Unlike typical electric vehicle conversions that use refurbished Tesla drivetrains, this particular conversion relies solely on after-market components.
- An early 1990s Ford Mustang Foxbody had its engine replaced with an electric motor while retaining its original five-speed manual.
- It's now over twice as powerful as it originally was and, unlike many EV swaps, it's actually a bit lighter too.
- For this electric vehicle conversion, only brand-new after-market components were utilized, hence there isn’t a refurbished Tesla engine beneath its hood.
Modifying vintage automobiles to operate on electric power is a sensitive subject among traditionalists who prefer maintaining these vehicles' original state with their internal combustion engines untouched. However, although you might disagree with every conversion of classic cars into electric models, certain transformations prove to be more practical than others, as seen in this early example. 1990s Fox-body Ford Mustang might be one of them.
The term denotes the third-generation Mustang constructed using what’s known as the "Fox platform." This chassis supported over a dozen rear-wheel-drive vehicles from Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury. The Mustang launched in 1978 and stayed in production up till 1993. It significantly outpaced its smaller, less powerful predecessor of the second generation in terms of popularity.
However, similar to many performance vehicles from that time period, it would not meet contemporary speed standards. Without either the 5.0-liter V8 or the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in your Fox Mustang, achieving a 0-to-60 mph acceleration typically took more than 10 seconds. Even so, the V8 took approximately 7.5 seconds to accelerate the car to 60 mph, but this decreased to about six seconds after the introduction of electronic fuel injection increased the engine's power to 225 horsepower.
Perhaps that's why the fact that the low-mileage, single-owner Mustang was electrified by FuelTech in Georgia doesn't seem like such a major issue.
The main aspects of this specific transformation are highlighted in a video posted by The Racing Channel The original manual transmission, something you wouldn't typically find in an electric vehicle, nonetheless enhances the driving experience without adding extra weight compared to the standard model.
Even though in an EV conversion When you remove the bulky engine, you typically add more weight due to battery packs, making the vehicle heavier overall. However, this particular conversion ends up being about 50 pounds lighter compared to the standard model, which is quite remarkable. Equipped with 500 horsepower and over 700 pound-feet of torque, it ought to deliver performance akin to a spacecraft.
The current transmission might not withstand all that torque since it wasn’t built for such power, yet the creators intend to maintain a manual setup. Therefore, they’ll most likely install a fresh gearbox once this one inevitably gives out.
The weight distribution across the two axles remained balanced by dividing the battery pack evenly: roughly half of it was positioned beneath the hood, in front near the drivetrain and electronic components, with the remaining portion placed at the rear.
During their drive, the most peculiar aspect of operating the vehicle involves changing gears. The process mirrors what you'd experience with a conventional internal combustion engine car, complete with audible changes in the motor's revolutions per minute and subtle vibrations from the clutch engagement during gear shifts. Personally, were I behind the wheel, I might rely heavily on the clutch simply due to how responsive it feels. This genuine interaction surpasses systems found in certain vehicles that simulate manual transmissions and engine sounds artificially.
While EVs don’t need a manual transmission since they have a lot of torque from virtually zero RPM, having one with cogs that you can swap is more engaging for a keen driver. When you don’t want to go through the gears, you can simply leave it in second or third, as it has more than enough torque to get the car off the line without you having to start in first.
The best part is that you don’t have to press the clutch to disengage the motor from the transmission since an electric motor’s rpm drops to zero when you stop. We say there’s definitely a future for conversions like this one, especially since this is the easiest way to do one since you get to keep the original transmission, prop shaft, differential, axles and all the standard suspension components.
Would you transform an antique piece to operate on electric power like this one? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
More EV-Swapped Classics
- The Initial Mazda Miata Functions Well When Converted Into an Electric Vehicle
- EV-Converted 1928 Ford Model A Pickup: The Prohibition Era Electric Vehicle
- This Tesla Plaid-Driven Cobra Accelerates Ridiculously Fast
- Audi's Electric Revamp of the A2 Seems Even Smarter Upon Closer Inspection
- Transforming This Mercury Comet Wagon Into an Electric Vehicle Should Cost Less Than $4,000
- A Timeless Jeep EV Transformation Makes for an Ideal Father-Son Project. It’s Also Inexpensive.
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