'63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered. [WIP]
This is my new project. Finally wrapping up the '70 MGB Roadster - 2015 Leaf EM57 powered and we learned a lot!
So far just collecting parts.
● A new wire harness is on the way.
● We have the full stack Leaf EM57 motor already.
I am not sure it will fit but I am pretty sure that the Inverter and motor will.
● We just ordered a KIA EV6 / HYUNDAI Ioniq 5 EV 77KWH 800v battery.
New w/0 miles Came from cars damaged in transit.
We plan to drop the voltage in half placing half the 32 modules in parallel.
● Battery Storage
Under the bed where the gas tank is & under the rear bench seat. That is our working theory anyway.
● We plan on using the Brat VW adapter between the EM57 and the transmission.
● VW bus status.
Body panels that were rusted were replaced 5-10 years ago followed by a poor paint job.
Paint and body putty needs to be removed.
We are planning on stripping it (bead blasting) inside and out then sanding it and primed.
Followed by a new paint job before starting on the conversion.
● Questions:
1. Has anyone hacked the BMS for this battery pack?
2. Any recommendations for a VCU?
3. How about Gauges? Any ideas there?
Speedometer should still work off the transmission.
I would like an indicator for the battery condition like a fuel guage.
Love to hear your ideas and thoughts.
'63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.
- jerrykco
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Re: '63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.
Now for some Pictures:
Rescuing the Transporter: The Battery The EM57
Rescuing the Transporter: The Battery The EM57
Jerry Kauffman
jerryk48 at gmail dot com
jerryk48 at gmail dot com
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Re: '63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.
jerrykco wrote: ↑Sun Mar 16, 2025 1:27 pm .
● Questions:
1. Has anyone hacked the BMS for this battery pack?
2. Any recommendations for a VCU?
3. How about Gauges? Any ideas there?
Speedometer should still work off the transmission.
I would like an indicator for the battery condition like a fuel guage.
Love to hear your ideas and thoughts.
I am using the a leaf motor and half of one of these batteries.
Zombieverter for the stack
The bms uses a max MAX17845 chipset
Threads: viewtopic.php?t=1179
viewtopic.php?t=2243
Commercial bms master:
https://wdrautomatisering.nl/shop/gatew ... 1-gateway/
https://bratindustries.net/ leaf motor couplers, adapter plates, custom drive train components
- jerrykco
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Re: '63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.
What are you using for the BMS?
Are you cooling the batteries? (I read some concerns in the topics you shared).
Jerry Kauffman
jerryk48 at gmail dot com
jerryk48 at gmail dot com
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Re: '63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.
I don’t have the battery assembled yet, but for now mounting them on a 8mm aluminum plate, which I will replace with a liquid cooling plate later on.
The stock bms slaves and the parts referenced in the threads. Likely will purchase the bms master I linked.
I will be updating my 720 build thread in a few weeks with battery progress
https://bratindustries.net/ leaf motor couplers, adapter plates, custom drive train components
- ianlighting
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Re: '63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.
Hurrah! Another VW!
Seen my T2 build? There’s photos I’ve put up over the last 2 days that give you some pointers on how you can arrange the Leaf stack. Mine’s a 74, so I’m guessing I’ve got a bit more space to play with.
The engine bay had plenty of space in terms of volume, but it was really hard to find a way to use it to home all the Leaf stuff. What I came up with is the only solution that worked for me. Separated the PDM, and rotated it 90deg so it could sit slightly lower in the fuel tank space. It’s tight though, and the design on your earlier model could be different if you’re unlucky. Be interesting to see if you find another way to do it.
Also, the later T2’s had an engine inspection hatch. This has really been invaluable for me. Mounting the motor is ok, Brat adaptors are good, but for all the other wiring and coolant stuff I think i would have found it impossible without being able to look down on it and get my hands in.
viewtopic.php?t=4943&start=100
For a different take on things check out Cera’s build on her T2. Using motor direct to axle. More complex to support, but gives you more space to play with I think.
Good luck!
Seen my T2 build? There’s photos I’ve put up over the last 2 days that give you some pointers on how you can arrange the Leaf stack. Mine’s a 74, so I’m guessing I’ve got a bit more space to play with.
The engine bay had plenty of space in terms of volume, but it was really hard to find a way to use it to home all the Leaf stuff. What I came up with is the only solution that worked for me. Separated the PDM, and rotated it 90deg so it could sit slightly lower in the fuel tank space. It’s tight though, and the design on your earlier model could be different if you’re unlucky. Be interesting to see if you find another way to do it.
Also, the later T2’s had an engine inspection hatch. This has really been invaluable for me. Mounting the motor is ok, Brat adaptors are good, but for all the other wiring and coolant stuff I think i would have found it impossible without being able to look down on it and get my hands in.
viewtopic.php?t=4943&start=100
For a different take on things check out Cera’s build on her T2. Using motor direct to axle. More complex to support, but gives you more space to play with I think.
Good luck!
- jerrykco
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Re: '63 VW Transporter - EM57 Powered.
Checking them out, now!ianlighting wrote: ↑Sun Mar 16, 2025 4:13 pm Seen my T2 build? There’s photos I’ve put up over the last 2 days that give you some pointers on how you can arrange the Leaf stack. Mine’s a 74, so I’m guessing I’ve got a bit more space to play with.
Jerry Kauffman
jerryk48 at gmail dot com
jerryk48 at gmail dot com