Labrat Mike, you might want to take a look at this one. 2001 Honda Insight
Quote:
2001 Honda Insight - $2150 (Indianapolis)
Everything is in good or better running order with exception of transmission. 2150 or best offer ...
I don't know who this is, just passing on the link as it just popped up yesterday, since you said you wanted to swap out the transmission, you could do that and then sell the engine that he implies is 'good or better'. He leaves the details a bit murky, not sure which transmission, color, mileage, a/c, tires, etc. but I'd imagine most of the probably wouldn't matter much to you since you are pulling the entire powertrain anyway.
I was hoping to pay less than $4,000 (sorry, I use $k too much at work).
It would be nice if the mileage was not so high. I figure if the battery and/or engine was bad, then it doesn't have to be such high mileage to stay under $4k.
I know that some auto transmissions go south and there are no replacements. This would mean the vehicle could not be repaired.
Hopefully, someone out there knows of a vehilce for my project.
Most failures related to high mileage are caused by the major drivetrain components and their accesories. The engine with it's maintenence-heavy items such as spark plugs, water pump, pulleys, belts, hoses, sesors, coolant, large 12v auxillary battery, etc. are all gone. Since you are doing the conversion without using the original transmission, you had all of the wear-out issues from that gone as well. Since the Insight doesn't have a body or frame that will rust to the ground like other cars, mileage or year won't matter on that and without the components that commonly leave people digging under their hood, what are you looking to avoid replacing. All thats left are tires, brakes, and suspension components, which the suspension will likely need upgrading since it isn't designed to carry much over its standard weight and the tires and brakes could be shot on a car with just 60,000 miles if those items were never touched, so I wouldn't even consider those. Wheel bearings are something I'd probably take care of anyway since I'd have the whole car apart, although I don't hear much about their failure, or really any failure on the parts that you will have left behind when ditching the engine, transmission, and associated ICE accesories on these cars. I guess I don't know what the mileage was on the car, but what is it that you are worried will wear out on it? I'm sure the person selling it on craigslist is going to sell it for less than the asking price, hence the best offer part that is put in there and you are at less than half the price you are looking for and will more than likely replace anything you might have problems with for less than the difference.
I'm still confused as to exactly what the OP is after.. MN Driver hit the nail on the head with his last post.
Although that CVT equipped Insight for $2150 on CL has long since been sold (sale price: $1800 with 225k) it would have been an ideal candidate for this FEH swap. Failed CVT or not, it was definitely a nice find for the buyer.
Anyways Mike: I was impressed by your enthusiasm when I first saw this thread and I sent you a pm immediately after it was posted offering you a free Insight roller. Since it has been weeks and I still have no response, I guess that means you weren't interested. Don't worry, I'm not offended--most people wouldn't be too interested in something like this either.
This having been said, Fabio has 25+ Insights and a warehouse full of parts in Toledo. I think I can supply what you need. My email is pgthexenon@gmail.com
This is what I'm here for: to help other FE enthusiasts with their over-ambitious crack-head projects. I'd really love to see your idea of a FEH powered Insight manifested into reality. Let me know exactly what you're after and I will do what I can to help.
Last edited by Fabio; 03-19-2010 at 09:48 AM.
Reason: clarity
I'm like Fabio..........Totally confused, seems he wants the "best for the less".
I would like to see more EV adaptions but sometimes that are "thinkers rather than doers".
As a side note. If anybody wants used parts, Fabio is the man to see. I've gotten items from him and his prices are great. (even being shipped to Ca.)
LONG LIVE THE *INSIGHT.
Willie
__________________
01 5 speed. "Little Red Rocket"
The first "TURBOCHARGED" Hybrid, (01/2003)
296,000 mi. @ 58.0 LMPG
2007 Honda Fit, Red Sport AT
1998 Ford F-150, NASCAR "Limited Edition"
(3K made, possibly the prototype one)
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