In contrast to typical electric vehicle conversions that use refurbished Tesla drivetrains, this particular conversion relies entirely on after-market components.
- In the early 1990s, a Ford Mustang Foxbody underwent an upgrade where its engine was swapped out for an electric motor but kept its original five-speed manual transmission intact.
- It has become more than double the power it initially had, and unlike most electric vehicle conversions, this one is also slightly lighter.
- This electric vehicle conversion utilized entirely 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 these vehicles’ original condition with their internal combustion engines untouched. However, even though you might not endorse every conversion of classic cars into electrics, certain transformations prove to be more sensible compared to others, as seen in this instance.
1990s Fox-body Ford Mustang
might be one of them.
The name signifies the third-generation Mustang constructed using what’s known as the “Fox platform.” This architecture 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 and less powerful predecessor—the second generation—it enjoyed significantly greater popularity.
However, similar to many performance cars of 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
required 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 output to 225 horsepower.
This might be why the low-mileage, single-owner Mustang being electrified by FuelTech in Georgia doesn’t seem like such a significant event.
The main aspects of this specific transformation are highlighted in a video posted by
The Racing Channel
The car comes with the original manual transmission, which you wouldn’t need in an electric vehicle, yet it 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 so many batteries that the vehicle ends up being heavier than before. 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 hold up under such high torque since it wasn’t built for that kind of power, yet the constructors aim to maintain a manual setup. Thus, 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 (with an undisclosed capacity). Approximately half of it is positioned beneath the hood, surrounding the drivetrain, inverter, and various electronic components, with the remaining portion located at the rear.
During their drives, 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 electric motor’s revolutions per minute and subtle vibrations from the clutch engagement during gear shifts. If I were at the wheel, I might employ the clutch more frequently simply due to the tactile feedback it offers. This approach likely surpasses systems that simulate manual transmissions and ICE sounds found in certain models.
While EVs don’t need
a manual transmission
Since these engines provide substantial torque almost instantly at very low revolutions, 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 notably straightforward—it allows you to retain the original transmission, driveshaft, differential, axles, and all conventional suspension parts.
Would you transform an antique item to function with electric power like this one? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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 Is Ridiculously Fast
- Audi’s Electric Revamp of the A2 Proves to Be Smarter Than Expected
- Transforming This Mercury Comet Wagon Into an Electric Vehicle Should Cost Less Than $4,000
- A Classic Jeep EV Conversion Is The Best Father-Son Project. Cheap, Too
