Currently running a non-wing restricted 360 (carb). We have been pretty successful when there is some bite to the track, but have struggled with side bite when it slicks off. Lately I have noticed more of the manufactures stating a specific engine size with their recommended setups (410/360/305, etc.) and it has really got me to thinking about how the weight is getting transferred in a lower powered car (500hp). We have raised the front to help transfer weight to the rear, and are running softer rear bars than rec, but I'm really starting to confuse myself with how much I should vary from those rec 410 settings (seems like they soften everything up with less power to help with transfer). Thinking maybe raising the car a little? RR shock changes (softer than a 5/6)? RF bar change (softer)...what do you guys think?
Car is an 87/40 Maxim Raised Rail

Anything?

This is your where you get to figure it out on your own and grow as a driver/crew chief. It sounds like you aren't out to lunch. Make one change a little farther than you normally would when you know your going to be off on the setup and note if it makes you better or worse.

DO your homework, write it down before you get to the track and every time you make an adjustment what it does for you. Summarize at the end of the night. In the long run you will be the better for it, and people will be asking you what to do. Asking on a message board is like asking the best way to train your hunting dog in three sentences or less.

5/1 or 5/2 front shocks. 1050 RF bar (help load LR) drop Jacobs ladder to bottom hole, reduce RR air pressure. Just some direction

Raise ride height some plus the above suggestions. Read hyper racing's re-think dirt paper, a technical read but very informative

Cant agree entirely,
Sometimes folks get frustrated with a setup problem and it doesn't hurt to ask for a bit of guidance. I've seen more then one racer quit because of setup issues. Theres always the chance someone with the knowledge wouldn't mind helping someone out via pm or whatever.
In the long run your better off getting the car close right off the bat if possible and fine tuning, not making big changes which change more then one variable.

We do need every racer we can keep around. I agree getting advise by way of a few PM's with review of his current setup sheet, adjustments, track, etc. could help. I would be surprised if racers at his track aren't willing to help that have local knowledge and see what his car is doing.

If that doesn't happen I would recommend he look at the Maxim, and XXX website Setup and Adjustment pages as they are pretty good. We don't run the exact setups they recommend, but they would get you close and the adjustment advise is good.

Thanks for the responses guys. Got a couple PM's that came through and will definitely reach out to those guy's to talk shop.
I understand what you are saying about keeping notes and learning, trust me we do that as much as we possibly can. But we are a small team looking to improve, and this was more of a "thinking out loud" question to everyone about how these cars react to lower horsepower levels. The manufactures sites rec settings are great, but are all geared towards 410 cars.
We are mainly fighting a loose off condition. Running 1.000 bars everywhere except RF (have been running 1.050 there, switching to 1.025 for tomorrow night to help speed up transfer to LR). Have done the usual easy ups in the front (5/3 and 5/2), frnt is blocked higher than sites rec but sills book does mention (2.5"), rear is 4.5".Feeling like I may be tieing the LR down with to much rebound and too stiff on the RR Comp, but that and adding/subtracting turns is where I'm twisting myself up over how this car reacts to the HP.
Thanks again !

Read that write up, It was excellent and part of what got me thinking about how the lower HP levels could affect the car.