Part 7 - Adapter Plate and Motor Coupler - 1969 Austin Healey Sprite EV Conversion

Just got back from the machinist - http://laveen.com. Eric Laveen helped design and build the adapter plate and motor coupler. They connect the electric motor to the stock transmission in the car. Visit http://evsprite.com for full project details.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• ev
• conversion
• sprite
• austin
• healey
• electric
• car
• adapter
• coupler

[markissuperrad]

hello, i have the same tranny, and i was wondering if you could tell me how much the cost of the custom machining is?

[evsprite]

@markissuperrad Hi - this is a very late reply, but the total cost for the raw aluminum, engineering time, and shop time was $1000. Not cheap, but a nice end product.

[vpoppv]

Excellent coupler and adapter plate. I wish it would have occurred to me why clutch disks have springs in them! Whenever I have seen EV conversions, the springs are always eliminated (on clutchless anyway). Now I wish I would have made my coupler differently....

[evsprite]

Thanks - yes, I think this design will prove very nice in the end. My project has slowed lately, but should ramp up again so I can finish this thing before the snow flies in MN!

[gazfish123]

Good video, thanks for posting. I've seen lots of couplers that use a nylon piece to absorb vibration caused by very slight misalignment of motor and gearbox. Be interested to see how yours is as they seem rigidly coupled.

[1dashEVdotCOM]

How adapter performing?

[1dashEVdotCOM]

Now is the adapter performing? Do you have to balance it?

[deannaber]

I would think bolting it up like you have to an automatic trans would be ok but i dont get how your going to shift by grinding off the rest of the clutch and no pressure plate or flywheel ?im missing somthing ?i already feel stupid lol

[deannaber]

Am i missing somthing?  wouldnt you need the full clutch and pressure plate to shift gears?

[robviolin1]

That was a great vid. Thanks

[1dashEVdotCOM]

It looks like 1" plate is the only one spacer/plate been used? Is your tranny shaft flush with the bell-housing surface? If you look from the side.

Thank you.

[jacktheripped]

Have you had any trouble with the bolts holding on your adapted clutch plate? I'm thinking Grade 5 bolts are not good there, you should have Grade 8 at least. Contact ARP for better than grade 8 bolts.

[MPaulHolmes]

Very nice and clean explanation. Beautiful.

[urbex2007]

I love a good bit of mechanical engineering! I like the way you put all the bits together. Not in to electric cars as I think they need to improve battery technology a lot more. GM/Vauxhall (UK) are bringing out an electric car this year based on the ASTRA. It goes 40miles on one charge. Not many details at the moment but prices are going to be high which will ruin it.

I was going to get a Prius with extra battery but my turbo diesel is more economical at the moment.