My New Theme Song

Saturday, September 5, 2009 by EV Hacker

I've been sticking with project-specific posts so far, but thought this new They Might Be Giants video was too cute/optimistic/fun not to share. I hope you don't mind the diversion.

Adapter Parts Have Arrived

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 by EV Hacker

It look a bit longer than expected, but I just picked up the parts Revolt fabricated for me. This includes adapter plate, spacer, and hub. While they were at it, I had them do some work on the flywheel including removing the gear ring (it's there for the starter to spin the crankshaft - so not needed with an electric car) and the flywheel lightened and balanced. The stock flywheel came with an unexpected surprise: a built-in counterweight, which the shop had to remove. I presume this is needed to offset some sort of imbalance inherit to the eccentric shaft of rotary engines.



The next step is to test fit, then get on the ball with the sourcing the next major component: the controller.

Adapter Design Done

Monday, June 22, 2009 by EV Hacker

The design for the adapter is done. There are actually 3 components: The adapter plate, motor hub, and spacer ring.



The design's been sent off to the machinist. If all goes well, the parts will be here in 4 weeks.

Flywheel Removed

Sunday, May 24, 2009 by EV Hacker

I was finally able to remove the flywheel today. There's a big 54mm nut torqued down rather tightly holding the flywheel on the shaft. When I looked for a socket in the past, they were around $50 (!). Today, I found a 2-1/8" socket for $28 at Sears that should work. I'd purchased a cheap little Harbor Freight electric impact wrench years ago and figured I'd try using that to remove the nut (my back up plan was to borrow some air tools). I also bought a set of adapters that would allow me to use the 1/2" drive wrench with the socket, which takes a 3/4" drive.


The impact wrench is 12V, so I connected it to the battery in my Miata.



That's a huge socket, huh? The impact wrench worked surprisingly well. The nut was off within 2 minutes.



Here's the flywheel:



And here's the engine with the flywheel removed:



Now, the folks at Revolt can come over and take the remaining measurements needed to design the adapter plate.

Motor is Here

Monday, February 23, 2009 by EV Hacker

My friend, Umar, and I just picked up my motor from the freight dock. It's sitting in my living room for now, but having a major part of the conversion here means it's one step closer to completion.


Here's another view to give some idea of its size:


It's a bit over 15" in length (not counting the shaft), around 9.5" in diameter, and about 150 lbs.

µ-update: Motor

Monday, February 16, 2009 by EV Hacker

I just placed a winning bid on a 9" Advanced DC motor!