July 8th, 2010
Took advantage of some 15% sales with free shipping and ordered some BMR boxed subframe connectors and boxed lower control arms. The SFCs will greatly stiffen the chasis from front to back and minimize twisting. I try to always have to t-tops out so this will definately be a noticable difference in creeks and groans. I’ve installed them on two of my previous 4th gen f-bodies and think they are an absolute.
The LCA should stiffen the rear axle and reduce\eliminate the wheel hop. Currently I can’t start in any gear other than first without bouncing the axle, presumable due to the torque of the motor from the stop. Even in first a hard start will buck. I think part of the problem is the controller ramps up current, so it doesn’t get enough juice to spin the tires but enough to bind the rear end. I plan on getting some more video of the rear suspension prior to the weld-in of the SFC.
I also have a slight, rhtymic thump from under the hood at full throttle. It is not related to rpms or gear so another video in there is planned.
Currently also experiencing what appears to be thermal cutback on one the the rear regulators at 13.1 volts, so the charger cuts back and the batteries won’t charge. Regulators haven’t been quite right since the rebuild so I’ll be taking them apart to investigate as well.
Tags: regulators, suspension
Posted in Blog, doing, thinking | Comments Off on More parts
June 27th, 2010
19 miles today. Got home with 155.6 V, under a volt per battery used. You can stretch it out a good bit by babying the throttle.
Posted in Blog | Comments Off on Long Drive
May 25th, 2010
Been busy. Trans Amped runs again. Several trips 12+ miles, range is better (~20 easy). Drove home on the interstate the other day, did ok at 70 mph.
Posted in thinking | Comments Off on It works again
May 6th, 2010
Just a couple more things tomorrow and hopefully we’re cruising by the afternoon to test everything out…
Posted in Blog | Comments Off on Almost Back
April 24th, 2010
This is intended to be a list of everything I can think of that is left in Version 2.0. I’ll cross things off as they’re complete and add on as I figure out more stuff I forgot. Not too much further, although there is obviously stuff I’m missing.
Low Voltage
- Wiring for + and – LV to terminal bus
- Wiring from relocated negative contactor Raptor negative to DC/DC
- Vacuum relay triggers to terminal bus in control box.
- Split loom on wiring – What a pain, delayed
- Connectors for positive and negative from DC/DC to battery
- Raptor sensor wiring
Manual Disconnect
- Bike brake cable from cabin to breaker
- Handle for brake cable
Throttle
- Test the pot box for full throttle
- Secure cable to frame
- Reattach the return spring securely
High Voltage Cables
- Purchase bolts for negative contactor and motor
- Cable from control box to Raptor B+
- Reconnect all battery strings (front batteries) (rear batteries) (front to back)
- Connect charging cable to most positive
- Connect charging cable to most negative
- Mount negative contactor and wire to switch and ground.
High Voltage Conduit System
- Determine cable routing
- Locate bracket points
- Determine split for negative to enter contactor box
Battery Regulators
- Phone cable from front to back
- Phone cable to charger
- Test with yellow light
- Troubleshoot front regulator erratic behavior
Miscellaneous
- Secure the ABS sensor on top of the rear axle
- Check air pressure in suspension bags
- Top off battery charge
- Tee fitting for vacuum line to operate A/C valves
- Alignment for manual steering rack
Posted in thinking | Comments Off on Task List
April 24th, 2010
Today was a pretty productive day. I made a bunch of wires and mocked up the fitment of the Raptor as well as the negative contactor box. It will go where the catalytic converter was or possibly on the driver’s side, depending on routing of the conduit for the wiring. Also updated: wiring from switch to negative contactor, controller to motor cables, LV wiring to Raptor.
Posted in Blog | Comments Off on Lots Today Though
April 23rd, 2010
The past few days I’ve been working on the LV wiring. Mostly cleanup, re-routing wires. I spent about an hour today moving wires from one side of a box to the other so they could be routed into my new box. So in summary it’s progress but you wouldn’t know it to look.
Getting closer though.
Tags: wiring
Posted in doing | Comments Off on Nothing to See Here
April 3rd, 2010
Got a lot done today, focusing on the rear of the car. The regulator octobox is cleaned up and I have the rest of the bolts and nuts needed for it. It is bolted to the car and ready for the regulators to be inserted.
The wooden battery cover was cut, routed and installed on hinges. I have a slight clearance issue with a battery post but I think I can work around that with shorter bolts on the hinge or rotating the battery if need be.
Last thing to do is route the AC from the gas cap to the charger and the DC from the charger to the battery pack Anderson connection. Once those are done the rear batteries can be reinstalled and wired up.
The front HV box will be ready to install after I mount the DC converter to its side. Then the Raptor can go back in followed by a cleanup of the LV wiring (vacuum pump primarily) and we’re ready for another road test.
I have an idea for the wooden cover. I’d like to stain it somewhat dark then have the Trans Amped logo printed across it, possibly with some stats on the car as well. I’ll probably focus on the logo to keep it clean.
This is the Trans Amped logo that my wife and brother had made for my birthday. The + and - are nicely incorporated into the traditional Firebird look.
Drilling holes for the
Mounted
Wooden cover installed.
Conflict with hinge and battery post
Tags: battery, regulators, wiring
Posted in doing | Comments Off on Big Progress Day
April 2nd, 2010
Posted in Blog | Comments Off on Front HV Box
March 23rd, 2010
Tags: battery, regulators, wiring
Posted in doing | Comments Off on Battery Regulator Wiring