So I want to build an M5

http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/3540679296.html
http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/3456899419.html
http://gainesville.craigslist.org/cto/3553251038.html ($1800 driving E39 Wagon!)

$1800 E39 wagon + LSx + Manual trans + M5 bodywork + M5 wheels + Lemans Blue = sexy sexy

For inspiration - http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/132836-bmw-m5-e39-touring-usa-here.html

Nashco wrote:

AngryCorvair wrote: ... some brilliant stuff about stability control development ... 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.

You've let the lawyers beat the fun out of you...>>snip<<...There's a place for DIY stability control, and it's in a hot rod that already has a custom V8, custom AWD, and is being purpose built to be awesome for a specific race event.

[Gump] that's all i got to say 'bout that [/Gump]

This has been done (kinda) in a '32 ford called Quadraduce. I believe that the original build was by Steve Stielow (working for summit racing), but the car has since been redone by Rad Rides. I think it was an LT5 engine with a T56 and a GMC cyclone/typhoon center differential. I don't recall what the front and rear diff/suspension were.

I didn't seen anyone mention a trailblazer SS as a doner, but maybe I missed it.

In reply to pushrod36:

Do you mean Mark Stielow? That car is still owned by Summit Racing and is often displayed in the showroom. A local company, C&U equipment did the custom half shafts for it, but I'm rusty on the rest of the details.

In reply to bravenrace:

Yes, I meant Mark (sorry).

AngryCorvair wrote:

Nashco wrote:

AngryCorvair wrote: ... some brilliant stuff about stability control development ... 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.

You've let the lawyers beat the fun out of you...>>snip<<...There's a place for DIY stability control, and it's in a hot rod that already has a custom V8, custom AWD, and is being purpose built to be awesome for a specific race event.

[Gump] that's all i got to say 'bout that [/Gump]

Note that I didn't say only used in a race, I said purpose built for a race. Many testing sessions on my hot rods (and yours) have been done on public roads when there may have occasionally been another vehicle crossing paths during transit. Sure, initial testing needs controlled conditions, common sense still applies.

I firmly disagree that something like custom stability control should never be used on a public road (ever) because a team of lawyers and engineers haven't approved of it. We don't expect it for custom control arms or brake hardware or things like that which could pose a similar threat in case of failure.

I expect it's a moot point since I'm probably one of few idiots willing to spend the time trying it.

Bryce

I'm not sure what you'll decide on, but whatever it is, I'm sure it'll be awesome. I look forward to reading about it.

Hmmm, I just bought an LS1.

My father just bought a Lotus Europa.

Rennie just called and said the E34 was much rougher than anticipated.

Stay tuned, ladies and gentlemen.

Also, Aussie– I just sent you a PM. We need to talk about an LS1 hitching a ride on Mongo.

YES!!! Europa for the berking win!!!

(You can still try the homemade TCS though)

Javelin wrote: YES!!! Europa for the berking win!!! (You can still try the homemade TCS though)

Yay!

Oh hell yes.

Tom Suddard wrote: Hmmm, I just bought an LS1. My father just bought a Lotus Europa. Rennie just called and said the E34 was much rougher than anticipated. Stay tuned, ladies and gentlemen.

Dude.

http://gainesville.craigslist.org/cto/3553251038.html

Seriously.

...So I can't help but notice that the above CL ad is still up. Seeing an E39 Touring lowered on M-Parallels last night reminded me to check if Tommy had pulled the trigger yet.

Nope, it's LS1 Europa time instead. This thread convinced us that you don't want to read about an LS1 wagon, so we'll be building an LS1 powered Europa.

I called about that wagon last night. Still available. Around 200k miles. Runs and drives. Just throwing some codes.

Tom Suddard wrote: Nope, it's LS1 Europa time instead. This thread convinced us that you don't want to read about an LS1 wagon, so we'll be building an LS1 powered Europa.

There's a guy in my home town with a Europa and a big round airfilter with the chevy flag on the back deck. I wonder if it's still around...

Tom Suddard wrote: Nope, it's LS1 Europa time instead. This thread convinced us that you don't want to read about an LS1 wagon, so we'll be building an LS1 powered Europa.

Yes, the 300# guy wants to read about a Europa. :)

Just giving you E36 M3. Glad to see a hardcore project on the horizon.

Tom Suddard wrote: Nope, it's LS1 Europa time instead.

Oh yeah!!

Ian F wrote:

Tom Suddard wrote: Nope, it's LS1 Europa time instead.

Oh yeah!!

I know. I am super excited.

tuna55 wrote:

Ian F wrote:

Tom Suddard wrote: Nope, it's LS1 Europa time instead.

Oh yeah!!

I know. I am super excited.

Me too! This is the first LS-swap car in about 6-7 years that I've even been remotely excited about. And I'm really excited!

To be perhaps the lone voice of dissent, I would have much preferred the story with a BMW wagon.

And on a related note, a great build thread on a guy swapping a fully built LSX 427 into an e39 wagon.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1904279

Awesome. :)

Tom Suddard wrote: Nope, it's LS1 Europa time instead. This thread convinced us that you don't want to read about an LS1 wagon, so we'll be building an LS1 powered Europa.

You had me at Europa

In reply to dyintorace:

You me and Hardy make 3. I really wanted to see someone pull off a high performance AWD LSx streetcar swap.

That said-Go Tom Go! I doubt there will be much Europa left by the time an LSx gets in there, but the build should be fun to watch!