Weiler DZ26 Millturn Conversion

Hi,

i have a rather ambitious project on my hand. I need to convert my Weiler DZ26 as of today my old 810T control finally went the way of the dodo.
I´ve put so much time and effort into keeping that old thing running and making it jump through hoops via CAD/CAM and my own postprocessor, but enough is enough.
My plan is to get basic turning functionality working and look into millturn operation later.
In general the machine is a dynamic (20m/min), high acceleration monster(for its time), with a super quick Sauter 12 station toolchanger (all stations driven).
I plan on using the original Siemens drives and motors. Both spindles need to run in high- or low drive modes for A-axis operation and toolchanging modes. Both spindles have two encoders for high rpm operation and low rpm positioning. The Control need to switch a number of accessories like coolant pump, self oiler, solenoids for mode switch of the tool changer and so on...
I will start with a kind of allright office PC to get it up and running and plan on switching to a proper industrial PC later on.
From what i have read over the years if you have a dynamic machine, your better served with PCIE based mesa boards.
My current plan is getting myself a 6i25 and a 7i77 breakout board. Should have enough I/O for my needs and PCIE should keep it rather real time.
Do you have any suggestions and/or questions? I will document my progress over here and definetly need some help every once in a while.
What would be your recommended GUI for a machine like that? I have next to no experience in LinuxCNC, but are pretty decent in all kinds of Siemens controls.

Best,
Lukas