9/10/13

Well, there are new and wacky plans afoot… once again.  I had the thought that an electric motor driving an Hitachi R-series differential, either by gear, chain, or belt, could be a fun way to power the Mini.  When I suggested it to John, he said, “Why not two golf cart motors, one running each wheel?”  I jumped on that idea and ran with it.  I've been in contact, sort of, with some electric vehicle websites and am awaiting their recommendations.  When I texted John just now to ask what kind of torque he thought we’d need, he called to ask if I was willing to give up the back seat.  I was thinking more batteries back there so I said, “No problem.”  He, however, was thinking two more motors to make it all wheel drive.  Of course, after reading the various websites, I'm leaning back towards an Hitachi diff and single big motor kit.  It wouldn’t be any cheaper than the Honduh engine or a Mini Mania rebuilt “power unit” but it would be kind of cool.  So, having said all of that, I'm sure we’re probably going to go with the Honduh D15Z1 kit after all.  But we have a couple years to finalize that decision.  Ok, it is now 1555 h so I guess I'm going to call it a rant and go do my afternoon “Shut down all the shit the idiots here at the railroad can't seem to figure out how to turn off even though they figured out how to turn the bastard ON!” rounds.  I'll have more information about the electric car ideas as they trickle in.