Frustration
Since that first time at Pocono with
the Porsche Club, there hasn’t been a day I haven’t thought
about a more powerful version of Baby. The list of sites I
have searched on the internet is as long as I am tall. I
would, and I continue to scour all the ads in the various
automotive magazines I read and the websites my favorite
search engine can locate. The trouble is, there is little if
anything available for the E38. There are no Schrick
performance cams, no hi-performance coil-over suspension
systems, no hi-performance exhaust headers, etc. Someone
could conceivably assemble a complete 3 Series BMW just by
picking components from various catalogues or internet
websites. For the large sedan there are a few engine
modifications available through AC Schnitzer, Hamman, Hartge,
and Racing Dynamics. The European tuners’ programs were
limited in scope with 390 hp the claimed output from RD at a
cost of $20,000.00 if you include the taxes and transport to
and from California. These options still left Baby with the
disadvantage of the automatic transmission which would mean
cars with a manual transmission would have a significant
performance advantage.
![](/projectimages/pro04-01.jpg)
Dinan Modified Baby at Jefferson Circuit/Summit Point
The way to go was clear; it would have
to be a manual gearbox. What ever I was going to do, I was
on my own as far as the R&D and the consequences were mine
alone.
In the late summer of 2001, I happened
to stop in at VAC
Motorsports in Philadelphia, PA. I asked Tony Salloum
about performance modifications for Baby and based upon his
recommendation, VAC ported and polished the heads, cleaned
and re-did the valve followers and guides and installed an
external oil cooler. Even without suitable engine software
to match the new flow characteristics, Baby’s mid range
torque saw a dramatic improvement.
THE VAC MOTORSPORTS MODS
Installation of:
ESS 7 lb. Boost Supercharger
BMW S6S420G Getrag 6-Speed manual transmission
OEM BMW M5 clutch assembly
"SALLOUM RACING PRODUCTS" lightweight aluminum M5
flywheel
B&M billet aluminum shifter
BMW 740i Sport (Euro) pedal assembly
BMW 740i Sport 13mm (Eastern Europe)rear anti sway bar.
Custom drive shaft
Custom 3.15:1 Limited Slip differential
Brembo 355mm GT F1 Brakes
Fikse FM-10 18 x 8.5" wheels with Race Satin finish in front
Fikse FM-10 18 x 9.5" wheels with Race Satin finish in back
Pirelli P-Zero Asymmetrico 255/45/ZR18 tires in front
Pirelli P-Zero Asymmetrico 285/40/ZR18 tires in back
Removable 5 point harnesses for driver & passenger
One Lap Entry and the VAC Motorsports Modification
Project Begins
One Lap of America Cannonball Run
Suddenly I hit upon the idea of
killing several birds with one stone. The One Lap is a
grueling endurance event for the participants. Two man teams
are tested for their endurance. What about a three man team?
One drives, one navigates, and one sleeps in the 740iL’s
luxurious backseat. In an instant I had a solution in mind.
I could enter the 2002 OLoA and as part of the preparations,
have Baby converted to 6-Speed manual, add a supercharger,
and brakes and such, and we would be good to go. An
additional benefit from entering the OLoA was the legitimate
opportunity to seek sponsors to help defray the expenses
involved with the conversion project and the OLoA itself.
The Salloum Brothers at VAC Motorsports were somewhat jaded
by the discussion. Many had approached them with the idea of
a transmission swap only to retreat when the dollars and
cents became the focus of the discussion. Around
Thanksgiving 2001, I asked them again if they thought they
could get a tranny swap done. They said yes, and before they
had a chance to be skeptical, the check for the deposit was
in their hands. They looked at each other and said “He’s
serious!”
![](/projectimages/pro04-02.jpg)
Dinan Modified Baby at Jefferson Circuit/Summit
Point 2
![](/projectimages/pro04-03.jpg)
BMW E39 M5 - GeTraG S6 S420 6-Speed
Transmission
Enter George Lawton
George Lawton is the “Wizard of
Parts” for the Don Rosen BMW organization in Bala
Cynwyd, PA. I had purchased Baby’s 18” Composite Style 5
wheels from George in 2000 and he and I discussed
performance equipment from time to time in the intervening
years. George was always happy to do a part look-up for me
on the phone despite knowing it was a no sale transaction.
George is coincidentally the main parts source for the VAC
Motorsports guys, so when the 6-speed project was initially
discussed I was very happy to have George’s enthusiasm and
expertise with us in this endeavor. George, working in
concert with the Salloum Brothers was instrumental in
reigning in the costs of the hardware for Baby’s
transmission conversion. I owe George and Tony & Armand
Salloum a great deal in the form of thanks for their efforts.
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Chapter V
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