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If you’ve seen Evolve Automotive’s F80 M3, code-named “Project Vyper”, you’d know that it’s been tuned quite a bit. Everything from an engine tune to bigger turbochargers (both of which help it make 605 hp, by the way) to aerodynamic tweaks have been fitted to the ‘Vyper’. However, the suspension remained relatively untouched. So Imran at Evolve decided to change that.

The only suspension modification done to the incredibly green BMW M3 was a set of Intrax springs. The stock electronically-adjustable dampers remained. In both purely stock and lowered forms, Imran wasn’t happy with the suspension setup of the BMW M3. He felt that it wasn’t compliant enough while also not being stable enough. So he decided to replace them with a set of Bilstein B6 EDC (Electronic Damper Control) dampers.

Bilstein has been one of the premiere names in suspension tuning forever and it’s hard to go wrong with any of its setups. But Imran was still a bit curious as to whether or not it would make much of a difference. Turns out, those B6 dampers make a world of a difference.

Because they work with the car’s stock suspension modes, you can adjust them from Comfort to Sport or even Sport Plus, just like the standard M3 suspension. In Comfort mode, the Bilstein B6 dampers, with the same Intrax springs as before, apparently feel significantly better. It’s far more comfortable and compliant than before while also feeling more stable and eliminating most of the car’s body roll.

In Sport  and Sport Plus modes, it’s the car obviously becomes stiffer and stiffer but it’s still compliant enough for everyday use. So the new suspension setup really transforms the car. It also helps keep the rear end more planted, allowing it to put down its substantial power better. Have an M3 and feel that it’s a bit too sketchy, a bit too tail-happy to drive quickly? Try a new suspension setup.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEck2-kuq9s]

The article VIDEO: Evolve Tests Bilstein B6 EDC Dampers on the F80 BMW M3 appeared first on BMW BLOG

This 1991 Dodge Ram van (VIN 2B6HB21Z7MK439484) runs dual rear axles, reportedly factory-built at the request of an LA-based dealer. Only one of the axles is driven, with the extra, rearmost tag unit suspended on a simple beam. The fifth and sixth wheels lend what’s otherwise an unusually well preserved conversion van a wild period custom look, while inside it’s standard issue red velour, captains chairs, wood trim, overhead cabinets, tables and recessed lighting. Power comes from a 360ci V8/automatic combo, and the seller says both front and rear A/C still work. Find it here on eBay in Tuscon, Arizona with a $13k BIN. Special thanks to BaT reader Kyle K. for this submission.

Dodge produced B-series from 1971 until 2003, and offered the vans in a wide variety of lengths and configurations. We’d have guessed this was a custom build, though the seller says it’s fully factory and made at the request of a Los Angeles Dodge dealer–unfortunately no documentation backing this claim is provided.

Here’s a better look at the dual axle rear, and a careful look shows where the van body was stretched to accommodate the extra set of wheels and tires. Paint looks pretty good overall, but decals and finish do show scattered wear when viewed up close. Wheels aren’t great and we’re not digging the sidewall stickers either–a period set of Centerlines or even Torq-Thrust-style items would be a big improvement.

For many of us the factory original interior may bring back childhood memories with its overhead and floor mood lighting, swivel seats, fold down rear bench, small CRT TV and 6×9″ speakers. Both front and rear A/C reportedly still work.

More cushy velour and wood is visible up front, though timbers up here are plastic. The doghouse covering the 360 looks to offer a good deal of storage, and those padded covers are something else. We’d be curious to see if the dash mat is covering any cracks. Interestingly, the dash design is one of relatively few subtle differences between these later models and the 1973 example featured here recently. Only the modern head-unit appears non-original.

Here’s a view looking towards the front of the van, and we’d guess that the tag axle was probably originally created for box trucks or cab-only configurations. With a simple beam axle and an extra set of shocks it probably doesn’t impact driving down the road too much, but it is cool.

Don’t you miss badging like this?