Getting some Experience

I'd like to thank the wonderful folks in the Oregon Electric Vehicle Association for all their advice and input in helping me learn more about the whole electric vehicle scene. Rick Barnes has graciously allowed me to help him with his Ford Probe conversion one Saturday and John Benson, who lives a 20-minute walk away, has let me look at his Porsche 914 DC motor conversion project.

I've been blown away by peoples' enthusiasm in sharing information and helping me with this project. I hope I can serve as a good example for others too.

Anyone got a clutch?

The conversion process highly recommends installing a new clutch assembly, so I ordered a clutch kit from Driving Source NW in Salem, OR (part # POR055822) on December 27th.

Dennis from Driving Source NW was going to be in Portland the next day and was wonderful enough to deliver the clutch (and four CV joint gaskets in upper left of photo) to my house. I enjoyed talking about the conversion project with him and hearing about his own experiences with Porsches.

Another part of the conversion involves upgrading the suspension (torsion bar and springs/shocks) on the 914 to handle the extra 800 pounds that come from the batteries.
I talked with Alan over at A & P Specialities in Portland and he gave me a quote for labor to replace the suspension parts.

Overall, everyone I've talked with has been fun to work with and excited to hear more about the progress of this project. Several friends of mine have offered to help with the conversion and give (ahem) objective test drives of the vehicle afterwards to make sure it's operating properly.