Hi everyone. I have a 1989 Rover Mini 998 that I want to convert to electric. I have seen a thread on here talking about different companies that are offering in-house conversions, but I want to try to tackle it myself. I'm looking at using something like a HyPer9 motor and several Tesla battery packs. My question really regards the transmission. I have a 4 speed manual that I was thinking about leaving in place, building a plate for the top of the transmission to seal it back off, then mounting the electric motor to the top of the transmission. This way I would still have the classic feel of the 4 speed manual with the uniqueness of the electric drive. It would also make it much simpler to convert since I wouldn't have to worry about mating the electric drivetrain to the differential or driveshafts. Does anyone here know if keeping my transmission is feasible? For instance, does the transmission need the oil pressure that the engine provides? I know the engine needs the pressure to pump oil up to the head and the like, but would the transmission be fine with no oil pressure, i.e. does it need pressure to work the syncros? Or, by your estimation, would I be better off getting a gearbox designed for electric engines? This would most likely be a single-speed gearbox. Any input is appreciated.

 

Check out McGees Classic Minis FB page. They're doing the testing stages of their EV Classic Mini that has a Honda 5 speed. So it looks like it can be done.

 

Both places I researched to do a conversion on mine (Moment Motors and McGees Minis) kept the original transmission.

 

What kind of range are the converters achieving?

 

That is the $64,000 question, for sure! I'm still waiting for McGees to post data on their prototype's range. Moment Motors was quoting +/- 150 miles, depending on driving style, ambient temp, and the other standard variables.

 

I have a 1971 SAAB model 96 with a bad trans. Thinking