single adjustable shock-compression or extension adjust?

[High Plains Mopars]

I'm going to be a bit blunt here, but it sounds like you aren't very familiar with dampers which would make any more than a single adjustable out of your league. My advice to you is to get a single adjustable shock of decent quality, set it then forget it. Properly adjusting compression and rebound individually isn't easy.

Very observant and very close to the truth. My experience with shocks has all been in highly restricted, stock type racing classes that did not allow adjustable capability. If we needed more or less control, we swapped the whole shock, which got expensive fast and became a limiting factor since the budget was tight and we had to sometimes compromise on the best set up in order to buy tires or gas instead of another shock.

So on my street car 'd rather pay more up front for more capability that I can grow in to than swap shocks every few years. My car will not only see street duty but will also be doing an occasional autocross and and regular Nasa HPDE. So yes, my initial choice was a very good, high quality single adjustable unit that may last me a long time before I get tuned in enough to the set up to get double adjustables. I doubt I'll just set it and forget it since in addition to those activities, I also hit the drag strip once or twice a year, hence the whole idea behind adjustables.



So, knowing the above and referencing a single adjustable unit, would you lean more towards a rebound or compression adjustment? I can see merits of both, but like you said, lots of margin for error in there if I head off in the wrong direction with a double adjustable unit. Before making the purchase, I probably will also call the manufacturer to talk about where I am at with my wheel rates and intended applications to see if an off the shelf valving will work or if I need to get something custom set up.