Focusing on coilovers, though the same principles apply to coil spring cars, he continues, "The biggest problem with coilovers is you have to support the car's weight-which is the spring's primary job-but you have to do it at the proper ride height." With the car done and sitting on the ground, you must check to see if the shock is sitting within its eye-to eye ride height range. If it's sitting too short, you need a stiffer spring. If it's too long, you need a softer spring. In both cases, you're looking to ensure that the shock has the amount of travel that's correct for the application. Minor adjustments to this height can then be made with spring preload. In general, preload is employed when lighter-than-standard springs are used. Remember, though, that preload is a subtle adjustment; too much can limit spring travel and compromise ride quality. Alston provides a wide selection of springs as well as guidelines for choosing the proper coils and for setting ride height for a variety of driving scenarios.
Summing Up
We all want the most from our machines, whether it's putting power to the pavement or making rapid directional changes through a maze of cones. No performance car can be all it can be without optimized suspension, and the road to optimization leads through adjustability. The more tuning choices you have, the better your chance of scoring a sweet-handling ride that helps cut tenths off your time. Our expert source Alston brought the advantage of double-adjustable shocks into clear view. "It's a tremendous advantage because you can get them to work on the car. And there's a 99 percent chance to get it right." The only disadvantage, if you want to call it that, is that you have to take the time to dial in your shocks. But since the result, with a little work, is a suspension that's optimized, we like those odds.
 One of the most crucial settings...  One of the most crucial settings when it comes to configuring a shocks absorber is setting up the ride height. Ride height is measured from eye to eye, and depending on the measurement, along with the spring rate that's selected, a certain amount of compression or rebound travel is available. According to Alston, street vehicles need more compression travel to maintain ride quality. Drag vehicles need more extension, or rebound travel, to help weight transfer. The VariShock directions provide specific directions on setting a baseline ride height. After that, it's all about selecting the proper spring preload and taking advantage of the shocks' adjustability to fine tune the setting. |  To ensure its own quality...  To ensure its own quality standards are met, the VariShock line is complemented by VariSprings. They're constructed from a high-tensile wire that lets the springs move through a greater range of travel without damaging the springs or letting them "take a set." The idea is to improve suspension operation by enabling the shock to freely work through its entire range. They're available in 7-inch-long springs with rates from 400 to 650 pounds, and 9-inch-long springs with rates from 400 to 850 pounds. VariShock also offers 12-inch springs ranging from 80 to 400 pounds and 14-inch springs from 80 to 175 pounds. Alston provides guidelines to get buyers as close to the correct rate as possible. |  This is a pretty traditional...  This is a pretty traditional shock mounting arrangement, but VariShock has dozens of mounting arrangements that allow the shocks and coilovers to bolt into just about any American car made since the late '50s. |
 Chassisworks makes extensive...  Chassisworks makes extensive use of its state-of-the-art shock dyno for research and development. Every VariShock is also tested and calibrated to strict performance guidelines before it's shipped to the customer, ensuring that each shock performs as it should. |  We have to admit that we sort...  We have to admit that we sort of dig this bolt-on coilover conversion for fourth-gen Camaros. The bracket at the top attaches to the A-arm mount like a stock setup. According to Alston, the "extra-long" shock allows for extensive choices of ride height, spring rate, and shock valving. |  VariShocks are also made as...  VariShocks are also made as struts. This model is for third-gen Camaros and has a shorter-than-stock strut body to accommodate lowered cars. |