openinverter forum

I would like to convert a 2004 Subaru Baja awd Turbo 5spd manual to electric using Nissan Leaf components. The turbo motor output 210hp and 235 torque.

I have been collecting stuff over the years. Most stuff I just came across and picked up at very low costs.


I have a three leaf motors. 2012 , 2015 and a 2017.

The 2017 is a complete car and will move. but totalled. I should be able to use any drive train part I need. 40 kwh battery.

I have a 2015 motor and tranny.
I don't think I have the inverter.


The 2012 is a complete car and drives. But it only goes 33 miles. All cells are degraded equally.

I have a separate 24kwh leaf lizard pack that was a battery warranty replacement. Only about one year of use on it but at least 4 years old.

I have a 60kwh bolt battery. Along with motor and tranny and i think inverter. Not sure on year. Maybe the charger and a fluid heater

And I have all 9 modules from a rivian that had about 50 miles on it.
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And I have a 2008 prius inverter that may or may not he working.
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I have herd that the 2012 leaf motors were over built and could get more hp and torque then the other leaf motors if set up correctly
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I have limited knowledge of the vcu options. And don't know if I can use any battery pack I want or need to stick with leaf cells..


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Let me know what you think.
I did see you Subaru Brat conversion years ago on YouTube.

I think I got advice from the maker of openinvrter to just sell the 2012. "To difficult to work with.
And probably will want to keep the 2012 Leaf as a running car.
And if the 2012 motor is more desirable because of being over built with stronger rare earth magnets. I could try to find one of those.


I am not in need of maximum hp and torque.
But if I can get more with one component. Change. I might be up for it. I probably don't want to go beyond the 210hp and 235 torque of the original engine. I don't want to blow up the tranny.

Simple, use the 2012 Leaf and replace its battery to 40kwh

Timf1981 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 09, 2025 12:05 am I would like to convert a 2004 Subaru Baja awd Turbo 5spd manual to electric using Nissan Leaf components. The turbo motor output 210hp and 235 torque.
....
I have a three leaf motors. 2012 , 2015 and a 2017.
....

I have a separate 24kwh leaf lizard pack that was a battery warranty replacement. Only about one year of use on it but at least 4 years old.

I have a 60kwh bolt battery. Along with motor and tranny and i think inverter. Not sure on year. Maybe the charger and a fluid heater

..............
I have herd that the 2012 leaf motors were over built and could get more hp and torque then the other leaf motors if set up correctly
.............
I have limited knowledge of the vcu options. And don't know if I can use any battery pack I want or need to stick with leaf cells..
................
......

Nissan Leaf EM61 motor is a bit overengineered since it was first out. Some torque more at the front of RPM but it makes more losses at high end of RPM. Resolver between both types is the same signalwise. Both inverter types have the same performance.
If you want quick conversion your best bet would be to use EM57 motor and inverter and use Zombieverter. That is the best documented conversion i think...

For battery you can use Bolt pack and Leaf BMS... not sure about Rivian...