EV GT: Another electric Tribute project

[Tom Cheesewright]

After a number of false starts and missteps, I am finally starting on my second Z3-based project. Plan is similar to the first time: EV-swap a BMW Z3 and then body swap it with a kit from Tribute Automotive for a retro restomod style car. This time, something with a hard top. And more power. And more range.

I have a completely rust free Z3 (1.9 auto) from Japan with low mileage. I had it fully undersealed and cavity waxed when I bought it three years ago so shouldn't need any welding or much mechanical work.

Powertrain will be from a Lexus. The IS300h gearbox is actually two whopping electric motors and as @Andybpowell has proven, it can really make a Z3 shift. Plus batteries from somewhere (TBC) and a bunch of other ancillaries (power steering etc).

Only bit I don't have is batteries (and shortened prop etc obvs), and I haven't fully decided what to do with those. I'm going to do all the bits I can do (and try to empty my storage unit in the process, selling off spare parts to fund the project - anyone need a pair of doors? Interior bits? The motor from a Prius?).

As before I'll be videoing the process. First video up here:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTzKQobPc3M

 

[Andybpowell]

Haven't watched the video yet, I'll get to it later though, awesome to see you back at it , the 300h is a bit tight in the transmission tunnel with the sound deadening but not too bad if I can be of any help let me know

 

[Duncodin]

I'll be following this. Thank you for starting a progress thread.

I just stared watching that program on telly "Vintage Voltage" where they do the ev conversion on classic cars. Just watched the one where they did BMW bubble car Isetta.

One complaint about that program is that, so far, they just talk about motor and where to put the batteries. Not once did they talk about the electronics, control and charging systems.

So thank you you ev conversion guys for telling it like it really is

 

[Andybpowell]

I'll be following this. Thank you for starting a progress thread.

I just stared watching that program on telly "Vintage Voltage" where they do the ev conversion on classic cars. Just watched the one where they did BMW bubble car Isetta.

One complaint about that program is that, so far, they just talk about motor and where to put the batteries. Not once did they talk about the electronics, control and charging systems.

So thank you you ev conversion guys for telling it like it really is

Ahh the vintage voltage people
Not my favourite to be honest, they preach about how everything needs to be done right while modifying the chassis/ monocoque which you are not allowed to do and from what I understand most if not all of their conversions are not registered as electric probably because that would involve the DVLA who would be unimpressed

 

[IanA]

Mmmmm- nice. Good luck with this one.
Lots of Zagato styling cues there with a dash of Maserati Mostro.
Word to the wise- check out the rear side window framing. The standard ZGT3 does generate a bit of wind noise there. The glass needs to be flush.

 

[Tom Cheesewright]

Haven't watched the video yet, I'll get to it later though, awesome to see you back at it , the 300h is a bit tight in the transmission tunnel with the sound deadening but not too bad if I can be of any help let me know

Oh I will DEFINITELY be calling you for help!

 

[Tom Cheesewright]

One complaint about that program is that, so far, they just talk about motor and where to put the batteries. Not once did they talk about the electronics, control and charging systems.

So thank you you ev conversion guys for telling it like it really is

Yeah I got bored with that show quite quickly. Like you I wanted more detail! I'll share as much as I can, in part because I'm usually having to learn and it's good to have a record!

 

[Tom Cheesewright]

Ahh the vintage voltage people
Not my favourite to be honest, they preach about how everything needs to be done right while modifying the chassis/ monocoque which you are not allowed to do and from what I understand most if not all of their conversions are not registered as electric probably because that would involve the DVLA who would be unimpressed

Yeah I've heard a lot of rumblings about the quality of their work. And a lot of other 'professional' converters too. Some of the pics I've seen have been shocking. Literally.

 

[Tom Cheesewright]

Word to the wise- check out the rear side window framing. The standard ZGT3 does generate a bit of wind noise there. The glass needs to be flush.

Interesting - thank you. Is it the trim that causes the issue?

 

[IanA]

Not the trim, it's that the glass is inset from the line of the bodywork by almost an inch on the standard ZGT3. An obvious noise generator that you don't need right next to your right ear! I spoke to an owner at a show and he confirmed the fact.

 

[IanA]

Yeah I've heard a lot of rumblings about the quality of their work. And a lot of other 'professional' converters too. Some of the pics I've seen have been shocking. Literally.

Not a plug but my mates at Electrogenics make a point of NOT modifying the chassis so that if anyone ever wanted to, they could replace the electrics with the original ICE drivetrain.

 

[Tom Cheesewright]

Not the trim, it's that the glass is inset from the line of the bodywork by almost an inch on the standard ZGT3. An obvious noise generator that you don't need right next to your right ear! I spoke to an owner at a show and he confirmed the fact.

Gotcha. Really useful. Will have to see if I can address that.

 

[Tom Cheesewright]

Not a plug but my mates at Electrogenics make a point of NOT modifying the chassis so that if anyone ever wanted to, they could replace the electrics with the original ICE drivetrain.

Not heard anything bad about them and someone there is in touch with a friend of mine in the DIY community too.

In some ways the récent change of rules makes modifying the chassis more possible to get through without IVA. But in not going to touch it just in case.

 

[Andybpowell]

Oh I will DEFINITELY be calling you for help!

Always willing to help good people

 

[Tom Cheesewright]

Given the car a wash and took a proper look around. Few decisions made though mostly cosmetic so far (wheels, interior). Main mechanical decision is to locate the charger in the boot. Going to swap my planned Outlander charger for a slimmer MG one as a result. This also give me the benefit of V2L.

View: https://youtu.be/hy6tNntvW2M?si=pQHd4-IUE9np0TrE