shocks

[speedy10795]

im running a 3200 lb metric ump street stock, I have never cared about what shocks I have had but I think that's part of the reason why im not fast. lol so im looking into buying all new shocks and would like some input on where to start. im running a 3/8 mile with some banking. im wondering what I should run on a tacky track and then is they some or one to change for a dry slick track. the fronts are not mounted in stock location. where should I start as far as the valve and stroke or what not. any advice would be helpful and thanks

[DaveBauerSS6]

7 inch stroke in the front. 9 inch stroke in the rear.

[72Dubya]

Bilstein SZ series shocks are what you will want to get. What Dave said as well with the strokes. stockcardriver will probably hop on this thread here soon and tell you about what valving you will want, but I just about bet he will say to use Bilstein shocks. Just about everyone will agree with that.

[DaveBauerSS6]

Stay with one brand, mixing will create mixed results.

I went to the Shaw School and they suggested to get (QA1 numbering system) 5's for the front and 4's for the rear as starting point. I have a IMCA Stock Car that I applied it to after running a box full of shocks. The car handled different of course. I was able to feel the car better and the combo valving didn't work against each other. After running a few races I changed some shocks and do have two combos on it. The shocks are completely different then before, I would consider it very fast and handles well in traffic.

Track, driver style, roll centers, center of gravity height, choice of springs and more, play into the final choice of shocks. My shocks probably wouldn't work well on your car. Remember shocks adjust timing and momentum.

Final answer, 5 in front , 4 in rear.

[3dinterceptor]

Zach at QA1 Tech told me on the phone these numbers and i just found the same numbers in the 2014 QA1 shock book for a"starting point" on a street stock for "weight transfer" as LF = 6/4...RF = 4/8...LR = 10/2...RR= 4 the problem i run into is using the FC series the front stroke is only about 4 inches and i see Dave recommends 7 inches. our rules state no heims on shocks with the T-Bar. there are other recommendations in the book for different track conditions...ideas and thoughts please.

[Lt.Stryker]

There's some good shock packages out there. The QA1 shock package cited above is really good. The Bilstein HS-1 package is equally good (http://stores.etheridgeraceparts.com/-strse-708/Bilstein-Street-Stock-Shock/Detail.bok). The Integra 4200 Street Stock package is the most affordable (http://www.bryke.com/INTSTREET/Integra+4200++Racing+Shocks.html). But, remember that shocks by themselves may not get your car to handle as you want/need it to. There's a lot more to nailing your setup other than installing quality shocks. Take a look at your spring weight, your percentages, ride height, camber, cast, tow, front tire stagger, rear tire stagger, pinion angle, & tire pressures. There's a lot that's been written about setup. Follow this link to an article written in Circle Track about setting up metric chassis (http://www.circletrack.com/chassistech/ctrp_0404_dirt_car_setup_tips/viewall.html)

[Dirtwiz]

I've just about decided that I've taken some bad advise from the "shock expert" at Speedway. He suggested (and I bought) Bilstiens all around and I know that if I mount them -I own them. My quandary is the shocks he's suggested foe the left side of the car (3200 SS on high banked tacky track) I got two 60 rebound and 40 compression shocks.
My thinking would be a softer rebound and stiffer compression... but I might be all wrong! Any suggestions as to what to do before I mount these shocks and give them a try?

[Lt.Stryker]

I'd start by reading up on shock technology and function. The cited article was written in 2004 but is still applicable. http://www.circletrack.com/techarticles/139_0307_shock_absorber_tech/ and then read this one http://www.bilstein.de/en-uk/technology/basic-know-how/... Consider listening directly to the Bilstein technicians. They recommend LF: S6G-3030... LR: S7G-4020... RF: S6G-2020... RR: S7G-4020... See pages 10 and 26 here: http://www.bilsteinus.com/uploads/tx_templavoila/motorsports_2010_15.pdf ... It also tell you how to decipher their numbering system. It sounds like you're in the S7Z-6040 range, which would be twice the recommended rebound/compression. So, the shock is going to be stiff and you're not going to be able to feel the track. You may be able to invert the shock on the Right Front, but I'd call bilstein directly to discuss further.