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.