Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Anybody use the Calvert Split mono leaf springs? How much better are they than stock? What are the advantages? thanks

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Looks like you need to get to a race and check out most of the leaf spring stockers. Who doesn't use them. BP

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

If you plan on using Caltracs they are what you want to use. You can get them in different ride heights. They are designed to work with the Caltrac bars, other springs may create a bind in the suspension. I put this setup on my car last season and the Workmanship was excellent. There is a bunch of adjustability in them, so it may take a while to get the most out of them. Probably the best bolt on leaf spring suspension ever made.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Lighter than stock and adjustable ride height with different rear sections

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

I have Calvert springs and CalTracs on my 68 Mustang. It was originally street legal and towed a teardrop trailer to the track each weekend. Worked on the track and tolerable on the road. A leaf spring car without Calverts is an odd bird these days. Match them with Caltracs or they will wrap up on you. Get your pinion angle right, too. I messed mine up and tried running shims to correct it. The reduced contact between the centering stud and spring caused it to start to separate and move the right rear wheel. A sharp eyed tech caught it in the waterbox before I cut a tire.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Its been a long time but the Calvert springs reduced un-sprung weight by about 40#. The rear segment if fairly easy to adjust to change ride height.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

can`t beat them

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

X100

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

They are a fine product, no doubt. Also, a great company to deal with.
In my mind though, which runs contrary to a lot of folks here, is do I really need them, and should I put together something of my own, and should I spend the money elsewhere on my combination, which is a _________________?

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Exactly why I made this thread they are not cheap and I wonder if the money would be more wisely spent elsewhere....

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

A lot of Races were won on the old Chrysler Super Stock springs he’ll I put a pair on my Boss 302 race car and they worked very good! If my memory serves me right Dave Landrith used the when the AMX super stocks were built at Hurst Performance Research in Maddison Heights, Mi!

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

They’re a good product for a good price. I think they are well worth the money. Much more than a $1000 set of lifters.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

My experience is a lot of people here don't follow the Builds section of this forum. Probably some who have responded don't know if the car is a 429/4v or a 302/ 2v.
It makes a difference..again in MY opinion.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

I have found that the Calvert stuff can actually slow down a not-so-high-powered combo like a 302/2V. Probably be the right stuff on a 429 SCJ though.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

What would you recommend? I was looking at using the Bars and shocks and maybe using the stock leafs but if you have a more budget friendly idea im all ears

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

If it's going to be a 302/2V then I would just go with a set of good, old fashioned Lakewood slapper bars or a reasonable facsimile and the stock springs to get started.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

yes is a 302 2v and okay what shocks? multi adjustable or would Lakewoods work?

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Can you elaborate Billy on why you think that is? I thought Stock suspension cars loved adjustability?

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Here's our local 302 2V King. Caltracs in the top hole and what seem to be split mono springs. I don't know his rear shock package but he doesn't spend a lot of time under the car.
I run QA-1 double adjustable rear shocks and they are difficult for me to tune. Power is a 302 4V.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

What is the car doing?
What do you want it to do?

D

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

I run a 305 chev 2bbl in a 3650 lbs car. I use Lakewood slappers with Lakewood adjustable shocks set a 50/50, monoleaf stock springs. Works great, never spins, consistent 60 foot times.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Dad and I used them on the Fairlane from back in the 80's. Now it has all Calvert parts.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

all the spring does is hold the car up off the ground,,,a leaf spring is a leaf spring,,,however,,,if a spring is too stiff,,as in a multi leaf spring,,,thats where the problem begins. You always want to use the weakest spring that will suspend the car. If a mono wont hold up a heavy car,,,,then look at removing leaves from a multi leaf. If the spring is to stiff,,,, no shock adjustment,pinion angle change is going to overcome the stiff spring,,,,ask me how I know,,,,,just kidding,,,,dont ask

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

carbuilder,,, the rear of the spring, behind the axle is what holds up that car, and sets the ride height. The front of the spring forward of the axle is where we control the launch of the car. This is why Calvert springs are two piece. They are the best bolt on springs available for a stocker in my opinion. Springs can be custom made but this is all they are doing now. The bars are great. Now the front half of the spring and the shock tuning are where the real advantages are with a leaf spring car.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Herb McCandless would be a great source of information on leaf spring technology.

Also, remember the Chrysler Leaf Link used on Ray Whinery's Dart?

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

so,one would surmise that if you removed the front half the rear would hold up the car ???? you may want to re think that,,,I have looked very closely at Keeners cars,,,,as well as Ficacchi"s,,,,and they use stock springs,,,which ARE a lighter spring rate than a split mono,period Show me a car that works as well as they do,,,,on a consistent level and maybe you can change my mind, The last time I was at Eaton spring in Detroit,,, I saw some split monos they said were for Calvert ????

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Of course the back half of the spring wouldn't hold the car up by itself unless it was crazy stiff. You know that is not what I mean by that statement. As far as suspension for a leaf spring car that is essentially all the rear half is doing. The real tuning is in the front of the spring.

There are many manufacturers of custom strings that are multi or mono leaf that do the same thing. I just like the Calverts because you have more adjustability. Want to change the ride height, buy the rear half. Change the "Hit" for an auto or stick car, buy the front half for that. I am not saying your wrong, just that Calverts are better. Little harder to change the whole spring vs. the front half. Other custom springs may be cheaper, I don't know the pricing differences. A tuned system is usually better when all of the components are used together.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

From my 40 plus years of preparing many record holding leaf sprung cars, A spring is a spring,all it does is hold up the car,,,wanna change ride height ? a simple and very cheap easy way is re arc spring,,,why buy and buy when you dont have to??? As far as the spring rate,,,,take a twenty foot long piece of tubing, and support at each end with a jack stand,,,now push down in the middle you will have plenty of spring to it,,,,now cut it and half and do the same thing,,,you will not have the spring anymore because of its length,,,,now when you split a mono leaf,,,you do EXACTLY the same thing. Leaf spring cars with a traction device love the soft spring,,,,shock adjustments respond better and so do tire pressure changes.As far as advantages,,,, I see none,,,only disadvantages

If spending money that is not needed makes one happy,,,go ahead and buy the expensive stuff if that makes life easier,,,, but I can tell you from experience its not needed.

As I said earlier,Keener doesnt use them,and he pretty much can buy what he wants,,,but he has a STOCK spring for a reason,,,and his cars are as fast as they get he has those for a reason

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

After looking at Merc's car at Indy year before, it looks like they are using a modified slapper.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Cal tracs,ladder bars,four link,,,,modified slapper??? all traction devices,,,,I thought the question was about springs,,,, you guys keep your ball,,, Im going home

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

I’m not looking for an argument here, but I disagree with some of your theory. I agree if you take a 20’ long “spring” and cut it in half it will be much stiffer. But the Calvert spring , even though it’s two pieces, it remains the same length. The distance between the load bearing points of the spring remain the same, that is not cut in half. The affect is completely different. With a two piece spring you can have different spring rates or arc ahead of the axle and behind it. So you can keep the front soft so it will work better with the traction device as you stated. Then ride height can be adjusted with the rear spring segment.
Adjustability is one of the advantages of the caltrac springs.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Well I guess someone should inform Keener, Merc and Steve Ficcachi they have the wrong set up, the original question was pros and cons,,,take a split mono and a stock mono,,,and check the pounds per inch,,then get back to me,,,,,

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Different is just that different, folks have been equally successful with very different combinations.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

I have to admit I am super curious (car is in my garage awaiting a slot for EFI conversion) how its going to work especially compared to the dakota....seemed to work plenty well for Terry Dye when he was running ss/ja....

The dakota uses the old superstock springs and calvert bars.

The debate over launcher springs with calvert bars versus the calvert mono leafs with calvert bars might be a interesting one. The green challenger with a stick is a little indifferent re the mono leafs. Maybe its more of a plus for an auto.

Eric

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Eric,

I seriously doubt anyone who's observed your Dakota's launch would suggest there's much room for marked improvement, LOL!

My E/SA Duster consistently 60fts 1.38-1.39 with Greg's Tri-City Competition Launchers no bars, no snubber, old 5 way Rancho's...

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Yea it leaves well, I miswrote, it too has Greg's Tri-City Launchers, the calvert bars help keep it down!

Eric

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Eric,
Which springs produced better 60' performance?

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Gregg's Launchers and John's Mono leafs both work great!

On our 2400LB. Bracket car (Hot Rod Project Feather Duster) we even run Calvert Mono leafs with
No bars....Works great with several track championship!

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Pete Lanciers,
Please check your PM.

Re: Calvert split mono leaf springs?
 

Frank been trying to respond call me six won 9 two zero o ate 0 five two...