Rich Rebuilds Built a V8 Tesla | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Rich built a V8 Tesla to have full control over parts and service, providing a unique driving experience.

Key Insights

• 🥳 Tesla's restricted parts ordering motivated Rich to build the V8 Tesla.
• 🥳 The V8 Tesla enables access to standard auto parts for easier maintenance.
• ✊ The LS engine in the V8 Tesla offers reliability and potential for increased power output.
• 💇 Cutting the Tesla in half and fabricating structures were crucial for integrating the V8 engine.
• ❓ The V8 Tesla retains original dashboard functionality and offers a unique driving experience.
• 😨 Despite being slower, the V8 Tesla's novelty and customization appeal to car enthusiasts.
• 😨 Rich's commitment to keeping his built cars showcases memories and personal attachments.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How did Rich come up with the idea to build a V8 Tesla?

Rich decided to build a V8 Tesla due to Tesla's restrictions on ordering parts, leading him to seek full control over maintenance and repairs.

Q: How did the V8 engine interface with the Tesla dashboard?

The V8 engine operates in an "accessory mode" while the Tesla dashboard functions normally, allowing for standard dashboard features alongside the V8's power.

Q: How challenging was it to integrate the V8 engine into the Tesla's design?

It required cutting the car in half, installing the engine, building a transmission tunnel, and reinforcing the structure to ensure rigidity and safety.

Q: Why did Rich opt for an LS engine in the V8 Tesla?

The LS engine provides access to standard auto parts, ease of maintenance, and potential for further power upgrades, offering a unique driving experience.

Summary

In this video, Rich talks about his motivation to build a V8 Tesla. He explains how Tesla's restrictions on ordering parts made him feel like he didn't truly own the car. Rich wanted to have full control over his vehicle and make it easier to access parts and service. He decided to throw an LS engine into the Tesla to achieve this. The LS engine allows him to easily get parts from auto shops and have full control over the vehicle. He discusses how the V8 engine interfaces with the Tesla dashboard, the modifications made to the car, and the handling and performance of the V8 Tesla.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the motivation behind building the V8 Tesla?

The motivation stemmed from the restrictions Tesla placed on ordering parts, making Rich feel like he didn't truly own the car. He wanted full control over his vehicle and easier access to parts and service.

Q: How did Rich make the V8 engine interface with the Tesla dashboard?

The Tesla has an accessory mode where the accessories turn on, but the drive rails and engine remain off. The V8 engine takes over at this point, making the Tesla believe it is in idle mode. They use a separate control system for the V8 engine, allowing them to have two independent systems working separately.

Q: How did Rich rig the V8 engine to work in the Tesla?

Rich explains that any Tesla can be used for this project by ensuring it has power and can access the vehicle's systems. The V8 engine has its own control system, in this case, a Haltech system, which communicates with the Tesla. They had to cut the car in half to form the transmission tunnel and make adjustments to ensure the rigidity and structural integrity of the vehicle.

Q: How did the addition of the V8 engine affect the weight of the car?

The V8 engine made the car lighter by around 1200 pounds compared to the original Tesla. The removal of the electric engine and battery, along with the lighter LS engine and drivetrain, contributed to the significant weight reduction.

Q: How did Rich ensure the car's handling wasn't compromised?

The car's handling was not adversely affected by the addition of the V8 engine. They took the car to a race track and found that it handled well, feeling similar to a Cadillac CTS-V. Rich explains that they added bracing and reinforcements throughout the car to ensure its rigidity and structural integrity.

Q: Was it difficult to make modifications to the Tesla and add the V8 engine?

The process took about two years and involved a team effort. The car had to be cut in half to make adjustments to accommodate the transmission tunnel. Many hours of fabrication were required, including building the tunnel and adding necessary bracing and reinforcements.

Q: How did Rich ensure the V8 Tesla stays within legal and safety standards?

Rich acknowledges the legality and safety concerns involved in modifying a car like this. They ensured the modified Tesla met all required safety standards by adding bracing and reinforcements throughout the vehicle. They also made necessary adjustments to the car's structure and components to maintain legality and safety.

Q: What plans does Rich have for further modifications to the V8 Tesla?

Rich mentions that they have already made some modifications to the LS engine, including long tube headers. They plan to add a supercharger in the future, which will increase the power output further. The car will be showcased at SEMA once the supercharger is installed.

Q: Are there any limitations to the modifications that can be done to the LS engine?

While the LS engine offers great possibilities for modifications, the limits depend on the builder's creativity, resources, and budget. With extensive modifications, it is possible to achieve power outputs of 1500 to 2000 horsepower or even more, but it requires a complete redesign of the engine and significant rebuilding.

Q: Will Rich ever consider selling the V8 Tesla?

Rich mentions that he has a tendency to keep every car he builds because they hold memories and represent a shared experience with friends. He says he has received offers to buy the V8 Tesla for significant amounts of money, but he has no plans to sell it as it holds sentimental value to him.

Takeaways

Rich's motivation to build the V8 Tesla stemmed from his desire to have full control over his vehicle and easier access to parts and service. By adding the LS engine and modifying the car, he created a unique and novel vehicle that garnered a lot of attention and interest. The project took about two years to complete and involved a team effort. Despite the car being slower than a regular Tesla, it offers the excitement of car enthusiasts with the possibilities for modifications and the ability to constantly improve and customize the experience. The V8 Tesla showcases the spirit of car modification and the satisfaction that comes from creating something unique and personal.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Rich built a V8 Tesla to have full control over parts, as Tesla restricted ordering certain components.

• The V8 engine in the Tesla provides easy access to standard auto parts for maintenance and repair.

• With the V8 engine, the Tesla retains its original dashboard functionality, while offering a unique driving experience.