The Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru WRX probably have the most hacked ECUs around. Loading something like ECUTek onto a BRZ or FR-S gives you equal control. Convenience systems are usually controlled with some kind of aftermarket device, though for Toyotas, you can download Techstream and control a few options via a cheap cable off ebay. A Tesla offers the most toys to play with out of the box, but you can't do a think with the actual drive system. An M-series BMW like an old M5 will give you loads of settings to play with between the engine, transmission, and suspension.
I stand corrected. The last time I heard they were being liquidated. But apparently they've come back fron the dead with a (somewhat) more practical car. The Explosion [gizmag.com] is around a quarter the price of the Apollo. So probably still not in the price range the poster was looking for.
Unfortunately, most of the stuff mention in the OP aren't controlled by the ECU. Windows, lights, starter, really anything other than the engine aren't controlled by the ECU. The climate system is wired to it, but only so that the ECU can adjust the radiator fans to handle A/C load.
BTW, I'm certain of this because I just used the ECU/engine from a WRX to build a custom car.
First off I'm a GT86 [FR-S/BRZ] owner and let me say if you're ready to put down the money it is an absolutely fantastically hackable car. If you're only talking about electronics the entire dash is super easy to take apart and it's super clean and organized in back with very nice access to core system lines and power. There are plenty of aftermarket ECUs and ECU extension units and of course it's a new generation Toyota so if you wanted to you could hook up to one of the data lines and play with all sorts
Which part? (Score:5, Interesting)
The Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru WRX probably have the most hacked ECUs around. Loading something like ECUTek onto a BRZ or FR-S gives you equal control. Convenience systems are usually controlled with some kind of aftermarket device, though for Toyotas, you can download Techstream and control a few options via a cheap cable off ebay. A Tesla offers the most toys to play with out of the box, but you can't do a think with the actual drive system. An M-series BMW like an old M5 will give you loads of settings to play with between the engine, transmission, and suspension.
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The Gumpert lets you control damn near everything on it.
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Very nice car. Costs more than half a mil though 8-(
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Unfortunately, most of the stuff mention in the OP aren't controlled by the ECU. Windows, lights, starter, really anything other than the engine aren't controlled by the ECU. The climate system is wired to it, but only so that the ECU can adjust the radiator fans to handle A/C load.
BTW, I'm certain of this because I just used the ECU/engine from a WRX to build a custom car.
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First off I'm a GT86 [FR-S/BRZ] owner and let me say if you're ready to put down the money it is an absolutely fantastically hackable car. If you're only talking about electronics the entire dash is super easy to take apart and it's super clean and organized in back with very nice access to core system lines and power. There are plenty of aftermarket ECUs and ECU extension units and of course it's a new generation Toyota so if you wanted to you could hook up to one of the data lines and play with all sorts
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There's also the R32/33/34 Skylines... but they were never made in LHD.