The time has come to introduce my project. I sold my Lexus GS350 to fund it (we didn't need two cars in the Age of Pandemic anyway). So, I've got a rolling chassis with no engine or transmission that needs light restoration, so I've budgeted ~$4000 for that. The car has a 3.9:1 solid rear end. I want to use the existing drive shaft and differential. Also, will not need A/C, power brakes, power steering, or heater. Just a motor, inverter, batteries, charging and monitoring...
I'm an IT consultant by trade, a hobby programmer (I have some experience with Arduino building a lighting control system for my house), and an engineer by education. I'm no idiot, but I'm none of you guys, either.
So, I've got $12K in the EV conversion budget at the moment plus or minus...
I've read up and down these forums. I've watched Damien's videos. I've done gearing calculations. I've done enough battery math for a hundred scenarios.
My head hurts -- there are too many options -- and I need a swift kick in the pants. Some guidance, if you will. What would *you* do with a decent MG Midget rolling chassis and $12K? I'd like to get between 50 and 80 mile range. It'll be an in-town car, so if it can't got over 60 mph, that'll be fine. It would be the stuff of nightmares to roll this little buggy much faster than that anyway.
What I've considered:
- GS450h transaxle (yes, I believe it will fit) with matching inverter, Damien's goodies, a DIY 24KWh battery pack, DIY BMS from this site, DC/DC from a Chevy Volt, and commercial charger
- Nissan Leafs are going for <$6000 around here in running condition with less than 60k miles. Transplant everything in-tact into the MG?
- Leaf drive motor, Leaf Inverter, boards from the OpenInverter project, DIY pack, BMS, and commercial charger
- Leaf drive motor with a Prius inverter configured for DC/DC and charging (one day) plus DIY battery pack and BMS
- Lower voltage motor from EVWest, prius inverter, to keep battery costs down?
Thanks, guys!