Auto Racing: Fwd race set up, negative camber, stock div

Question
QUESTION: Im running a 97 Grand am Fwd on a high banked paved oval. I'm looking for some tips and a good basic starting point on a set up. We must run stock springs and shocks and a radial 14x7 track tire. This basically is a stock Div. We are allowed 30 over on the motors. Fwd stuff is new to me. Do you set up stiff in front and soft in the rear or is it the other way. Sway bars can be no bigger then 1in. Thanks.

ANSWER: See if you can find this book:  "How To Make Your Car Handle  By Fred Puhn,  it's old and dated and you will have the best luck on Amazon or E-bay but it's a GREAT book for the beginner, and useful for a pro.  

I would start with a 1" bar in front and a 5/8" or 3/4" bar at the rear.  Make them adjustable if you're
  allowed.
You can do that by using a sliding clamp on the bar where it links to the axle .  the shorter the arm, the stiffer
   the bar, and it DOES make a difference.  You can make the car looser or tighter with a little bar    
   adjustment.
You will want to run about 1/8" toe OUT in the front alignment, and
   about 1/16" toe IN in the rear.
2 Deg. positive camber on the LF wheel
4 Deg. Negative camber on the RF wheel
5 Deg Caster if you can find a way. Caster is FASTER.

You want to eventually arrive at a set-up that gives you lots of grip under heavy throttle in a turn. Of course, the sooner you can add throttle in a turn the better your run off.  If you get wheel spin in a corner, that's called 'power understeer' and it isn't a good thing.  Soften the front at that point.

If your back end is sliding around, that isn't always bad, it helps you in the corner. Maybe stiffen the rear bar to loosen up . You can also put a spacer under the RR spring,

Since you have to run stock springs, see if there's a rule about modifying them. You can shorten the LF some by simply heating it with a torch. GENTLY.  Do the same with the LR if they allow it. Otherwise you will have to find another way.

That will get you started,. Please write me with results and problems, Write down EVERYthing you do in a notebook. Every change you make between sessions . Even adding fuel and oil. Let me know what the car is doing and the experiences of the driver, his impressions and so forth.  

Good luck

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the info. The spring rule says springs must be stock and the same height. Would a chain set up on the the front sway bar work. Use different links to help adjust. What side would be the best to put the clamps or chain links if that works. Right front? Thanks for help and I'll keep track of everything in notes and let you know my findings. Thanks.

Answer
The chain arrangement is real caveman stuff. Go ahead and invest in a real adjustable bar. Otherwise you'll be battling all sorts of stuff.  For one thing the chain arrangement only offers half the roll resistance of a real bar with the same diameter.

Once you have an adjustable bar installed you can experiment with asymmetrical settings , more resistance on the right as opposed to the left for instance.  and a stronger bar will take the place of springs which you aren't allowed. It will stiffen the front.

Another thing to think about is to replace ALL stock rubber bushings with spherical bearings. This won't be cheap,  but the reward is a truly stiff car that handles quite precisely.

Again,
Good luck
Dan Liddy