Here are a few tips that worked on my Calvert setup. 72' Scamp. D60/spool
- John created the baseline settings on his website using F-body and X-body springs. Those GM monoleafs are approximately 4" longer from the front eyelet to the axle than A-Bodies. Which means the longer the spring, the more preload they will require to control it. When I followed the original setup instructions, the rear suspension had too much preload and it separated too quickly. As a result, my car hopped off the line every time. It didn't matter how much Rebound I applied to the shocks. It was uncontrollable until I reduced the preload. Instead of adding 2 flats of preload, I have about 1/8" of space between the top of the spring and the pivot bushing. (The width of a nickel).
- Keep the components "loose". The number #1 issue people have with this system is that they set them up too tight and they bind. They will rattle a little on the street, but it needs freedom of movement to do its job. It's a tradeoff.
- Make sure that you're setting the suspension on level ground with weights in the drivers seat and a full tank of gas. Basically street trim. There's no sense in fine tuning the settings while not using real world variables. I use gym plates and dumbbells to mimic my weight.
- Finally, and this is probably the most important, is to get a proper alignment. If you have alignment plates and a tape measure, you can do this at home. If not, take it to a shop. I usually set my alignment up with the car flat on the ground, then with the front suspension at 25% extension and again at 75% extension to compensate for the travel at launch. I take an average of the 3 and then set it there. Mine is a dedicated track car so this is my system and it works. A street car will different specs for the crown of the road, but the premise is still the same.
Good luck! It's a great system once you get them tuned. Just takes time and patience to find what works for your setup