Repair-It

I am having more bad ideas about my 3...


I did some research and it looks like the Mazda3 and Volvo S40 share suspensions.
The S40 is available in AWD.

Does this mean I could swap the rear from the AWD S40, along with the AWD gas tank, and now have the ability to drive the rear wheels?

If so, this could open up some options.
(None of these will be cheap)

AWD via some totally different setup, like the MazdaSpeed6 270 HP motor/Trans/Transfer
LS swap, but the trans probably wouldn't fit and the Volvo rear probably can't handle that power.
Electric drive rear via electric motor. I would lose the trunk essentially, and would have to see if there would be room under the car for the electric motor.
The Volvo has something like 240 HP with 320 ft.-lbs. I am not sure what percentage goes to the rear, or if this drive train is available in AWD.

I know somebody will say it - Or just sell the 3 and buy a MazdaSpeed6 dumbass!!!

What is the fun in that though?!

Electric is probably out. Although I think t would be cool, being a EE, I don't think I could do it for less than 10K just in Electric parts - Batteries, Motor, Controller etc.

Plus, this is all added weight because I would keep all of the FWD drivetrain so that I would have heat, AC, power steering and braking etc.

I would have used the electric setup as a power boost to the current setup.

2009 Mazda3, Curb weight - 2,795 to 2,998 lbs

The electric motor is 233 lbs.
http://www.evsource.com/tls_warp11HV.php

This motor would add 320 ft.-lbs. at 1000A

So, that is a lot of current.
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Here are the Li Ion batteries
http://www.evsource.com/tls_lithium_calb.php

I would need 10 in parallel to get 1000Ah
so great I can kick it on for an hour...


These are only 3.2 Volts so I would need 53 in series. Each one is 7.5 lbs. and $138.
TransWarp 11 is 170 V max.

I would need 53 in series to get that voltage (170), so I would need 53*10, 530 batteries. so that is 73K

Obviously you would not be full throttle for an hour straight so this is not accurate but just the setup for 53 in series and 2 of those in parallel for range would be: $14,628.

That isn't happening. I could go deep cycle, but that is really heavy.

Deep Cycle Option:

12 V so need 14 in series:
http://www.sears.com/diehard-marine-dee ... ockType=G4

$125 is price with swap. So I am guessing $150?
57 lbs.


$2100, $4200 if I did a second set in parallel for range.
Adding 800 to 1600 lbs.

I am definitely not doing this.


Also, car batteries last a few years, then buy this all over again - NOPE!!!

Well that was a fun excursion.