Modding the PHEV

[mrqz]

Hi there, very nice - I also used to have a LiFePo4 battery (think of some 2kgs) in my Saab, but that car was sitting for longer periods and due to this...or possibly for some other reason - it only lasted 3 years before dying over a complete charge (think of smoke, some loud pops and quite some black yuck coming out).
Apart from that the battery itself is quite pricey (one could buy 6-8 regular lead batteries of the price) I'd not be tempted to put one of these in my PHEV as it could do nasty things to the even much more expensive PHEV's chitterlings as well. I'm primarily concerned about the mismatch of the charging current between the lead battery and the (much less Ah-rated) lifepo4 battery...

Apart from that - do you have a carbon fiber bonnet for that matter? Or only foil on there?

[Bugalydosh]

Hi there, very nice - I also used to have a LiFePo4 battery (think of some 2kgs) in my Saab, but that car was sitting for longer periods and due to this...or possibly for some other reason - it only lasted 3 years before dying over a complete charge (think of smoke, some loud pops and quite some black yuck coming out).
Apart from that the battery itself is quite pricey (one could buy 6-8 regular lead batteries of the price) I'd not be tempted to put one of these in my PHEV as it could do nasty things to the even much more expensive PHEV's chitterlings as well. I'm primarily concerned about the mismatch of the charging current between the lead battery and the (much less Ah-rated) lifepo4 battery...

Apart from that - do you have a carbon fiber bonnet for that matter? Or only foil on there?

Carbon fiber bonnet, trunk, hard top, cannards, door panels, center console, etc.

[mrqz]

Carbon fiber bonnet, trunk, hard top, cannards, door panels, center console, etc.

WOOOW you must be having a very light MX5 then Congrats on that. I always dreamed of a CF hood but the idea of having it custom made by a workshop, was always ditched in the end. These workshops reportedly couldn't make them with the vacuuming method - one that would make weight loss significant. Alternatively I was offered a custom fibre glass hood to be made - still offering a great weight reduction over steel.

So, I guess your bonnet and body parts were available from a specialist's stock - being the Miata quite popular and having a strong fan base so these parts might be remunerative to produce... or?
Did you measure (or calculate) the weight in its current state? How big a difference it makes to the feel, the cornering ability and acceleration? It must be significant I reckon.

[Bugalydosh]

Happy to talk over PM, dont want to take the thread off topic.

I will say here on topic lighter weight = better fuel economy, better handling, better acceleration and faster stopping... Which is why I wish autoautomakers invested more in it (but at this point until consumers demand it we only have the aftermarket to count on).

I do think there would be a demand for aftermarket parts for this unique SUV and do hope someone starts developing or at least researching options.

[mrqz]

I do think there would be a demand for aftermarket parts for this unique SUV and do hope someone starts developing or at least researching options.

Agreed, and to think about the fact that the PHEV is out for the fifth model year, and the only real tuning option (well in the broader sense of the word) as yet is the lonely little PHEV Box, is a major upset for me. Much more niche cars used to have much more aftermarket/tuning options, but then it can be justified (more or less) with the uniqueness and relative novelty of the PHEV's technology.
The ICE engine is nothing new though - so at least there should already be many options, along with an upgraded exhaust system, so are the body parts (re carbon fibre hood), etc. We've already covered the question about the effectiveness of tuning the ICE in the PHEV - but I still think that little tweaks and optimizations here and there would have their obvious benefits on the whole.

[Scanman]

I feel that modding a PHEV may have unforseen consequences. I heard somewhere that the design was biased to providing extra soundproofing because of early complaints about hearing the engine 'thrashing' when running hard. This would include thicker windscreens, heavier hood, quiet air filter and exhaust. I'm sure there are other features too.
Just saying.

[mcalvert39]

Sorry everyone I completely forgot I started this topic but it has raised some attention.
Some good ideas being passed around there too.
My pennies worth:
Id like to go for the PHEV box but I think ill wait until its out of warranty first.
CF / FG body panels.... maybe but id prefer a full wide body style kit.
Lights.. . on the older PHEV they look quite good. Maybe a little overkill on one that already has HIDs and DRL'S fitted. So maybe another styling option there.
Stereo. . .apart from not being that compatible with android devices its ok I suppose. Id like to hear peoples opinion on the factory option sub, if its any good and if it can be retrofitted.
I think some fully blacked out window tints would look better. Im also starting to hate all the chrome . . I might look at getting it all body colour of black.

Wheels. . . Now this is where I think a big gain can be made. A change here makes a big difference to the way the any vehicle looks. The stud pattern isn't the most common though so options are limited. I need to find some decent wheel places and try some out.
Suspension. . . Id love to fit air. its just £££££

Matt.

[stevewa]

Has anyone seen options for larger-diameter anti-roll bars on the front and or rear? This vehicle has a lot of body lean in turns, I know it's probably setup with light-duty offroading in mind but I'd be willing to sacrifice some of that for a bit less lean.

[BCbackroader]

My experience with my new 2018 SEL seems to be the opposite of yours. Which year/model do you have?

I find the stock suspension to be overly stiff, with very little lean in corners, and not nearly enough compliance or travel for even light duty off roading. I'd like to see a trail version, with about 3" more lift and suspension travel, and 2 or 3" larger dia. tires (more sidewall for flex when aired down). The OEM springs and shocks are brutal on the typical washboard/potholed forest service road, forcing drastically reduced speed to reduce the pounding.

[stevewa]

My experience with my new 2018 SEL seems to be the opposite of yours. Which year/model do you have?

I find the stock suspension to be overly stiff, with very little lean in corners, and not nearly enough compliance or travel for even light duty off roading. I'd like to see a trail version, with about 3" more lift and suspension travel, and 2 or 3" larger dia. tires (more sidewall for flex when aired down). The OEM springs and shocks are brutal on the typical washboard/potholed forest service road, forcing drastically reduced speed to reduce the pounding.

It's an 2018 GT. Part of my problem is my daily driver is a Chevy Bolt and that thing handles like a slot car