and we end up with another potential aircon solution. Not being a petrol car, means the electric aircon can be placed anywhere, so crafty placement might still be on us.

BTW, could nt find a way to share the video link, only Facebook and Twitter.

I would love to see how they piped in the side vents. Did they have to cut the body?

[VaccaRabite]

A lot of the 914s that were early conversions to EV are the ones you see that only have 50-60 mile ranges and both trunks loaded with lead acid batteries.

The tech has advanced a LOT over the past 15 years that I have been following it - both in terms of batteries, motors and controllers.

As to why 914s get picked for this? Well, for years they were CHEAP! And they were mid engine cars with two full trunks that you could load batteries into. Plus they looked cool.

Now days they are not nearly as cheap, but they still make fantastic platforms for EV conversion due to the mid engine layout and lots of space to hide battery packs. They still look cool. :-)

Zach

[Jonny Retrofit]

^ it’s the layout that makes it perfect for an EV. We have a near perfect weight distribution, 150+ mile range and sub 5 second 0-60. Still have a full rear trunk and enough room for a couple of bags up front.

The 914 was never sold in the U.K. so it’s a rare thing over here.

[PlaysWithCars]

Maybe its blasphemous to say, but I've also been considering a 914 EV conversion to use as a daily driver. Although, I have to admit, its less about saving the planet and more about driving a classic car with serious performance potential (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[Big Len]

Another 914 bites the dust.

Can't figure out for the life of me why the DIY EV crowd seeks out 914's to destroy. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hissyfit.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

[flat4guy]

Good TV show - they have done some fun cars

[KSCarrera]

The 914 was never sold in the U.K. so it’s a rare thing over here.

They most certainly were, Jonny, just not in RHD. Around 250 were sold in the UK.

[sixnotfour]

Maybe its blasphemous to say, but I've also been considering a 914 EV conversion to use as a daily driver. Although, I have to admit, its less about saving the planet and more about driving a classic car with serious performance potential (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[MM1]

A couple of years ago, at Supercar Sunday (a regular event in SoCal), I waited until the large parking lot cleared out, as I had a chance to drive a 914EV loaded with lead-acids. At that point I had recently driven a few 914's with a range engines - carbed 2.0L's, injected 1.7L's, carbed Buick V6 odd-fire, carbed SBC V8 . . .some wide-bodied, most narrow.

It seemed that larger than stock tires ruin the nimble steering very quickly, and that those lead-acid batteries were far too heavy - they killed the light character of a stock 914. The torque was fun, no doubt, but the interesting and eerie silence, I fear would wear off fairly quickly . . . at least for a weekend " mountain climber."

Frankly the narrow SBC was the most fun, by far, as the rear could be kicked out with control (and big smiles), but the fear of grenading the transaxle (with 1st locked out) and the (pre-war 3-speed-like) oem gearing, as well as the fact that even a gloriously-sounding, cammed SBC seems out of place in a light Euro sports car, significantly dampened the experience.

I would love to properly drive a 914-6 in the hills by my house (driving one down the street and back didn't really count) as I suspect that is the sweet spot (though some here have noted) that they also feel and handle heavier than the fours . . .100 lbs. or so may not sound like much, but in terms of engineering, especially on a mid-engined car, 5% can be a significant change to the balance and character of a car.

Nonetheless I'd be happy to accept 5-10% if I could have a Miura SV drivetrain in there instead of even the Tesla!

Group 914-SV build, anyone? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drooley.gif)

[Steve]

Aside from the conversation about available distance w/o a charge, the one thing that has struck me for every EV conversion I have seen is that the ride height never seems right. They all look like they have lost a bunch of weight and no one replaced the shocks or springs. They all seem to ride way to high.

I think it's the opposite. They usually weigh hundreds of pounds more with all the lead batteries.

Lead batteries are not used any more. The lithium batteries are about a quarter of the weight for the same amount of power.

I agree but I've only seen 914's with lead batteries. I have not seen any of the newer builds. Granted, I'm in Delaware and not exactly the tech hot spot of the country. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Same here in So Cal. I have seen several really nice professionally done cars, but always have heavy lead acid batteries, no trunks and only around 60 miles a charge capability.
Looking forward to more details on this build.

[burton73]

https://www.evwest.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=40

A guy could get this set up and with a good reinforced body with out to much rust (no rust seen) and build a car. I have a very nice 74 Body for my V8 conversion that could be used for this.
Bob B

[Jonny Retrofit]

Same here in So Cal. I have seen several really nice professionally done cars, but always have heavy lead acid batteries, no trunks and only around 60 miles a charge capability.
Looking forward to more details on this build.

Wow, are you sure? My 914 was originally converted years ago but still had Lithium batteries, albeit old school ones.

Anyhow, now we have 42kWh of modern LG Chem Lithium Ion batteries, which should give 150 - 180 miles of range depending on weight of right foot and HVAC usage.

We are also integrating some other new tech, notably power brakes (Tesla) and power steering.

[Steve]

Same here in So Cal. I have seen several really nice professionally done cars, but always have heavy lead acid batteries, no trunks and only around 60 miles a charge capability.
Looking forward to more details on this build.

Wow, are you sure? My 914 was originally converted years ago but still had Lithium batteries, albeit old school ones.

Anyhow, now we have 42kWh of modern LG Chem Lithium Ion batteries, which should give 150 - 180 miles of range depending on weight of right foot and HVAC usage.

We are also integrating some other new tech, notably power brakes (Tesla) and power steering.

If you offered a kit minus the batteries due to shipment weight, with battery trays, detailed instructions like your AC offerings with at least a partial trunk, I think there would be quite a few interested parties. I agree lithium has been around for awhile. I don’t know why the ones I have seen were all lead acid batteries. Probably due to cost since most of these were high school or college experiments.