I haven't had AC in this Suburban for about 5 years, so that isn't an issue. Though I hadn't thought about the power steering yet. I did run low on power steering fluid before where the pump whined like crazy and it felt like manual steering. That won't be fun or else I'll end up with Popeye arms. Thanks for the 2014 electric steering suggestion. Although, now you've got me wondering, maybe I should just fine a wrecked Via, steal its drivetrain, and use the bigger volt battery for longer range. I haven't even checked whether the voltages will work out or not. Plus I've already got the wrecked volt, there's no turning back now.llninja as per your PM here is some of the VIA motors data I have to support your project.
Given the fact you are using a Volt powertrain and TWO Volt battery packs (~32-33kWh) in comparison to the VIA 24kWh RESS I predict you should garner close to 55 miles AER!
The trick will be to encompass the Volt's HVAC and an electric power steering into your Suburban. If you can find a wrecked current generation Suburban (2014 or newer) it would have a 12V electric power assist system.
Good luck on the project and know that you can count on my support, where I can help
WopOnTour
This seems like it could be a great project, with enough coding skill and access to GM source code to sort it out. Sadly, I suspect we'll be hearing a different tune tomorrow...
I'm pulling for you to get those multiple drivetrains working...Yes, tomorrow I'll be at Church and won't be able to hit the garage until late afternoon after service and bible study. Lots of praying to figure out how to make this work. Given the vast amount of space under the hood, I'm wondering if I might be able to fit two voltec drivetrains under the hood, one to drive the front wheels, another to mate to the center driveshaft. Maybe a couple of U-joints so one can be on top of the other.
Pulling.... that's funny.I'm pulling for you to get those multiple drivetrains working...
Well, there's no way a Suburban, Tahoe, or blazer will match the track and wheelbase of the volt, but I wonder if I could take the skateboard of the model S.... hmmm.Others have done what you propose, if you want it reliable you want to keep everything as close to oem and basically skate board it having a Volt that still thinks it's a Volt.
Something like this is easiest
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/1946-chevy-prius-truck-34935.html
Body on skateboard if you measure and plan well "may" result in steering and more lining up.
Other helpful hints are that salvage ELRs were last I checked, were cheaper than salvage volts.
I would get the exact track and wheelbase for both volts and the ELR then compare to various years and makes of suburban, Tahoe s and blazers.
Sometimes you surprise yourself (Volt has the same wheelbase as a 1990 blazer)
Diyelectriccar and ecomodder have skilled shade tree mechs who can help with design
OEM might actually happen, diy your gonna want a FWD 5speed stick and a Nissan Leaf motor on the rear axle but things get complex fast.
Good luck and make a project on either ecomodder or diy depending on which method you choose, converting a suburban is electrically complex, making a Volt skateboard with a subframe and suburban body is mechanically complex.
I know which I would do.
Never know until you measure stuff up and find out what moves, what can be removed and what can be bypassed. A Volt skateboard might only work for the front tub but so what, subframe to the skateboard for the rear tub and gain hitching point.Well, there's no way a Suburban, Tahoe, or blazer will match the track and wheelbase of the volt, but I wonder if I could take the skateboard of the model S.... hmmm.
I forgot to mention the current Suburban is 2wd, not 4, so the ice in front only drives the rear wheels. I'd have to transplant an AWD version of the transmission/transaxle assembly to achieve what you propose. Plus mixing of an American and Japanese case seems blasphemous to me.You'd not need to use Voltec to achieve the same result.
Just stick a Leaf axle set in the rear. The original engine would then be the 'REX'. It can both drive the front axle AND can recharge the battery pack too whilst driving (if necessary).