In contrast to most electric vehicle conversions that use repurposed Tesla drivetrains, this particular conversion solely utilizes after-market components.
- In the early 1990s, a Ford Mustang Foxbody had its engine swapped for an electric motor but kept its original five-speed manual transmission.
- It has become more than double the power it initially had, and unlike many electric vehicle conversions, this one is also slightly lighter.
- This electric vehicle conversion utilized solely new aftermarket components, hence there isn’t a refurbished Tesla engine beneath its bonnet.
Modifying vintage automobiles to operate on electric power is a sensitive subject among traditionalists, who prefer maintaining the authenticity of older vehicles with their original internal combustion engines. However, even though you might not endorse every conversion from gasoline to electric, certain transformations prove to be more sensible compared to others, as seen in these earlier examples.
1990s Fox-body Ford Mustang
might be one of them.
The name 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 in question first appeared in 1978 and stayed in production up until 1993. Compared to its smaller, less powerful predecessor—the second generation—it enjoyed significantly greater popularity.
However, similar to many performance cars from that time period, it would not measure up to contemporary standards for speed. 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 output to 225 horsepower.
Perhaps that’s why the fact that the low-mileage, single-owner Mustang was converted to electric power by FuelTech in Georgia doesn’t seem like such a significant issue.
The main aspects of this specific transformation are highlighted in a video posted by
The Racing Channel
The original manual transmission, which you wouldn’t need in an electric vehicle, nonetheless enhances the driving experience. Additionally, it doesn’t add any extra weight compared to the standard model.
Even though in an
EV conversion
When you remove the bulky engine, you typically end up making the vehicle heavier by incorporating batteries. However, this particular conversion is about 50 pounds lighter compared to the standard model, which is quite remarkable. With an output of 500 horsepower and more than 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, but the constructors intend to maintain a manual setup. Therefore, once this one inevitably breaks down, they’ll most likely replace it with a new transmission.
The weight distribution across the two axles was maintained evenly by dividing the battery pack (capacity unknown). Approximately half of it is positioned beneath the hood, near the drivetrain, inverter, and various electronic components, with the remaining portion located at the rear.
During their drive, the most peculiar aspect of operating the vehicle involves changing gears. The process mirrors what one would experience with a conventional internal combustion engine car, including hearing the motor’s revolutions per minute decrease along with the subtle vibration from the clutch engagement during gear shifts. If I were behind the wheel, I might find myself using the clutch more frequently simply due to the available option. This setup is potentially superior compared to vehicles equipped with artificial gearing systems and fake engine sounds used by certain automakers.
While EVs don’t need
a manual transmission
Since these vehicles offer substantial torque even at nearly idle speeds, owning one with interchangeable gears becomes particularly appealing for enthusiastic drivers. If you prefer not to shift frequently, you can keep it in second or third gear because there’s ample torque to launch the vehicle efficiently without needing to begin in first gear.
The most impressive aspect is that you don’t need to use the clutch to separate the motor from the transmission because the electric motor’s revolutions per minute drop to zero upon stopping. We believe there’s significant potential for such modifications, particularly as this approach is quite simple; it allows you to retain the original transmission, driveshaft, differential, axles, and all standard suspension parts.
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 Early 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 Insanely 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 Vintage Jeep Electric Conversion Makes for an Ideal Father-Son Project. It’s Also Inexpensive.
