Fortune Auto 500 impressions
Fortune Auto 500 impressions
Finally had my Fortune Auto 500 coilovers installed and even more finally, just now getting around to posting impressions.
So, I'm coming from a set up using Tokico adjustable 350Z shocks with 350Z front springs and Tein S Tech rear springs. Drop was "good", but not good enough on this set up. I did require rear toe bolts and camber arms even with this modest drop. Front was on OEM A arms and had just a bit of negative camber. Overall, this was a very competent setup. Level drop and the Tokicos were great, with both rebound and damper adjusts. You could dial this set up in super firm or very comfy. So, overall, aside from not being quite low enough, it was a very good set up.
On to the Fortune Autos.
I got the recommended upgraded Swift springs 10k/8k. The whole set up is beautiful. The packaging, the parts, the signed CofA. Very well done. The coilovers really are beautiful. Very robust and they now have the abs sensor brackets on them. Quality stuff.
I also got the extenders for the rear, however, the design would not let them be installed since they couldn't bend around the turn. But, if you drop the carpet you can adjust by sticking your finger through the hole and adjusting the shock ****. For reference, the Tokico extenders worked and could be adjusted in the trunk.
So, I'm coming from a set up using Tokico adjustable 350Z shocks with 350Z front springs and Tein S Tech rear springs. Drop was "good", but not good enough on this set up. I did require rear toe bolts and camber arms even with this modest drop. Front was on OEM A arms and had just a bit of negative camber. Overall, this was a very competent setup. Level drop and the Tokicos were great, with both rebound and damper adjusts. You could dial this set up in super firm or very comfy. So, overall, aside from not being quite low enough, it was a very good set up.
On to the Fortune Autos.
I got the recommended upgraded Swift springs 10k/8k. The whole set up is beautiful. The packaging, the parts, the signed CofA. Very well done. The coilovers really are beautiful. Very robust and they now have the abs sensor brackets on them. Quality stuff.
I also got the extenders for the rear, however, the design would not let them be installed since they couldn't bend around the turn. But, if you drop the carpet you can adjust by sticking your finger through the hole and adjusting the shock ****. For reference, the Tokico extenders worked and could be adjusted in the trunk.
The Fortune Auto instructions were "adequate" but I did spend time on YouTube ahead of time to learn the details of the install.
One key thing is that after install, my ARC front strut bar did not fit on without problems. The strut towers were more robust than the Tokicos and I think I will have to take the top adjustment ***** off to fit the strut bar back on, maybe even bend one metal part of the strut bar brace just a bit to give wiggle room. I forgot how much difference the front strut bar makes--I miss it big time.
One key thing is that after install, my ARC front strut bar did not fit on without problems. The strut towers were more robust than the Tokicos and I think I will have to take the top adjustment ***** off to fit the strut bar back on, maybe even bend one metal part of the strut bar brace just a bit to give wiggle room. I forgot how much difference the front strut bar makes--I miss it big time.
Now for the review.
The good:
1) Man, the Fortunes ride smooth and confident and quiet!
2) What a perfect drop!!!
The "Not perfect"
1) Interference with my titanium strut bar!
2) Could not adjust height without unbolting them.
The bad
1) To be honest, I think the suggested 10k/8k Swifts and matched valving are too soft! I feel like their set up is geared towards looks while keeping the ride very compliant. I didn't want compliant, I wanted rails! I got compliant.....
2) Now, I "could" buy new springs and sell my old ones...I would go at least 12k/10k if not 13k/11k....I could revolve the shocks....seriously, it's a great marketing promotion, but how realistic is it to rip out your shocks and send them back....
3) Would be nice to have dampening and rebound adjust!
So, to summarize, the Fortunes are beautiful and quality and smooth and robust! But,I think they are too soft all around. Maybe some day I'll swap to 12k/10k,
The good:
1) Man, the Fortunes ride smooth and confident and quiet!
2) What a perfect drop!!!
The "Not perfect"
1) Interference with my titanium strut bar!
2) Could not adjust height without unbolting them.
The bad
1) To be honest, I think the suggested 10k/8k Swifts and matched valving are too soft! I feel like their set up is geared towards looks while keeping the ride very compliant. I didn't want compliant, I wanted rails! I got compliant.....
2) Now, I "could" buy new springs and sell my old ones...I would go at least 12k/10k if not 13k/11k....I could revolve the shocks....seriously, it's a great marketing promotion, but how realistic is it to rip out your shocks and send them back....
3) Would be nice to have dampening and rebound adjust!
So, to summarize, the Fortunes are beautiful and quality and smooth and robust! But,I think they are too soft all around. Maybe some day I'll swap to 12k/10k,
Also, I've never really seen springs settle before, but the Swifts did seem to settle a bit. We had to raise the car 0.5" afterwards to get back to where we started. Fortune suggested that the Swifts perform like softer springs....maybe they could've told me that beforehand!!
