Howdy from the desert SW!

[mjensen2k]

Hey everyone! I'm a car enthusiast, an electrical engineer/software engineer and have loved the XLR from the beginning. I'd not been in a position to own one, but am potentially scheming up an idea and thought this would be a great place to get feedback.

This might be sacrilege, but as I said I'm am electrical engineer and have been looking for an EV project. I have looked at a number of options, but I'm very intrigued by the idea of converting an XLR!

Drop the front and rear subframe/assemblies and the drive train of course. The track is 62.2", exactly the same as a Tesla model 3. Perhaps I can marry the two by adapting the mounts?

XLR style, interior, hardtop convertible with a high performance model 3 rear motor putting out 536hp and 445 lb-ft of torque. I'd have that structured center tunnel for batteries and wiring/cooling routing. I'd have room for controls/batteries in the big Northstar space as well as wherever else I can find. I'm chatting with a battery supplier about custom battery packs to fit into the spaces as efficiently as possible. Targeting 90+ kWh of storage and enough juice to fully use all that hp.

The controls will be a mess, I'm sure, but my electrical controls experience should help here.

What do you think about the idea of an e-XLR? or XLR-e?

Mike

 

[Rob]

Welcome to the XLR Net Mike!

 

[robert.ogden2009]

Sounds great to me! Lots of work, but would definitely be one-of-a-kind.

 

[WDUTERTRE]

Let me know how that works outs sound great but a lot of time to be invested. But you will love the XLR.

 

[mickeytee]

5 years ago you could find XLR that needed an engine as used ones were scarce and brough big bucks . now you can get a good low mileage motor for under a grand. The engine ,transmission and rear are the most reliable items on the car. replace them with electric and you have not fixed the major problems the car has. I have 20-30 thin client computers that I will give you if you can write either the suspension program or the top program to them .they are small enough and dedicated so they would be a great replacement.

 

[mjensen2k]

Not sure I understand about the thin client computers. I have written in many languages and at the lowest of levels. Coupled with my control system experience, I can do a lot, but don't know what I don't know yet.

You did mention suspension as a problem. My naïve thoughts are as follows:

Dropping the front and rear subassemblies/frames takes out the following:
Motor, transmission, front and rear ends, including axels, brakes, suspension differential, etc. *poof* one problem gone - haha

The stock track is the same width at a Tesla model 3. If I can adapt the subframe/cradle mounts, then it'd have a whole different suspension, drive train, etc.

That doesn't address the top of course!

I'm just not interested in an ICE right now. I'm looking for a great ride to make electric.

 

[mickeytee]

thin clients are small fully contained computers that can be programmed to operate machinery or games or many things . replacing it with a complete subframe would be the easy part. They are about the same size as the suspension module in the car now. Not sure what ICE means . I do know you will have trouble finding room to put a whole lot of batteries in the car. Dropping a unit out and another in is not the hard part .I would just buy a GM electric motor and install it like ford did with the pickup at sema. very cool truck

SEMA 2021: Ford Introduces 'Eluminator' Electric Crate Motor

 

[mjensen2k]

Thanks Mickey. I'm familiar with the boxes, but didn't understand where you intended to use them, but do now, thanks. That truck was very cool indeed!

ICE = Internal Combustion Engine

In example of why I'd do it this way, the hard way: Instead of buying a 3d printer with all the bells and whistles I bought a used broken one with 'good bones' and pulled it apart, upgraded parts including a completely new control board, fixed things and created new parts. it's a bit of a Frankenstein now but runs awesome and I know it inside and out.

Another, Instead of buying an expensive premade RC car, I bought a floor pan and selected every component and built it from scratch. It also runs great and I know it inside and out. Now I've begun writing controller software on my Raspberry Pi to control the 4wd and steering. Coupled with the sensors I'm installing will become whatever I want it to be.

Haha, I'm a gluten for punishment!

 

[mickeytee]

got you .well you get the parts and I will come out and make them fit. I am a sort of make it fit but not always make it run guy. I have not kept up with all the electronics on newer cars . I like the fabrication aspect myself. Give me a call sometimes. I sent my phone per PM.

 

[mjensen2k]

Thanks!

 

[mjensen2k]

So life has thrown me quite the curve ball!

I accepted an offer on the East Coast so am now located in Virginia. However it's a condo without anyplace (or time?) To work on an electrified XLR, so this is going on indefinite hold...

 

[mickeytee]

oh ok. well do you have a car to sell or parts?

 

[mjensen2k]

Nope, just planning!

 

[redvett94]

The XLR has no subframe it has a full hydroformed frame.

 

[mickeytee]

i think you will find that many people including >GM call the suspension crossmembers subframes and the xlr has 2

 

[redvett94]

Better look at the C5-6-7 & XLR they all have a frame, a sub frame is used on a unibody such as the C4 Corvette and all FWD vehicles including all years of the Camaro.

 

[mickeytee]

Man I have been doing collision work for 40 years. I know what a subframe is. I know how the frame on the vette is made and I have replaced partial rails and front and rear crossmembers over 50 times . I am GM certified for that operation along with Icar.I do know what a SUBFRAME is. Gm calls the suspension crossmember a subframe on many units not just unibody models .The orignal camaro had a SUBFRAME which was a half frame half unibody. referring to the suspension crossmembers as a subframe it totally in agreement with ICar , and other collision sources .The crossmember is a part of the structural integrity of the car . Unlike the upper smc inner aprons which are non structural. here are just 12 people i n the business that agree with me.

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[redvett94]

Retired after 40 years from GM Engineering and worked on 1968, 1984 Corvette prototypes, we never called a crossmember a subframe.

 

[mickeytee]

well thank you for your service and welcome to 2022 where 99% of the people do call it that and totally understand what you are talking about.
new defintiton

Summary:

• The subframe is a component in your vehicle's chassis.
• This component is a separate structure within a significantly larger monocoque or body-on-frame shell where the engine, drivetrain, suspension, and steering components are housed.
• A subframe has three basic forms, all of which have varying functions.

I think body on shell would describe the XLR as it is bonded rather than bolted one.

people call it soda, pop, cola, coke, soft drink , most understand what you are talking about

 

[Grocery-Gtr]

Dang!!!!!! Welcome and good luck with the project...