Installed coilovers this weekend.
01-04-09, 03:27 PM
#1
Installed coilovers this weekend.
Finally had time to install my coilovers. I bought these 2nd hand but brand new from a CL member. They are Fortune Auto 500 series. Installation was like any other coilover so I wont go into it. I was able to do it myself with a little help from my father who came home while I was about half way through.
I have the ride height set about 26" from ground to bottom of the fender lip. It can go probably about another 2" or so lower so I definitely can tuck the tire if I wanted to as I actually had to raise it up as it was too low for what I wanted. The ride height adjustment is actually threaded into the lower mount tube so that allows you to lower the car without affecting the shock piston travel, or spring preload. No matter what height you are the shock has its full travel.
These shocks have a 40 way adjustable damper. Initially I had them set mid way at 20 clicks from full firm. At this setting the ride reminded me of my BMW E46 with Sports Suspension. I then lowered it 5 more clicks toward soft (15 from soft, or 25 from firm) and the ride comfort improved a lot. I now have it set to 10 from soft, or 30 from firm and IMHO ride comfort is near stock. I couldn't imagine anyone wanting it softer since that would defeat the who purpose of an aftermarket suspension. I emailed Fortune Auto and they informed me they run their street cars at 1 click from full soft. Honestly, I don't think I'd go that soft since where I am at 10 clicks from full soft is more than soft enough for me.
Anyway, here are some pics of the coilovers and some ride height pics.
I have the ride height set about 26" from ground to bottom of the fender lip. It can go probably about another 2" or so lower so I definitely can tuck the tire if I wanted to as I actually had to raise it up as it was too low for what I wanted. The ride height adjustment is actually threaded into the lower mount tube so that allows you to lower the car without affecting the shock piston travel, or spring preload. No matter what height you are the shock has its full travel.
These shocks have a 40 way adjustable damper. Initially I had them set mid way at 20 clicks from full firm. At this setting the ride reminded me of my BMW E46 with Sports Suspension. I then lowered it 5 more clicks toward soft (15 from soft, or 25 from firm) and the ride comfort improved a lot. I now have it set to 10 from soft, or 30 from firm and IMHO ride comfort is near stock. I couldn't imagine anyone wanting it softer since that would defeat the who purpose of an aftermarket suspension. I emailed Fortune Auto and they informed me they run their street cars at 1 click from full soft. Honestly, I don't think I'd go that soft since where I am at 10 clicks from full soft is more than soft enough for me.
Anyway, here are some pics of the coilovers and some ride height pics.
01-04-09, 03:27 PM
#2
Here is a pic of my Carson Tuned Replica Strut Tower Bar over my GS430 engine cover. I did have to leave the OEM spacers on, as well as modify (Lower the engine cover) to prevent rubbing.
Here the bar is just touching the engine cover.
Here is the bar just clearing the engine cover after modifications. Even with engine torque and movement it does not touch.
Here the bar is just touching the engine cover.
Here is the bar just clearing the engine cover after modifications. Even with engine torque and movement it does not touch.
01-04-09, 03:50 PM
#5
Loves Snickerdoodles!
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01-04-09, 05:09 PM
#12
I'll go lower later. Right now I'm just feeling it out. These are my street 18" rims. Rims are bent and curbed, but perfect for "I don't care" street driving beater rims
I'll have some brand new 19" AME Shallen AX rims that I'll be picking up from my friend soon. Those will be special occasion and show rims. If I do shows again I'll dump it for the shows, but for street driving I'll probably keep it at a reasonable ride height. When I first installed it the rear was tucking and the front had no gap, but I did raise it back up to where it is now. If anything I might lower it slightly back to zero gap all around, but I don't want to go too much lower since this is a family car
Once my front and rear RCA's come in I'll actually redo the whole ride height again since it will have to be readjusted anyway. From a construction point I think these coilovers are great so far. Only time will tell how they hold up over the long haul. If they last a long time with no issues I'll probably be a repeat customer. For the price I got them for though I had to give them a try.
As for the front grill, I bought that off a friend. It is painted silver from his car. I had to put it on because I think anything other than the stock grill is better. I absolutely hate the stock grill. I think I'll go with an RM Grill later.
I'll have some brand new 19" AME Shallen AX rims that I'll be picking up from my friend soon. Those will be special occasion and show rims. If I do shows again I'll dump it for the shows, but for street driving I'll probably keep it at a reasonable ride height. When I first installed it the rear was tucking and the front had no gap, but I did raise it back up to where it is now. If anything I might lower it slightly back to zero gap all around, but I don't want to go too much lower since this is a family carOnce my front and rear RCA's come in I'll actually redo the whole ride height again since it will have to be readjusted anyway. From a construction point I think these coilovers are great so far. Only time will tell how they hold up over the long haul. If they last a long time with no issues I'll probably be a repeat customer. For the price I got them for though I had to give them a try.
As for the front grill, I bought that off a friend. It is painted silver from his car. I had to put it on because I think anything other than the stock grill is better. I absolutely hate the stock grill. I think I'll go with an RM Grill later.
Last edited by CK6Speed; 01-04-09 at 05:18 PM.
