LeafZX: EV + Literbike = DIY road coupled hybrid

[gooned]

Wow!

That is super impressive, I’m not even sure where to look, so much going on.


question...is the tailpipe super small or?

[Derek]

Yep 1.75" out using the stock titanium muffler -- it's only 1000cc so seems OK?

I took it on the highway this morning for a quick pull. You can see I'm ready to short shift -- I need to get used to that 13k redline.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/xLqRKXPUne53TWjTA

[gooned]

That sound!

Gotta be happy with that

[JordanTr]

Man!!! Is that ever cool! Congrats

[Derek]

After a couple of slow months fixing some problems with the chain line and radiator ducting, the car is reliably on the road!

I've replaced the ball bearings in both the idler and tensioner sprockets with needle bearings which should hopefully help their longevity. I had to increase the size of my window scoop to get enough air into the radiator to be able to run on ICE power only on the highway, so longer distances are now possible.

And while I hesitate to call them finishing touches, I have the interior back together, and the firewall is 95% there. Need to have it fully sealed before I start trying to tackle the interior noise issue, which is crazy loud.

Outside the car, it's not so nuts -- it's the stock muffler after all. I roped a friend into filming a drive-by yesterday, so you can hear for yourself:

https://youtu.be/SxuFXTIhT8I

All the details of this work and more can be found in my photo dump: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hBUezQtiCVuvTPQ99

[Derek]

A year later and the car is still going. If you follow my instagram (@derekbruceyoung) this is all old news, but here's the synopsis:

Showed the car at Monterey car week and out sprung an article on the Autopian: https://www.theautopian.com/how-an-engi ... e-in-back/

Which was followed by a piece on Super Street with some really nice photos: https://www.motortrend.com/features/nis ... tom-build/

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And then most recently I drove (!) it down to LA and Youtuber SuperfastMatt reviewed the car: https://youtu.be/PVlMxQaAf-k

Which includes footage from my car's first lapping day at Streets of Willow Springs -- I made a composite full lap video here: https://youtu.be/UgoxhiMSIHA to get it ready I put on 14" rotors with 370Z sport calipers and added an oil pressure gauge.

JPS Adv - session 3 turn 11 - WS8_0360_Feb0423_1253PM_CaliPhoto.jpg (733.18 KiB) Viewed 243 times

My next big move is I just purchased a Leaf Plus inverter (motor controller) which will unlock nearly double the front EV horsepower. Total will go from 280 to somewhere closer to 370 -- fun! I'm also looking to build my own 2 step rev limiter to finally launch this thing properly. Current 5-60 times are ~5.5s, hoping to drop into the 4s with the new inverter.

[bertvorgon]

Hey Derek,

Good to see you on here again. James did send a link on our email, so I have watched them. You are pretty amazing my friend! I have only just figured out how to use a can opener and change the date on my VCR!

Take care,

Keith

[Derek]

Thanks Keith! Since I basically do this type of work at my job, I gotta keep up with the times you know. Good to hear from you, and hope all is well!

[ostaylor]

That is cool beyond belief. I love the wizard reference... there is definitely some wizardry there.

[icehouse]

Cool to see it in action! Although to please the 510realm community you need to swap the bike engine for a L series.

[Derek]

hah, a carb'ed L series in the back of my car sure would be something. Anyone build a transverse one before?