Spitfire Project

[Ralph Goodwin <rgoodwin@ipass.net>]

I corresponded with a number of you on specific details for this
project, would welcome any comments on the project overall or any
specifics.

I'm providing a vehicle and resources necessary for a local high school
to convert my 1980 Triumph Spitfire to electric.  The vehicle will be
used primarily for autocross competition.  Of course everyone wants
range, but its not the high priority.  Acceleration, handling and
barking are more important.  We also need to keep the vehicle below the
manufacturer's GVW of 2392 lbs.  Removing the ICE, radiator, and gas
tank leaves us with a 1380 lb. rolling chassis.

Before I knew how much the car weighed without the motor I was thinking
about using 26Ah Hawkers.  Had even thought about two strings of 156
volt.  That would have been about 560 pounds of batteries.  I've had
several people express concern about charging multiple strings of these
batteries and now am wondering if I wouldn't be better to go with the
42Ah batteries and have only one string.  Batteries would then weigh 428
pounds.  Probably cut down on the range, but make it easier to charge.
Several people asked why the Hawkers?  Mainly size.  They should be
easier to place in this little car.

Based on advice provided I'm considering either a Zivan NG3 or NG5
charger and a Zivan "Smoother".  I really want to make sure that I have
the right charger for these batteries consiering their need for proper
charging.

For a motor the ADC 9" setup using a clutch.  The planned controller is
the 1200 amp Raptor.  I thought about the T-Rex and higher voltage but
can only spend so much!

Again, what I'm hoping for is a conversion that comes in under the 2392
GVW, is responsive enough to be competitive, and setup properly so I
don't have to replace the batteries this time next year.

I'm far from an engineer, so if you can suggest specific changes instead
of theory it will really help!

Thanks!