Expert: Dan Liddy - 11/18/2007

Question
I am converting an older late model Fuge chassis (monte carlo fiberglass body)circle track car to a road race car.  what kind of spring rates do you recommend?

Answer
First off, if it is an offset chassis for circle track racing, you are going to waste a lot of time and money, it simply won't work.  

That aside, if you have a symetrical chassis, you should probably start with rates about 25 Lbs lighter than the RF you're using now. Install these on both sides of the front, and about the same on the rear.  Then if you don't have an anti roll bar (sway bar) on the rear, install one, not real heavy but perhaps a 1" on the rear and a 1 1/4" on the front. I'm a firm believer in softer springs and a lot of roll stiffness.  

Now if you are running on a really rough track like Sebring, I might even go softer yet. Let the suspension work, just don't let it lean.  You'll want to run about 3/16" of toe OUT on the front, on shorter tracks, less on the faster ones. And depending on the tire, perhaps about 2 to 3 degrees of negative camber.  Both sides should nearly always be symetrical.

That's more than you asked, but maybe it'll be a help. Feel free to ask about other stuff as you move along

Best wishes,

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida