A few thoughts... (archive)

(1) Carl and the others are on point, you would can gain off the line acceleration by changing to a higher numerical differential drive ratio. One additional suggestion though: if you really want to "get the car out of the hole" quickly also make sure to get a limited slip differential (LS) and increase the locking percentage to somewhere between 40 and 60 percent. Also increase rear tire size (285 should fit) and get some lightweight rims. With these changes the power your car has will result in minimal wheelspin and a sling-like forward launch from a standstill.
(2) As far as the initial lag you experience at the pedal with an autobox, one problem is the torque converter's shift points. You may be able to find software to reprogram the transmission or a mechanical solution as a high stall torque converter. Only a large tuners such as Dinan, Korman, Racing Dynamics, etc. will have such a solution for the e38 if it exists.
(3)Once thing that might be of interest regarding pedal response, or lack of it... early 850 V12's had the opposite problem, an overly sensitive throttle. People complained that the car jumped when the throttle was touched and that it surged while cruising. There is a BMW Tech. Svc. Bulletin (TSP)with an upgrade chip solution provided by BMW to cure this. Not that the revised chip would be applicable to your car, but the issue may shed some light on possible ways to increase your e38 V12's throttle response.

Greg K

I've posted this question in the E38 room, but haven't received too much input. Maybe more of you have the V12's...
I have a '97 750iL and love the pulling power and acceleration of my car. BUT...I would love to get out of the hole a little quicker, without experiencing that "lag" when I mash the pedal to the ground. I'm sure that those of you who have manual trannys don't experience that, but what about those of you with the automatics?
The only input so far is to get an engine rebuild from Racing Dynamics (over $8K) or get a Nitrous system. Are there any other mods that are less expensive and less intrusive?
I have 70K miles on it, and don't want to do anything major to the engine yet.
Anyway, thanks for the input.

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