Fortune Auto Coilovers?(Stainless Steel with 50mm pistons)

[rmcat]

I saw these coilovers when browsing on another forum and did some research,haven't really seen anyone using them on MS3 yet,but they're getting all positive reviews on other platforms like silvia/evo/sti. For the same price as BC they look pretty good tho.

The parts are made in Taiwan and assembled/individually dynoed/rebuidable in house in US

http://www.fortune-auto.net/fortune500seriescoilovers.htm

http://www.fortune-auto.net/fortune500keypoints.jpg
http://www.fortune-auto.net/fortune2.jpg
http://www.fortune-auto.net/Images/clvr2.JPG
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/30020_393161612143_46502362143_4292613_2441883_n.j pg
http://www.fortune-auto.net/Images/clvr1.JPG
http://www.fortune-auto.net/FWThumbnails/Fortune%20Auto%20Shock%20Dyno.jpg

What you guys think?

[-RJ3-]

My boys have them in their cars. Best investment than any coilover you see selling here.

[Thrizzl3]

hmmmm looking on the site it shows only "F" for the mazda3/mazdaspeed3. what does that mean?

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Might mean that only the front is actually a coilover?

That white 3 with the flares is on Fortunes.

[shu5892001]

hmmmm looking on the site it shows only "F" for the mazda3/mazdaspeed3. what does that mean?

Only the front has a Pillowball Top Mount

[Tokay444]

Only the front has a Pillowball Top Mount


Might mean that only the front is actually a coilover?

That white 3 with the flares is on Fortunes.
So the rears are coilovers? Weird.

[rmcat]

Directly from Fortune Auto:

"The front and rear have forged aluminum top hats however only the front hats have pillow balls."

[taz4432]

The rears don't even have tophats on our cars.

[rmcat]

The rears don't even have tophats on our cars.

http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz153/warlord342/Konirearshockinstall-adjustmentp-1.jpg

[taz4432]

http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/zz153/warlord342/Konirearshockinstall-adjustmentp-1.jpg

I don't consider that a 'top-hat' - strut mount yes, top-hat no.

[Fobio]

just to clarify a few things. rmcat is from montreal.

the term "top hat" seems to used loosely here..."strut mount" is mroe specific, and for those with only experience with stock shocks and stock upgrades/replacemet, we can reuse the rear "strut mount" and because of this, it isn't considered a "top hat" by those like myself (with Koni Yellows)...

Having said that, coil overs will not be able to reuse the "strut mount" for OEM or OEM-like replacements. Other coil-overs like BC's includes their own "strut mount", but since the coil-over crowd also gets new tops hats with their front units, many refer to the rear "strut mount" as another "top hat".

[Speedy2008]

just to clarify a few things. rmcat is from montreal.

the term "top hat" seems to used loosely here..."strut mount" is mroe specific, and for those with only experience with stock shocks and stock upgrades/replacemet, we can reuse the rear "strut mount" and because of this, it isn't considered a "top hat" by those like myself (with Koni Yellows)...

Having said that, coil overs will not be able to reuse the "strut mount" for OEM or OEM-like replacements. Other coil-overs like BC's includes their own "strut mount", but since the coil-over crowd also gets new tops hats with their front units, many refer to the rear "strut mount" as another "top hat".

How does Fobio know everything?

[rmcat]

Thanks for the clarification Fobio,actually I would consider it as "shock mount" as well and I used this term when emailing Fortune Auto asking about whether it'd be included,they responded to me with the term"top hat"...




just to clarify a few things. rmcat is from montreal.

the term "top hat" seems to used loosely here..."strut mount" is mroe specific, and for those with only experience with stock shocks and stock upgrades/replacemet, we can reuse the rear "strut mount" and because of this, it isn't considered a "top hat" by those like myself (with Koni Yellows)...

Having said that, coil overs will not be able to reuse the "strut mount" for OEM or OEM-like replacements. Other coil-overs like BC's includes their own "strut mount", but since the coil-over crowd also gets new tops hats with their front units, many refer to the rear "strut mount" as another "top hat".

[Fobio]

How does Fobio know everything?

Hey man...how's the MX5? =)

I don't know everything...but I keep my ears perked...hehe...


Thanks for the clarification Fobio,actually I would consider it as "shock mount" as well and I used this term when emailing Fortune Auto asking about whether it'd be included,they responded to me with the term"top hat"...

My pleasure. Pls keep us posted!

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Thanks for the clarification Fobio,actually I would consider it as "shock mount" as well and I used this term when emailing Fortune Auto asking about whether it'd be included,they responded to me with the term"top hat"...

free reign with the english language:

*....it's a "hat" that sits at the "top" of the strut ... i shall call it "top hat".

*....hey that looks like an upside down top hat (http://www.google.ca/search?q=top%20hat) ... i shall call it "top hat"

[rmcat]

After long searching and debating I finally settled my decision and ordered a set of Fortune Auto 500 Coilovers(6KG/5KG F/R),I'll keep you guys updated.

from Swift
"Fortune auto coilovers in my opinion are one of the better inexpensive coilover kits you can get. They are one of few that can revalve to your spec which keeps the shocks very consistent in all four corners.

You should also clearly see a difference in the performance with our spring upgrade as well. Many people feel that a spring is just a spring but our coilover springs are the flagships of our company. There is a feelable difference between our springs and any other springs on the market. You can even run the same spring rates as what comes onto the kit and you will see a good increase in not only performance but also comfort as well."

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Nice can't wait to see.

[-RJ3-]

After long searching and debating I finally settled my decision and ordered a set of Fortune Auto 500 Coilovers(6KG/5KG F/R),I'll keep you guys updated.

from Swift
"Fortune auto coilovers in my opinion are one of the better inexpensive coilover kits you can get. They are one of few that can revalve to your spec which keeps the shocks very consistent in all four corners.

You should also clearly see a difference in the performance with our spring upgrade as well. Many people feel that a spring is just a spring but our coilover springs are the flagships of our company. There is a feelable difference between our springs and any other springs on the market. You can even run the same spring rates as what comes onto the kit and you will see a good increase in not only performance but also comfort as well."

Great investment buddy! I wish I had the cash to purchase this!

[Speedy2008]

[QUOTE=Fobio;768073]Hey man...how's the MX5? =)

I don't know everything...but I keep my ears perked...hehe...

I'm really enjoying the MX5...just as much as the MS3 but maybe a bit more cuz convertible driving at night rocks! Your next car has to be a MX5. It has great capacity to be modded to the max. Think supercharger.

[rmcat]

A few updates(posted by a member on MSF)

- They are aware of the slightly different rear bottom shock mount between Gen1 and Gen2, and these have been verified and test-fitted to the Gen2.

- No brake line bracket, just like their products for other cars.

- I asked where the FSB end link bracket is on the strut in relation to the stock strut (i.e. if it's the same, or lower like on the KW's). He said he's 90% sure it's same as stock and that you can use the stock end links, but he'd have to confirm with another technician. I'm not sold on using the stock links. I still plan on buying adjustable ones once the coils are on and I know what length I need.

http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/attachments/f425/31170d1307040252t-fortune-auto-coilovers-img_0672.jpg
http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/attachments/f425/31171d1307040252t-fortune-auto-coilovers-img_0673.jpg

[Fobio]

A few updates(posted by a member on MSF)

- They are aware of the slightly different rear bottom shock mount between Gen1 and Gen2, and these have been verified and test-fitted to the Gen2.

- No brake line bracket, just like their products for other cars.

- I asked where the FSB end link bracket is on the strut in relation to the stock strut (i.e. if it's the same, or lower like on the KW's). He said he's 90% sure it's same as stock and that you can use the stock end links, but he'd have to confirm with another technician. I'm not sold on using the stock links. I still plan on buying adjustable ones once the coils are on and I know what length I need.


thanks for update...when do you plan to have them in?

with regards to the different rear bottom shock mount, will a few washers like we've done with the KONI's help?

[rmcat]

I probably won't have time to go pick them up at the border until the 2nd week of July,but someone should put theirs on shortly since Fortune Auto expected to receive them on July 6th,many people on MSF have shown interest on FA CO's and a few has already ordered.

I think the washer trick should work but I'll have to contact FA to get a firm answer

Bigger version of the pics
http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/attachments/f425/31171d1307040252-fortune-auto-coilovers-img_0673.jpg
http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/attachments/f425/31170d1307040252-fortune-auto-coilovers-img_0672.jpg

[rmcat]

It's June 6th not July 6th...

[thekid]

Anyone know what the actual piston diameter is? What they're calling a 50mm piston diamater is the size of the housing, which isn't the important part. From the pictures, the piston looks like it's maybe 30mm.

[rmcat]

The housing is 57mm,see the pic in the first post.

[rmcat]

Picked up mine a few days ago along with Powergrid endlinks,will do a detailed review later after I install them,someone already had his installed on the car and there're tons of info on MSF for those who're interested. I drove to the US border to pick them up and in total I paid less than $1000

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/P1030100.jpg

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Care to link to the MS3 thread?

[Thrizzl3]

the rear shock absorber is where the threads are?

[S.F.W.]

Care to link to the MS3 thread?

http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/f425/fortune-auto-coilovers-78833/index2.html

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Boo I can't see the photos. I really shouldn't be thinking about switching brands anyway.

[Aitch]

the rear shock absorber is where the threads are?

Think you need threads there to adjust the shock height. Probably also height adjusters under the springs.

[S.F.W.]

Boo I can't see the photos. I really shouldn't be thinking about switching brands anyway.

shouldn't be, but you are..question is why ?

[Dave_The_BMXER]

BC's are maxxed out, and I've got a problem. :)

[rmcat]

A few things to note about FA CO's:

-No brake line brackets
-New shorter unadjustable endlinks included but adjustable ones prefered
-Front 5mm spacers needed if running on stock high offset wheels due to beefier shock body
-They can go really low out the box

http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/attachments/f432/34626d1310507066-5zigen-zr-ceramic-bronze-imgp1597_2.jpg
http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/attachments/f432/34623d1310507066-5zigen-zr-ceramic-bronze-imgp1592.jpg

[rmcat]

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/IMGP1592.jpg
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/IMGP1597_2.jpg

[-RJ3-]

I'm confused.
Bc coil overs have the rear coils in the rear springs and adjustable dampening shocks are separate

Fa have the springs in the shocks? Or are you missing the collars in the pics?

[laksman91]

A few things to note about FA CO's:

-No brake line brackets
-New shorter unadjustable endlinks included but adjustable ones prefered
-Front 5mm spacers needed if running on stock high offset wheels due to beefier shock body
-They can go really low out the box

http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/attachments/f432/34626d1310507066-5zigen-zr-ceramic-bronze-imgp1597_2.jpg
http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/attachments/f432/34623d1310507066-5zigen-zr-ceramic-bronze-imgp1592.jpg

Be cautious about this. Really cautious. A few of the stateside Evo X owners using the FA kit, had their hard brake lines break on them from the extra stress on them. Which wouldn't be pretty - http://forums.evolutionm.net/evo-x-tires-wheels-brakes-suspension-sponsored-tire-rack/559465-36-550-miles-brake-line-failed-warranty-not-covering.html

[Aitch]

I'm confused.
Bc coil overs have the rear coils in the rear springs and adjustable dampening shocks are separate

Fa have the springs in the shocks? Or are you missing the collars in the pics?

In mcat's photo:

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/P1030100.jpg

the rear shock on the left has the spring over top of it; however, this DOESN'T mean that the spring mounts in the car this way. In fact I'm sure that it would not fit that way. I'm certain he is simply missing the rear collars which go under the rear springs, in their normal location.

As I said, the threads in the rear shocks are so the shock height can be adjusted, not the springs.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Curious if that pic is all the way down. The spacer thing is interesting also I can see people who want to run wide rubber for auto-x maybe not being stoked. Anyway still good to see another option on the market. Maybe I should see if they can send me some for review :P

[rmcat]

Sorry about the confusion,I forgot to take out the rear spring mounts from the box when I took that first pic.It's the same thing as BC's meaning height is adjusted via the collars on the spring mounts.

As for the brake line brackets,yes it's ideal to have them for sure,but FA CO's are not the only ones that don't have those brackets,samething with DGR/Yellowspeed/etc.People have been running in this way on their MS3's for quite a while without problems,[B]Ziptie is a must though

FA's shock body/piston is 7mm beefier than BC's(57mm/53mm vs 50mm/46mm)

A few more pics:
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/P1030103.jpg
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/P1030104.jpg
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/P1030107.jpg
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/P1030106.jpg
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/P1030105.jpg

[rmcat]

UPDATE:

Finally put everything on and drove the car today. Had a little incident last Friday night when trying to tighten the 17mm bolt(last bolt to do)that connects rear right LCA to the trailing arm with a malfunctional torque wrench. I was lucky enough to get the broken piece out of the hole(was a miracle to me) without doing more damage to other parts. Otherwise the trailing arm which costs close to $300 and is also very hard to change by myself would have to be replaced...Ran to the dealer this morning to get a new bolt and finish off the installation in no time.

First impression: NOISE IS EVERYWHERE.
Noisy when going over speedbump,Noisy when turning steering wheel,Noisy when road is uneven.There's also a squeaky noise from the left front rotor/brake everytime when the car is moving.I'm not sure if the rotor is scraping against the brakepad or something else as the rotor was a bit loose with car in the air and tires removed,the rotor on the other side was pretty tight.I could hear the noise when rotating the rotor by hand but couldn't see any difference to the other side. I have yet to lubricate anything as I was rushing to finish the installation and will need to put car on ramps to adjust endlinks to dial out swaybar preload. I would also change front spring preload to try to eliminate noise when turning steering wheel.

Driving impression: A bit bouncier than OEM front + Bilstein Sport rear shocks,but car is much more stable and it TURNS!! Less bodyroll and less torque steer,car sticks to the ground more and more grip is available while accelerating.And to my surprise,it's much more comfortable than I expected.It's my first set of coilover on this car but I've driven MS3 with BC's and with lowering springs. My car at this point(damping 5 front with 6kg springs and 10 rear with 5kg) is definitely more comfortable. Maybe because of the thickier shock body? Anyways I'm pretty happy with the comfort level and the performance level.

Enough talking,now onto pictures...

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/Before-After.jpg
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/P1030127.jpg
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/P1030123.jpg
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/P1030126.jpg
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z101/rmcat/P1030130.jpg

I might drop it a bit more later but just wanna see how it'd do with the height like this,wanna keep my front lip longer...

[sammifan]

Looking good!

[Aitch]

From what I know, those spring rates are significantly softer than what comes with BC coilovers (owners, who knows those rates off the top of their heads?). Your rates are pretty much what I have on my Yonakas, and while they are stiff, they are not nearly as bad as what I had always thought about coilovers. I think that is the main determinant in why it doesn't feel too harsh (along with the damping forces of the shocks).

[Dave_The_BMXER]

My BCs are 7 Kg/mm in the front and 4 Kg/mm out back IIRC

[Aitch]

Oh ok, not quite as stiff as I thought.

[rmcat]

FA CO's come in 7.8kg/4kg as standard,I chose 6kg/5kg hoping for a better ride up front and firmer ride in the rear as I haul heavy stuff in the trunk sometimes

[The Wolf]

I'm gonna bump this... Anyone know where to buy these, besides ebay? Looks like the best product in the price range...

[Dave_The_BMXER]

IIRC you can get them straight from Fortune.

I was reading up on them the other day randomly.

[standsideways]

Fortune auto is no longer selling the mazda3/mazdaspeed3 application


They told me it was due to "lackluster " sales

[standsideways]

I'm gonna bump this... Anyone know where to buy these, besides ebay? Looks like the best product in the price range...

Tried to get a 510 set with swift upgrade and harder valving :(

[The Wolf]

Hmm... Wonder if buying a discontinued product is a good idea...

[standsideways]

Hmm... Wonder if buying a discontinued product is a good idea...

the only way you can get a set is used.

nowhere stocks them, FA puts them together as ordered.

if you can get a set, ide go with those over any other taiwanese coil setup, its the only one with proper support.

[The Wolf]

There's a ton on ebay... Says 10+ in stock.

[standsideways]

There's a ton on ebay... Says 10+ in stock.

i'm guessing they haven't been told by FA yet, FA seems extremely lacking in the marketing department, they likely woulden't tell there retailers.

the whole thing with FA is that they are assembled to order ie. buyer chooses the spring rate(and brand for that matter) and valving options and then they put them together, so they would need alot more than 10 sets in stock.