Scale for Chassis Set-up

What scales are you guys using for your set-up? Was probably just going with the Proforms, but wasn't too crazy about some of the reviews with the scale not being able to zero correctly.

Rebel brand. I borrow them from my round round buddy

Been using my Longacres for many years. Circuit board had an issue after a long time. Their customer service on an obsolete item was great. Would buy from them again. I would assume Intercomps are also good but I have no experience with them. I wouldn't buy Chinese crap.

After years of borrowing a set from work I
bought a set of used Longacres

Never owned or used a set but wouldn't mind buying a set if I wasn't so damn old.

I have Longacres as well and never an issue

I use two old 1000 lbs. certified commercial ware house platform scales on wheels, I use them with two home made wooden platforms the same height as the scale plates so I can weigh the front or rear wheels or left and right side at the same time all at the same time, I wish I had four of those scales
They are large and take up a lot of room in the shop so having a new type race car set up would be a lot easier to store and use
I got both of them from work for free when the ware house bought newer easier to use ones

Rebel brand. I borrow them from my round round buddy

My buddies and I have a old set of Longacre wired scales. Trouble free

I have a set of Longacre also. Works Great! Where are you located in Pa. ??

Intercomps here. Had to repair the head once from battery leakage. They're at least 15 years old.

I have a set of Longacres I bought used and they work great. Excellent customer service too.

Intercomp is local to me so I’ve been to their facility. Very helpful people and top notch products.

They are a great tool. Everyone should do it at least once to their car if you don't have access to them or have your own. Every single car we have scaled for the first time makes it best pass first time out on it's next pass.

Do you mind sharing what you do to get these results, PLEASE

I got the Proform 67647 Wireless Vehicle Scale Kit in 2016, and am pleased, especially for the price. I really like the wireless feature, as I have used wired scales before, and wireless is way easier. They are plastic, which seems a little flimsy, but they do the job. I had an issue with zeroing and repeatablility, but replacing the batteries solved it. It suppose you can't expect them to work right if the batteries are weak.

Been awhile and wish I could remember the exact dimensions but a race car fabricator friend made his up with wheel cylinders and a 2000 lb pressure guage. Had a 1 ft square curved plate the tire rested on and would press down on the cylinder, Just sit the car on plates and read the guage. He said he had maybe $30 in all four.
He was a big dirt track guy from Indiana and used them from the 50s till he died.

intercomps, only a couple years old. wanted the wireless but couldnt justify the price. like them

Originally Posted By 6PKRTSE

Every single car we have scaled for the first time makes it best pass first time out on it's next pass.

Do you mind sharing what you do to get these results, PLEASE ................ I would like to know too???? why do you need scales ??

Above question.

I’m not answering for him, but I’ve had the same results. Usually when someone seeks me out for scales, they are having some sort of issue.
I’m not just weighing their car, I’m decoding the chassis. Weight = traction. If there is say, 250lbs more weight on one rear tire than the other, the car will want to turn or slide sideways with some tire slip. Scales tell you where to look for problems, and confirm fixes for them.
After using them you can predict how the car wil act when selecting I/C locations, or solve most issues causing the car to do something other than going straight. Even braking issues can be solved on the scales...

Wireless intercomps here.

Whatever brand/style you choose either make, or buy levelers for them. The slightest amount of out of level of the floor causes big differences in weight values. The more ridged the chassis the more pronounced the difference. Weigh your car, then slide a piece of thin cardboard under one scale and watch what happens to the readings. Intercomp makes a set of adjustable pads that you can use to square, and level the pads with. Lock them down and mark the spots on the floor. They also get the car a few inches higher, so reaching the anti roll, or making changes you want on the ground are easier.

It's really not magic. It's a tool to help you see what your eyes can't, like data logging or video. Scales will help with diagnosing a problem if one should creep up. Dead springs, jammed up shocks, bound up suspension, bent or broken parts, all will show up, especially if you know where you started. They really allow you to put the weight where you think it should be, based on a lot of the variables in your particular situation. On new construction or after large changes, moving ballast or whatever, a baseline set-up can be established that will hopefully be close to what the car wants.

Taking it to the track and observing will be needed to do any fine tuning. I'm not disappointed if it needs a touch up once it gets to the track. It's not unusual. Knowing the baseline and the potential effects of any changes, typically you can make a tweak or two at the track and correct it without having to put it back on the scales. Knowing what you started with and where you need to go is helpful. The effects of ballast in different locations can also be noted. Getting the car to go down the track, straight and square, is the benefit. It really has little to do with ICs or shock adjustments.


Moving 5 or 10 pounds a few feet can make a surprising difference in how a car works. On some cars, it's the difference between blowing the tires off and putting it on the bumper. Knowing what a half a flat does, one way or the other, is also good information to have. Once the car is dialed in, it's easy to put it right back where it was if something needs to be worked on. Once you've used scales to keep track of the balance and it's effects, you know what the car likes, and it's easier to put right back on point, rather than having to fool with it every time something has to be taken apart or changed. If something does goes south, you can check to see if something has moved. It shouldn't.

Longacre, used couldn’t say no to the deal.

Pretty much what CMcAllister said. It helps adjusting the suspension, setting preload, moving weight around as needed. etc.

These big power, radial tire, no wheelie bar guys are the ones concerned with where every pound is in the car. Classes with a minimum weight know what they have to work with and it's a matter of getting it where it's most beneficial.