Need help determining feasibility of designing a stability system

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of designing a custom stability control system for a 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX. Participants explore the technical aspects of integrating such a system, including the use of existing components and safety considerations. The conversation touches on both theoretical and practical implications of the project.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in designing a stability control system for their WRX, citing the existing systems in other models like the STi and Nissan GT-R as inspiration.
  • Concerns are raised about the safety implications of modifying the vehicle, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing to avoid compromising braking performance.
  • The original poster mentions plans to use the STi center differential and a custom controller, indicating a desire for the systems to operate independently at first.
  • Another participant questions the logistics of transportation during the modification process, highlighting practical considerations in undertaking such a project.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of concern regarding safety and practicality, with no consensus on the feasibility or safety of the proposed modifications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall viability of the project.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the need for safety testing and the potential impact on vehicle warranty, but specific methodologies or frameworks for testing are not detailed. The discussion does not clarify the technical challenges involved in integrating the proposed systems.

hatched91
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Hello everyone!

This is my first post here, and I'm a recent graduate (within 1yr) of a BS in Mechanical Engineering. I have always been a car nut, and I'm interested in designing, or installing and tuning, a stability control system for my car.

I recently purchased a 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX. The car is all wheel drive, and has open front and rear differentials, and a standard viscous coupling center differential. As many know, the STi model has a dynamic control system in it already. It utilizes a helical front diff, and a torsen rear diff, with an electrically controlled viscous coupling in the center (DCCD).

So why not just upgrade to an STi, instead of designing my own system? After some research, the mighty Nissan GT-R has an open front differential and uses an electronic stability control system to provide super handling. I would love to design such a system myself for my WRX...more-so for fun and learning about controls rather than from a cost-savings aspect.

So, how feasible is it to design a system for my car? Am I in way over my head? I would plan to use the STi center diff (DCCD), with a tune-able controller created by DCCDPro. I would intend to use the wheel speed sensors and abs module to actuate the brakes in order to provide stability control for the F&R diffs, while using the DCCDPro to control the center diff. Ideally, the two systems would work separately (at least at first), and would complement one another.

Any constructive thoughts/guidance?

Thanks for reading this lengthy post!
 
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I'm afraid that I don't know anything about new cars, or foreign ones. My only concern is that you don't do anything to compromise the safety of the vehicle, for both yourself and bystanders. Rigorous testing should be implemented at every stage to ensure that you haven't inadvertently lengthened your braking distance or something else of a detrimental nature.
Also, think twice about it if your car is still under warrantee; that might void it.
 
Thanks for the consideration. There would be lots of safety testing, performance, and stability testing. Although the factory ABS system is fairly unintelligent, it would be necessary as to not impede it with the control unit. Ideally, this system would not start working until high g loads and rotation is seen and as an added control, only when high levels of throttle are applied. Also, I am not concerned about warranty.
 
What are you going to use for transportation while you have your car torn down/torn up?
 

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