I like the idea of some used/surplus parts... I will have to look into finding some used motors, and possibly controllers. Wonder if the forklift parts would work? I am guessing that they run on lower voltage that I plan to use.

What voltage do you plan to use?

I think I have a couple of 350 amp brushed controllers that are 24 volt.

They are made by Curtis Instruments. If you're interested, I can get you the model number and the spec sheet.

Definately... I wonder what they can handle?

I'll pm you tomorrow with the specs. I have to go to the shop and get the model number.

I do remember looking up features about them. Curtis makes a good line of controllers. IIRC, most of their models can be controlled with rotary or linear pots, or even pwm (such as a servo tester does or a receiver for that matter).

The sky is the limit. It all depends on how much money you wanna throw at it.

Here's their website:
http://www.curtisinstruments.com/

You have my e-mail, let me know what you're looking for and I'll try to help you the most I can.

Thanks James. I am all about doing this on the cheap... I can be quite inventive if necessary. I am wondering if I can run 2 motors together to double up on the power? I was planning to run 12 12v batteries in series for 144v... But I could do a 2p setup with half the voltage... Depends what is cheaper. I am sure the hv setup is better, especially considering the controller options.

you might find this interesting

White zombie electric car

Youtube video of white zombie

Definately! I just signed onto DIY electric forum. I now have alot of reading to do, kinda like when I got into bl r/c.

In the 6 months before I signed on this forum i read the entire thing, from the beginning. That was a job, and I still did not really understand till I had some experience.

That DIY electric car forum is boss!

I just was going to point you to a forklift motor sticky - http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums...good-7598.html

Jesus! Someone is putting a 200kw 700v ac induction motor in a brand new BMW! I wish I had the money! http://www.evdrive.com/BMW_project/ACmotor.html#Oct08

Hey Linc,

Ok, I have some updated information on the controllers I mentioned.

They are Curtis 24 - 36 volt brushed controllers and they are 350amp versions.

Both are Model 1187. Each one should be good for 12,600 watts of power.

Thanks Sike. I will have to look up them and see if they will work...

Great info.
 

I printed out that BMW project to do some deep reading. This thing looks very interesting for sure. I have not seen any mention of how much it all cost him though?? The project looked very clean and top notch for components used. If the price was reasonable it sould be well worth doing just to get rid of gasoline costs. From everything I read he really did his homework and got his setup dialed in. I would like to see some specs on testing to see just how well it works. At any rate with linc having a nice shop and time on his hands it should be a very doable project for him. Good luck with that pimp.

That BMW project looks awesome. Can't wait to see that completed.

On the BMW project I don't think the motor or the controller is made anymroe. You know what, the motor is made but very hard to get and from what it sounds like the only controller that works with it isn't made anymore.

Before anyone attemps a project like this make sure to do LOTS of research. I'm just doing an electric bike and I feel almost in over my head.

Ok, time to bounce some ideas off you guys! I have started a thread over on DIY, but I figured I would get some input here.

Seems like my best be is to get a small vehicle with a manual tranny. Use the clutch and tranny with a premade motor adapter, and use a forklift motor. I have asked over at DIY for a link to cheapest adapter available, cause that part alone can be a grand...

No I am guessing that a large DC motor controller is very similar to a brushed motor esc... I am almost thinking that I could make my own mech unit... Maybe I will not get that ambitious, but it must be pretty simple.

Any ideas or thoughts...