Converting an Acura RSX?

by Chris
(NJ)

This Acura RSX might be an electric car!

This Acura RSX might be an electric car!

I've got a 2003 Acura RSX Type-S. It has a 6 speed manual transmission and a very large hatch. I think it would make the perfect EV donor.

First, does anyone think this would be a good donor?

Second, is it possible to convert a front wheel drive car to a rear wheel drive EV? I know I would need to find different axles and the stock 6 speed isn't designed to work with the rear axle, but I'm curious if it's possible. Is it even necessary? Front wheel drive wouldn't be a problem I suppose, it would just be nice to make it a rear wheel drive.


Hi, Chris -
First: Yes, seems like a good idea. It's reasonably light at 2700 lbs. curb weight, and has good sturdy suspension AND room to put batteries in that hatchback space.

Second: Why?
Front wheel drive was invented for a reason - that reason being "it controls the car better than rear wheel drive". (Ever driven a 'vette? Great upper body workout at any speed over 50 mph!) No, thanks.

Regards,
Lynne

P.S. Check out Gavin's front wheel drive conversion at Kiwiev.com.

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starstarstarstarstar 		Turning Acura RSX into Hybrid at the rear Hubs
by: Anonymous

I have read that a group of University students turned a front wheel drive Honda Accord into a hybrid by installing a motor on each of the rear wheel hubs. The electric motors appear to be designed to retrofit the hubs. I like this idea because it gives the option of using the electric motors to operate the vehicle for around town driving under 50 mph. For highway driving I still have the decent type S engine under the hood. I wonder if the gas engine and the electric motors could run together for increased performance?
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starstarstarstarstar 		How would you Sync the two motors?
by: Misty

I am wondering how you would match the speed from the car's original gasoline engine drive system to the electric motor powered rear wheels? Would you be using just one drive system at a time ?
Also have you given thought to using the gasoline engine to run additional generators to charge the batteries or maybe even power the electric motor.
I have an Acura RSX type S that I inherited as a second vehicle. It has a good strong motor with low mileage and since its the premium engine with the six speed gearbox i've been offered $4500 for the complete engine and transmission and there mechanic will pull it out. That money will help towards the cost of the conversion only thing holding me back is the current battery systems suck I need longer range and don't really want the whole hatchback full of batteries so i'm waiting on new battery advancement to come through. Please let me know if you have broke ground on your conversion what motor and battery set up your going with etc.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Automatic transmission
by: Dexbot

I've got an '04 RSX base with the 5-speed automatic transmission. I love it to death, and will keep it as a project car when I get a new car. Since I'll have another car as a reliable mode of transportation, I'll be able to completely dismantle my RSX and do all the work, but I'm wondering if the automatic transmission will cause any problems.
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starstarstarstarstar 		I HAVE A TYPE S ALSO IM MAKING IT GO OVER 200 MPH WITH GAS FRONT ELECTRIC REAR
by: SERGIO TOTI

HELLO FRIEND I JUST WHANT TO TELL YOU THAT MY REASON FOR GOING ELECTRIC IS EASE FOR MORE POWER VIA AN ULTRA EFFICIENT WAY.. ELECTRIC MOTOR...SO IM REALLY MAKING AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE CAR.
YOU HAVE TO CUSTOMIZE AN AXEL FOR THE REAR .
YOU CAN BUY ALLREADY MADE DIFFERENTIALS..VERY EXPENSIVE OR YOU CAN RECYCLE ONE AND PUT IT BACK THERE .
IM TRYING TO MAKE ALL THIS WORK AND KEEP IT A FOUR SEATER FOR OTHER REASONS.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SHARING OR TEAMING UP PLEASE CALL ME 561 729 5446.
BE WORRIED ABOUT METHANE FRIEND NOT CO2.
WE ARE EVENTUALLY ALL GETTING OF FOSSIL FUELS BUT IT WONT BE UNTILL THE BILDERBERGERS WANT US.
GOOD LUCK ..FOOD FOR THOUGHT DID YOU KNOW THAT THE LAMBO GALLARDO AND THE RSX ARE PRETTY CLOSE ON WHEEL BASE AND WITH ,ALSO OVERALL LENGTH.
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starstarstarstarstar 		I must do this!
by: Anonymous

That's exactly why I love driving RWD cars. =)

But it's definitely not necessary. I can't wait till I can actually do this!

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