Unlike typical electric vehicle conversions that use repurposed Tesla drivetrains, this particular conversion relies solely on after-market components.
- In the early 1990s, a Ford Mustang Foxbody had its engine swapped out 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.
- For this electric vehicle conversion, only brand-new after-market components were utilized, hence there isn’t a refurbished Tesla engine beneath its hood.
Modifying vintage automobiles to operate on electric power is a sensitive subject among traditionalists who prefer these vehicles to maintain their authentic internal combustion engines. However, although you might not endorse every conversion of classic cars into electrics, certain transformations prove to be more sensible than others, as seen in this early example.
1990s Fox-body Ford Mustang
might be one of them.
The designation pertains to 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 associated with this generation first appeared in 1978 and stayed in production up until 1993. It significantly surpassed the popularity of its predecessor—the smaller and less powerful second-generation model.
However, like many performance cars of that time, it would not meet contemporary speed standards. Without the 5.0-liter V8 or the 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo installed in your Fox Mustang, achieving 0 to 60 mph probably 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.
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 major issue.
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, something you wouldn’t need in an electric vehicle. However, 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 end up making the vehicle heavier by adding batteries. However, this particular conversion is about 50 pounds lighter than the standard model, which is quite remarkable. With 500 horsepower and more than 700 pound-feet of torque, it ought to accelerate as swiftly as a spacecraft.
The current transmission might not survive under such high torque since it wasn’t built for that kind of power, yet the constructors intend to maintain a manual setup. Thus, they’ll most likely replace it with a new gearbox once it inevitably gives out.
The weight distribution across the two axles was maintained evenly by dividing the battery pack (with an undisclosed capacity). 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 drives, the most peculiar aspect of operating this vehicle involves changing gears. The process mirrors what one would experience with a conventional internal combustion engine car, complete with audible changes in the motor’s revolutions per minute and subtle vibrations from the clutch engagement. Personally, were I behind the wheel, I might rely heavily on the clutch simply due to the tactile feedback available. This feature likely surpasses systems found in certain vehicles that simulate gear shifts and engine sounds artificially.
While EVs don’t need
a manual transmission
since they have a lot of torque from virtually zero RPM, having one with cogs that you can swap is more engaging for a keen driver. When you don’t want to go through the gears, you can simply leave it in second or third, as it has more than enough torque to get the car off the line without you having to start in first.
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 allows you to retain the original transmission, driveshaft, differential, axles, and all standard suspension parts, making it the simplest method of conversion available.
Would you transform an antique piece to operate on electric power like this one? Share your thoughts in the comments.
More EV-Swapped Classics
- The Initial Mazda Miata Functions Well as 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 More Sensible Than Expected
- 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 Very Affordable.