It would be interesting to see AWD implemented, but I too will lose interest when custom-built traction and stability control systems start eating up magazine pages. Isn't the whole point of AWD to not need that crap?
Now, implement DIY torque vectoring/yaw control and you've got me interested. IMO, techno stuff should be there to do what the driver physically can't, not to make up for a lack of driver ability.
When you were talking V8 BMW my brain was just thinking M5. But when you said AWD with computer wizardry, then I was thinking more like GT-R. The GT-R is brutally fast around tracks and that's not because of it's size or weight, or even it's power really, it's because of it's AWD and all of the smarts in the car that let it put the power down and get around corners. I'm not sure if Tommy can get to GT-R levels of improvement, but it will be cool to watch. A 2013 GT-R has AWD, 545 hp and weighs a bit over 3800 lbs. I'd be very interested to see how Tommy's car will stack up spec wise and then performance wise. I personally think M5 levels of performance are too low a goal for this.
Replace E34 with E39, and you've really got something.
I don't see anything wrong with you plan except this:
Tom Suddard wrote: AWD is a necessary evil. The goal isn't burn-outs, it is a UTCC win.
How can a 4 wheel burnout not be something to aspire toward?
I like the idea of an LS in an e34 chassis, but you lost me at AWD, and somewhat repulsed me with homemade traction control.
Also, in a car like an e34, an auto may not be such a bad thing, especially if you add some magic snails. Maybe the custom electronics you should try out would be a trans controller & push button shifters.
I read most of the LS thread, and what came to my mind was that there should be two LS builds. A Rich Man, Poor Man kind of thing. One done simply and on a budget, for those who have never tried a DIY swap, and a second, over the top weapons grade track monster, that should also be a streetable show stopper.
The e34 could be the Poor Man project, but I couldn't see it as the show stopper.
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Wally wrote: I don't see anything wrong with you plan except this:Tom Suddard wrote: AWD is a necessary evil. The goal isn't burn-outs, it is a UTCC win.How can a 4 wheel burnout not be something to aspire toward?
QFT!
I dont think there is a specific reason to not use a manual transmission. Its easy enough to mount a GM manual to an Astro van transfer case. Use the front diff from either an Astro van or an S10. I dont know how "smart" that Borg Warner transfer case is, so I dont know if that fits the goals for this project.
I would think that grafting in an Astro van subframe would be fairly straightforward except that they have a wide hub to hub width of something like 62". Well that and the awd Astros use a torsion front spring so that would necessitate some homemade a-arms to mount some coilovers.
stability control is not something i want home-brewed in the car next to / in front of / behind me. to build a system that will execute a response to some combination of input is interesting. to make that response appropriate to more than just a few very narrowly-defined conditions is a three-year effort on a new platform/powertrain or a 1.5- to 2-year effort on an existing platform/powertrain.
if you do it, please be sure you don't use it on the street, especially in inclement weather. the person you kill could be my wife.
Sorry, I'm going to vote the "ALL THE BOOST!!!!!!!" special for the wagon......meaning you need to find a 2.5L I-6 wagon......
I love this idea oh so very much. I also agree with the e39 over e34 sentiment. Far better rear suspension on the e39 to start with, very slight weight penalty. Also, modern stability control hardware already in place which you could potentially tweak to your needs.
Do it sir, do it.
SlickDizzy wrote: Now, implement DIY torque vectoring/yaw control and you've got me interested. IMO, techno stuff should be there to do what the driver physically can't, not to make up for a lack of driver ability.
That's what I was getting at. Think individual brake activations to manage where torque goes, not cutting throttle input because a wheel spins.
And for those of you that expressed safety concerns– don't worry. This wouldn't be a street thing, and would obviously have a giant off button in case things go awry.
I've enlisted a former NASA computer programmer (who is now finalizing a deal with SpaceX) to help me out. Hopefully with the help of a rocket scientist I'll be able to accomplish something cool, like a GT-R killer.
AngryCorvair wrote: stability control is not something i want home-brewed in the car next to / in front of / behind me. to build a system that will execute a response to some combination of input is interesting. to make that response appropriate to more than just a few very narrowly-defined conditions is a three-year effort on a new platform/powertrain or a 1.5- to 2-year effort on an existing platform/powertrain. if you do it, please be sure you don't use it on the street, especially in inclement weather. the person you kill could be my wife.
Of course not! On the street the automation feature will be used, not the stability control!
Ojala wrote: I dont think there is a specific reason to not use a manual transmission.
I believe that a modern automatic will be faster.
In reply to Tom Suddard:
I presume money isn't a huge factor? you could surely make the SMG-II work behind the 2.5L boosted to hell and back, and probably still figure out how to mount a transfer case in there....
If you want to blow minds, then replace the E34 wagon with an 86+ 505 Turbo SW8 Peugeot wagon to upgrade, and proceed as you intended. 8 Passenger Euro wagon would be awesome.
http://www.505turbo.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2485-for-sale-1991-505-sw8-wagon-excellent-condition/
It'd be a much lighter choice, TONS of room for whatever swap you planned under hood, and they look damn good when in good condition - especially with euro lights.
Best of all - I can pretty much promise it'd be a one off creation that's never been done.
Rabin www.505turbo.com
I think the only thing possibly more boring than an LS1 into a BMW would be an LS1 into a 98-02 Camaro. 
The AWD and techno-bits don't even sound that interesting. Where are we going to find our own ex-NASA/current Space-X programmers, huh?
In reply to Tom Suddard:
So LS7 with 6l80 and BW4481 and diff out of a Denali? Those were open diff with ABS traction control werent they? I cant imagine there arent resources to program the GM ABS boxes for traction control. The later trucks have viscous limited slip diffs if you guys decide to go that route.
I have to think that your friends at Canton can make an oil pan to fit. Axles are a phone call away. Power steering has been done before. Mounts are easy to mock up and weld. And adapting the GM ecm to the BMW gauges shouldnt be a big deal since you dont have OBDII (maybe).
Javelin wrote: Where are we going to find our own ex-NASA/current Space-X programmers, huh?
Well, I went to high school with mine, but your mileage may vary. I'd suggest reading GRM if you can't find your own, as I'll be writing about it every step of the way. One of our purposes is to bring you ideas and information you couldn't normally get.
In reply to Tom Suddard:
well played, young Suddard. i think it sounds like a cool concept and i will read this series of articles for sure.
Javelin wrote: I think the only thing possibly more boring than an LS1 into a BMW would be an LS1 into a 98-02 Camaro.
Oh no, going back into the camaro would be more interesting........the whole install from bottom thing is quite interesting on those....
GRM does a project car with a lot of bolt ons and everyone yells about that and they someone gives the idea of doing something a little off the wall and everyone yells about that. 
I say do it. I would love to see race style traction control added and that kinda thing at a more grassroots level then what I read in Racecar Engineering.
I think it would be cool to see what can be done with Tech II ( or whatever is current) to program the GM ABS computer. That or the swanky Bosch aftermarket "race" controllers that are availabe.
OR...Is there a way to copy the Corvette traction control "tables" into the truck module.
I am stuck with stone age Subaru control modules, but I love the diff and transmission controllers in Mitsu EVOs so this stuff fascinates me.
Tec 3 was out 7 or so years ago.......
In reply to yamaha:
What? But it seems like Tec II just came out the other day...
a few decades ago...sigh...more and more of my hair is grey every time I look in the mirror
I have the fab abilities of a 9 year old with a case of the DT's in relation to what I'm about to suggest, but here's just an idea for the fun of it;
LS-whatever, Astro or Denali AWD, but do this with a four speed auto, the six speeds are there only for MPG and not FUN. Full manual valve body and skip that flappy paddle stuff, you turn the wheel and the paddles stay put, I'd rather grab a nice floor mounted shift lever and be done with it. B&M "slapstick" or something.
Build a Locost-like chassis for this, tube frame to factory front subframe, etc etc. Then park the body of a VW Karman Ghia on top of it. With Fuchs or Cragars or something to set the mood.
Thoughts?
The Porsche Panamera Turbo S is AWD, has 4-doors plus a hatch, and is a V8 with a turbo. That then, should be your target. If you can beat Porsche at it's own game, then you would have something!
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