Vehicle Owner

Member ID: PatricioIN

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Vehicle Info

1998 Ford ZX2

Bragging Rights

  • 1/4 Mile0 sec @ -1 mph
  • 0-600sec
  • Top Speed-1mph
  • HP-1
  • Weight-1lbs

Major Upgrades

  • turbo
  • nitrous
  • bore increase
  • port and polish
  • supercharger
  • extrude honed
  • stroke increase
  • engine swap

Ratings

    • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.

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Last updated: Oct 09, 2009

Hits: 404,011

Patrick’s Ford ZX2
“ZX2 EV project”

  • Currently 3.8136363636363 /5 Stars.
59 guestbook comments

 

9 - OHMer

 

post conversion

 

PatricioIN's 1998 Ford ZX2  PatricioIN's 1998 Ford ZX2

 

I will update this site from time to time with current information about my conversion.  It's July 19th, 2009, and I have now driven OHMer for almost 2,000 EV miles.  I tend to drive 20-35 miles each day, and so far I like it very much.  The furthest I've driven on a single charge has been just over 45 miles.  Range is greatly impacted by driving style much like mpg is in an ICE.  If I need to take a trip that is close to my range limit, then I drive very conservatively.  The acceleration is right at what I planned for - not earth moving, but it keeps up with traffic just fine.  It is a very nice, oil-free commuter car for day to day errands and pleasure.  I rarely need it for highway driving, but I wanted it to be capable of freeway speeds when I do.  OHMer has reached a speed of 70mph on the highway and could probably do more, but that wouldn't be legal!  

 

A couple of other notes:  In the first test drive video, you'll notice I was hearing a knocking sound while starting in 2nd gear.  This was a slight misalignment in the passenger 1/2 shaft and has been resolved.  The car is very smooth to drive now, even if starting in second.  I tend to use first and second for in-city driving and third for anything over 40.  The heater and EV meters work fine.  The power steering and all my OEM options work great.  I feel terrific being able to drive silently about not using any gasoline or adding any pollutants to our air.

 

 

PatricioIN's 1998 Ford ZX2  PatricioIN's 1998 Ford ZX2

 

All the final details have been completed.  I installed a belly shield under the motor bay to help with aerodynamics and keep out road debris.  The rear springs were changed out with custom ones to hold the extra weight.  The trunk has been finished off, and still retains most of its original carrying capacity.

 

PatricioIN's 1998 Ford ZX2  PatricioIN's 1998 Ford ZX2

PatricioIN's 1998 Ford ZX2  PatricioIN's 1998 Ford ZX2

PatricioIN's 1998 Ford ZX2  PatricioIN's 1998 Ford ZX2

PatricioIN's 1998 Ford ZX2

 

 

 

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Displaying entries 1-5 of 59

opinaca  

Posted by: opinaca

06/27/2009 07:48AM

I'm working as an Automation technologist, and i'm truly amazed at the work you've done so far. Two thumbs up ! Your work should inspire many people ! Keep on the good work !

xliltwigboyx  

Posted by: xliltwigboyx

06/15/2009 10:28PM

This car is truly amazing. I have seen electric cars like this but you took the time to go through the steps. I really wish I could afford to do a car like this some day. I really hope this makes you feel good coming from a 18 year old. All I can say is keep on going!!!

j2870  

Posted by: j2870

06/10/2009 11:27PM

What did you end up fabricating as far as the tachometer?

secondskinmiami  

Posted by: secondskinmiami

06/09/2009 07:25PM

Well done Patrick! I think you are on the crest of a rising trend, basically recycling older cars to be fossil fuel free. Eventually, the aftermarket will respond with cheaper, more powerful batteries and quicker "dump" chargers to extend range. But it's going to take the efforts of a lot of enthusiasts like yourself before the technology becomes affordable. Thanks for your contribution to a cleaner more peaceful world.

PatricioIN  

Posted by: PatricioIN

06/09/2009 07:05PM

To answer a couple of questions: Lettering came from: http://chromeemblems.com/ I chose lead acid batteries because they were the best option for the money I had to spend on batteries.

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Vehicle Owner

Member ID: PatricioIN

Location: Indianapolis, IN