First Time at the Track With Caltracs

Posted By: DodgeCharger

First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/25/13 03:14 AM

When I built my car I wanted to build a sleeper so I went with high dollar Super Stock syle springs. I clamped them here there and every where but never got consistant results. I finally decided to try Caltracs. Thanks to Chip and others on here recomending them. I love the set up. The car hooks and consistant every pass. I didn't run my best 60 ft ever because of the heat and sorting out the car but it was right there.
The car hooks. I set them at home in my garage and only had to make shock adjustment at the track. The car launches straighter and I get less body twist.
The Caltracs may be a little stiffer on the street but it is barely noticable.

Posted By: 440charger500

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/25/13 07:00 AM

What was your caltrac setting? How fast of ETs?

Posted By: DodgeCharger

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/25/13 10:58 AM

E Body with their mono leaf. Ranchos set on 6 .070 airgap on the bars. 1.51 60ft.

Posted By: an8sec70cuda

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/25/13 12:42 PM

Glad you like them.

Once you find the sweet spot, you never have to touch them again. Mine is 1/4 turn of preload on both sides (w/ driver in the car) and the shocks set as stiff as they'll go (Rancho 9 ways set on 9). If the track isn't that great, I loosen the shocks a couple of clicks and/or drop the air pressure a little.
Every car is different though.

Posted By: Mr.Yuck

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/25/13 01:09 PM

good too hear as I might be going that route as well. BUT why would you clamp SS springs? They are made to seperate and expand. Clamping would hamper their purpose... I'd think. What were your 60ft before? I'd like to get from 1.65+ to 1.55

Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/25/13 06:05 PM

I use to clamp the SS springs in the front every leaf I could where it joined the main leaf with all the weight on the springs, ran more than one 1.49 on nine inch slicks at 3500 lbs in a low compression(11.2 to 1 )415 HP NHRA legal 1963 M.W. Belevedere

On my BB 1969 Dart it liked one bolt on clamp in the stock location side behind the axle in the stock location and it like removing the right side clamp and putting a bolt on clamp one on one leaf back from the rear end housing, I hope that makes sense

That set up made the front end of the car leave level, not tork twisting the left front up higher than the right front

Posted By: 383man

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/25/13 06:41 PM

What does the car et ? I only ask to compare as my best 60 is a 1.50 on just SS springs and stock C-body long shocks. Thats running 10.70's as I really did not think I would 60 much quicker on caltracs. I still wonder if its worth me trying them one day. Congrats on your consistent 60's on the caltracs.

Ron

Posted By: DodgeCharger

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/25/13 07:46 PM

I'm still sorting the car out. The best its gone so far was 10.20 at 135 with SS springs. 1.50 60ft Open headers. This weekend I ran in the heat with full exhaust and went 10.50 @ 131 mph. 1.50 60ft. I know need to run it with open exhaust. From past performance there is .2 in open exhaust with my exhaust system. Now that the car is hooking consistently I can finally focus on improving et. I'm pretty sure I can get it in the 9's with just a few changes but might need gears or a even a looser stall converter.
I clamped the front segments of the SS springs and started clamping the back at different places because I was getting to much body separation. But this also cause the car to twist much more and pull the left front much more than the right.
The weight savings with the mono leaf and Caltracts was only 26 lbs.

Posted By: Duner

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/25/13 08:17 PM

Even with Caltracs it took some tweaking of things to get to a best of 1.43 60' while still running 10.70s. Getting 4,000 lbs to leave consistently took some work with Caltrac bar preload, shocks and pinion angle. I'm all smiles now.

Posted By: Stroker Scamp

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 01:25 AM

Quote:

Glad you like them. Once you find the sweet spot, you never have to touch them again. Mine is 1/4 turn of preload on both sides (w/ driver in the car) and the shocks set as stiff as they'll go (Rancho 9 ways set on 9). If the track isn't that great, I loosen the shocks a couple of clicks and/or drop the air pressure a little.
Every car is different though.

upper or lower hole?

Posted By: KOS

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 03:50 AM

Quote:

What does the car et ? I only ask to compare as my best 60 is a 1.50 on just SS springs and stock C-body long shocks. Thats running 10.70's as I really did not think I would 60 much quicker on caltracs. I still wonder if its worth me trying them one day. Congrats on your consistent 60's on the caltracs. Ron

Dont waste your money it wont run any faster.......i have a 9sec dart with SS springs and stock wheel well on a 9"tire went 1.36 60fts.went with full caltrac setup adj shocks(had comp 3ways before) minitub bigger tire and 0 gain.its alittle more tame and straighter launching but so what kinda boring now.the only reason im keeping them in is i plan on running NOS otherwise for the rougher ride and 0 gain they would come right back out.

Posted By: Duner

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 04:12 AM

Mine used to be totally dependent upon perfect track prep to get off the line - it still likes good track prep but it's WAAYYY more forgiving with the Caltracs.

Posted By: 383man

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 07:25 AM

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What does the car et ? I only ask to compare as my best 60 is a 1.50 on just SS springs and stock C-body long shocks. Thats running 10.70's as I really did not think I would 60 much quicker on caltracs. I still wonder if its worth me trying them one day. Congrats on your consistent 60's on the caltracs. Ron

Dont waste your money it wont run any faster.......i have a 9sec dart with SS springs and stock wheel well on a 9"tire went 1.36 60fts.went with full caltrac setup adj shocks(had comp 3ways before) minitub bigger tire and 0 gain.its alittle more tame and straighter launching but so what kinda boring now.the only reason im keeping them in is i plan on running NOS otherwise for the rougher ride and 0 gain they would come right back out.

I run a 9" tire and full exh as I have stock wheelwells also. I built my 63 as a street car that I could race now and then and I thought it would ride nicer on SS springs then caltracs but I have never used caltracs. I dont think caltracs would help me alot anyway but from what I have heard once you get the caltracs set up right they work very good. But as I said mines a street car and its not worth trying them if I could only pick up a half a tenth or so. Thats just for me as many racers would want every bit of et you can get. Ron

Posted By: DodgeCharger

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 11:43 AM

The caltracs also made my reaction times much quicker and consistant.

Posted By: KOS

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 11:52 AM

Quote:

Quote:

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What does the car et ? I only ask to compare as my best 60 is a 1.50 on just SS springs and stock C-body long shocks. Thats running 10.70's as I really did not think I would 60 much quicker on caltracs. I still wonder if its worth me trying them one day. Congrats on your consistent 60's on the caltracs. Ron

Dont waste your money it wont run any faster.......i have a 9sec dart with SS springs and stock wheel well on a 9"tire went 1.36 60fts.went with full caltrac setup adj shocks(had comp 3ways before) minitub

bigger tire and 0 gain.its alittle more tame and straighter launching but so what kinda boring now.the only reason im keeping them in is i plan on running NOS otherwise for the rougher ride and 0 gain they would come right back out.

I run a 9" tire and full exh as I have stock wheelwells also. I built my 63 as a street car that I could race now and then and I thought it would ride nicer on SS springs then caltracs but I have never used caltracs. I dont think caltracs would help me alot anyway but from what I have heard once you get the caltracs set up right they work very good. But as I said mines a street car and its not worth trying them if I could only pick up a half a tenth or so. Thats just for me as many racers would want every bit of et you can get. Ron

Mine is a street car more than track.........thats why i mentioned the rough ride.as far a half tenth you wont gain a couple hundreds ive spent 2seasons dialing this system in ya maybe more consistant but if i gained 1hundredth that would be about it.....very dissapointing took a long time to decide whether or not to make the change after researching and reading tons of posts though well seem like it would be worth it but its not.there are other guys out there as well that havent gained a thing i think the people that did gain had something wrong with their setup in the first place.

Posted By: Mr.Yuck

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 12:45 PM

Quote:

Quote:

What does the car et ? I only ask to compare as my best 60 is a 1.50 on just SS springs and stock C-body long shocks. Thats running 10.70's as I really did not think I would 60 much quicker on caltracs. I still wonder if its worth me trying them one day. Congrats on your consistent 60's on the caltracs. Ron

Dont waste your money it wont run any faster.......i have a 9sec dart with SS springs and stock wheel well on a 9"tire went 1.36 60fts.went with full caltrac setup adj shocks(had comp 3ways before) minitub bigger tire and 0 gain.its alittle more tame and straighter launching but so what kinda boring now.the only reason im keeping them in is i plan on running NOS otherwise for the rougher ride and 0 gain they would come right back out.

maybe I'll try SS and old school 90/10's 1st...as I know where to get a set. Any idea how to set SS springs up w/o making the car look "Hill Jacked"?

Posted By: 1967dartgt

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 12:53 PM

Two inch lowering block, to get the car down in the back. I went 1.36 with that set up. Just get solid alum blocks or steel and check torque often. The only reason I switched was I bent the front segment of the springs launching a 3400 lb car in the 1.36s.

Posted By: FlyFish

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 12:56 PM

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Quote:

Quote:

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What does the car et ? I only ask to compare as my best 60 is a 1.50 on just SS springs and stock C-body long shocks. Thats running 10.70's as I really did not think I would 60 much quicker on caltracs. I still wonder if its worth me trying them one day. Congrats on your consistent 60's on the caltracs. Ron

Dont waste your money it wont run any faster.......i have a 9sec dart with SS springs and stock wheel well on a 9"tire went 1.36 60fts.went with full caltrac setup adj shocks(had comp 3ways before) minitub

bigger tire and 0 gain.its alittle more tame and straighter launching but so what kinda boring now.the only reason im keeping them in is i plan on running NOS otherwise for the rougher ride and 0 gain they would come right back out.

I run a 9" tire and full exh as I have stock wheelwells also. I built my 63 as a street car that I could race now and then and I thought it would ride nicer on SS springs then caltracs but I have never used caltracs. I dont think caltracs would help me alot anyway but from what I have heard once you get the caltracs set up right they work very good. But as I said mines a street car and its not worth trying them if I could only pick up a half a tenth or so. Thats just for me as many racers would want every bit of et you can get. Ron

Mine is a street car more than track.........thats why i mentioned the rough ride.as far a half tenth you wont gain a couple hundreds ive spent 2seasons dialing this system in ya maybe more consistant but if i gained 1hundredth that would be about it.....very dissapointing took a long time to decide whether or not to make the change after researching and reading tons of posts though well seem like it would be worth it but its not.there are other guys out there as well that havent gained a thing i think the people that did gain had something wrong with their setup in the first place.

This was my experience as well. My car hooked well prior to Caltracs, now (after installing the full Caltrac setup) the launch is more level and tame, and the car runs the same...actually, my best 60' is still from when I had stock (NOT super stock) springs, CE shocks and a snubber....Results will vary, but from my experience, if your car is already hooking, don't fix it if it isn't broke...all I found is a lighter wallet.

Posted By: an8sec70cuda

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 12:57 PM

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Glad you like them. Once you find the sweet spot, you never have to touch them again. Mine is 1/4 turn of preload on both sides (w/ driver in the car) and the shocks set as stiff as they'll go (Rancho 9 ways set on 9). If the track isn't that great, I loosen the shocks a couple of clicks and/or drop the air pressure a little.
Every car is different though.

upper or lower hole?

Lower hole

Posted By: DodgeCharger

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 01:52 PM

Next time I run my car without the full exhaust I will post how much the Caltracs improved my 60ft. I would make the change again even if it didn't pick up anything. The SS springs were twisting the car way to much. Now it launches straight and true.

Posted By: RADAMX

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 04:14 PM

before and after Cal-tracs

My 60's have improved but great 60's still require a great track.
the car is a lot more level and easier to control.
If you want a traction bar they are the best IMO

Posted By: VernMotor

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 04:52 PM

Before

after

Posted By: FlyFish

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 05:53 PM

Before...

After...

Sorry folks, couldn't resist...LOL!!!

Posted By: 383man

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 08:49 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

What does the car et ? I only ask to compare as my best 60 is a 1.50 on just SS springs and stock C-body long shocks. Thats running 10.70's as I really did not think I would 60 much quicker on caltracs. I still wonder if its worth me trying them one day. Congrats on your consistent 60's on the caltracs. Ron

Dont waste your money it wont run any faster.......i have a 9sec dart with SS springs and stock wheel well on a 9"tire went 1.36 60fts.went with full caltrac setup adj shocks(had comp 3ways before) minitub bigger tire and 0 gain.its alittle more tame and straighter launching but so what kinda boring now.the only reason im keeping them in is i plan on running NOS otherwise for the rougher ride and 0 gain they would come right back out.

maybe I'll try SS and old school 90/10's 1st...as I know where to get a set. Any idea how to set SS springs up w/o making the car look "Hill Jacked"?

This is how my car sits with the 3400 lb SS springs I bought from Mancini's and it has no spacers as they are bolted on just like the stock springs were. I guess not all of them sit real high. My boys Dart was a tad high with the 3000 lb 002 and 003 springs but not that much that we did not change it. Ron

Posted By: 383man

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 08:52 PM

Here is how my sons Dart sits with the 002 and 003 springs bolted on. Ron

Posted By: DodgeCharger

Re: First Time at the Track With Caltracs - 06/26/13 08:59 PM

Quote:

Before...

After...

Sorry folks, couldn't resist...LOL!!!

Caltracs are cheap compared to the gain. I wish I had the money back I spent on my other springs.
If you only plan on running your car down the track a couple of times then maybe run the SS springs. If you have a fast car and plan on running the car a few times a year get the caltracts. There is no reason to twist an old car to pieces when the fix is $350.