Coilovers for a weekend car

hrtbrknprince · 09-30-2019, 01:31 PM

Hello all

I have a few decisions to make that maybe some of you can help guide me on.

So far for my suspension upgrades the parts I've purchased are

Swift Springs (decided not to use)
SPL Camber arms
SPC toe bolts
20mm spacers (decided not to use)

At first I thought this was all I wanted/needed to have a decent fitment for some used factory Nismo wheels.

I ended up going quite a bit further and decided I want to cry once. So I bought...

Forgestar wheels 19x9.5+20 wrapped in 245/40/19 and 19x11+17 in 285/35/19
and the Z1 Brake kit upgrade since It's time for brakes.

Now I don't do any track driving nor do I plan to do anything more than autocross.Most of my driving is cruising back country roads or the Interstate. So I do value comfort as I typically cruise for 1-3 hours at a time. It's not a daily though.

I decided I want to get coilovers instead and install everything together and be done. So that brought me to Fortune Auto. After reading on the divorced style vs true I decided I want to get the OEM style because I didn't think I'd get much benefit from doing midlinks. Fortune auto offers a bunch of options on this coilover and everything I've read on the forums has started to somewhat run together and I ended up more confused. Now my actual questions.

Fortune Auto 500 Series Coilovers for Nissan 370z (OEM Rear) - Fortune Auto SuperStore by Enjuku Racing Parts, LLC

Should I get the swift spring upgrade or can I use my swift springs and get the correct valved shocks as long as the diameter is the same? I have no problem just selling my swifts and buying them already with the coilovers if that's the best route.

Do I need the radial mount upgrades? I've read it reduces some noise during the coilover operation. This is something I'm willing to pay extra for if it's needed/worth it.

Do I need the adjustment extender?

Or should I consider looking at a different coilover all together?

I know this is a lot. Any help is appreciated.

OptionZero · 09-30-2019, 02:28 PM

I don't know what swift springs you bought, but they're probably the Spec-Rs meant for fixed struts

If you are getting Fortunes, you want the swifts they provide as they are the correct length for their coilovers.

I think the radial mounts only apply to the fronts. The divorced setup in the back requires something different; fortunately, swift has the solution:

Swift thrust washers available from SPL
https://www.splparts.com/products/sw...t-washers.html

They are basically thin plastic rings that go between the spring and the mounting surfaces so they can rotate with less friction. this is what creates the "squeaking" and "popping" sound that occurs with coilovers during compression. One set should handle the rears fine. They are insanely easy to install, you're just putting one set on top of the spring and one set on the bottom. The radial mounts are just a fancier solution for the fronts.

you might as well get the adjustment extender to make life easiest in the future, even if you aren't doing a ton of adjusting

Stick with the fortunes. They are USA-rebuildable, offer great support, and very functional. I use them on my daily IS300 and the ride is excellent; others use them here for track and are satisfied.

As for your wheels - they are a fairly common size range and should fit fine without further work, with the caveat that you don't go too low. If you are too low your alignment will start getting out of whack and you will need more SPL parts to correct them. I don't think the fender clearance will necessarily be the issue, it's mostly sorting out side-to-side to make sure it's even and to zero out your toe for tire wear.

You'r eon the right path, just dont get intimidated by options presented.

DaveZ03 · 09-30-2019, 02:59 PM

I actually went with these (divorced/OEM type set up):
https://www.dsgperformance.com/dsg-s...34-nissan-370z

Extremely happy with them, install was a breeze and there are no weird noises due to the radial bearings and the washers that were included. I went with custom spring rates, 13f/11r. SPL FUCA and Rear Camber arms got everything in line, since I didn't slam it. My Z is a weekend car only and again, I'm EXTREMELY happy with this set up as, in my opinion, improved what was already there. Better turn in, feels planted/solid, and lowered the car. Hit up Josh@DSG, he will take care of you. Hope this helps!

OptionZero · 09-30-2019, 06:16 PM

FYI - DSG are recolored/relabeled Fortune Auto coilovers.

They may also have some custom spring rate/damper specifications, but i dunno how much testing they do to determine them

Fortunes are also sourced from. . .places in common with other brands, but thats not necessarily a negative

DaveZ03 · 09-30-2019, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OptionZero

FYI - DSG are recolored/relabeled Fortune Auto coilovers.

They may also have some custom spring rate/damper specifications, but i dunno how much testing they do to determine them

Fortunes are also sourced from. . .places in common with other brands, but thats not necessarily a negative

These are fortune 500s. Just DSGs special edition. Came with build and dyno sheets.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

tRidiot · 09-30-2019, 06:26 PM

Is that what that sound is??? I get a weird squeak/rub noise. I had it some with my stock shocks and thought it meant they needed replacement. I was getting kind of a skipping or skittering sideways over bumps, too, so that made me think my stocks were bad. Now, if anything, after putting on a used set of KW V1, the noise is worse. Seems to be much more out of the rear, but could be getting some from the front.

OptionZero · 09-30-2019, 07:00 PM

If the noise occurs during compression and sounds like a squeak, sometimes a sharp pop, that is the springs "binding" against metal.

The best i can explain it: when a spring is compressed down, the top and bottom rotate. thats physically the coiling/uncoiling of the spring. Well, what are the top and bottom touching? The upper mount and lower seat. All that stuff is metal. So you have metal moving against metal, which creates noise.

The radial bearing eliminates the noise by putting that mounting surface on a rotating platform with low friction. The thrust washer does the same thing - it's just two plastic (or i think one plastic and one metal) ring that goes between the spring and the mounting surface, so that rotation has less friction and therefore less noise.

The radial bearing is a sophisticated (and more expensive) solution.
The thrust washers are a cheap and just as practically effective solution.

I have used the swift washers on three cars (S14, IS300, Z34) and it has solved the spring popping noise every time.

hrtbrknprince · 09-30-2019, 09:25 PM

Thank you Option for the advice. I will stick with Fortune auto and get those thrust washers and radial mounts.

I did forget to mention spring rates. 12k/11k sound like a good compromise or would you get something lower or higher?

BettyZ · 09-30-2019, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OptionZero

If the noise occurs during compression and sounds like a squeak, sometimes a sharp pop, that is the springs "binding" against metal.

The best i can explain it: when a spring is compressed down, the top and bottom rotate. thats physically the coiling/uncoiling of the spring. Well, what are the top and bottom touching? The upper mount and lower seat. All that stuff is metal. So you have metal moving against metal, which creates noise.

The radial bearing eliminates the noise by putting that mounting surface on a rotating platform with low friction. The thrust washer does the same thing - it's just two plastic (or i think one plastic and one metal) ring that goes between the spring and the mounting surface, so that rotation has less friction and therefore less noise.

The radial bearing is a sophisticated (and more expensive) solution.
The thrust washers are a cheap and just as practically effective solution.

I have used the swift washers on three cars (S14, IS300, Z34) and it has solved the spring popping noise every time.

One plastic **** ring and one metal **** ring for the top and bottom of the spring.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

OptionZero · 09-30-2019, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrtbrknprince

Thank you Option for the advice. I will stick with Fortune auto and get those thrust washers and radial mounts.

I did forget to mention spring rates. 12k/11k sound like a good compromise or would you get something lower or higher?

Hotrod uses 13/10 on his fortunes but he is tracks the car heavily. I have aragostas with 14/10, but they are valves for that

Since your car is street you may back down to 12/8 or something

Or just ask them what their default rates are and go with tho

Spooler · 09-30-2019, 10:31 PM

I run Aragosta's with 12/10 springs. No issues on the street. I feel I need more spring, 14/11's but my shocks would need to be valved for the fronts. I have 50k on these anyway. I will get them rebuilt in the future or change to something else.

Spooler · 10-01-2019, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OptionZero

Hotrod uses 13/10 on his fortunes but he is tracks the car heavily. I have aragostas with 14/10, but they are valves for that

Since your car is street you may back down to 12/8 or something

Or just ask them what their default rates are and go with tho

Hotrodz has changed to true type coilovers. He is in the process of redoing his suspension. The rear true type coilovers he has for the rear now are too stiff. He is getting softer springs for the rear.

OptionZero · 10-01-2019, 01:30 AM

I know, but at the time he ran OEM type, he had 13/10 fortunes, and that was for track use
i figure going just below that would be fine for street

hrtbrknprince · 10-03-2019, 08:45 PM

Well slightly unrelated but I have yet to order my coilovers because I just found out why my wheels did not arrive on time. The truck they were on apparently caught on fire and my wheels burned up..

Currently trying to find out what's going to happen with that. Was really hoping I could go to Z nationals with the new shoes on...

Totally bummed right now

Rusty · 10-03-2019, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrtbrknprince

Well slightly unrelated but I have yet to order my coilovers because I just found out why my wheels did not arrive on time. The truck they were on apparently caught on fire and my wheels burned up..

Currently trying to find out what's going to happen with that. Was really hoping I could go to Z nationals with the new shoes on...

Totally bummed right now

That sucks.

09-30-2019, 01:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
hrtbrknprince Base Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Savannah Posts: 113 Drives: 14 MBMM6S Rep Power: 3368	Coilovers for a weekend car Hello all I have a few decisions to make that maybe some of you can help guide me on. So far for my suspension upgrades the parts I've purchased are Swift Springs (decided not to use) SPL Camber arms SPC toe bolts 20mm spacers (decided not to use) At first I thought this was all I wanted/needed to have a decent fitment for some used factory Nismo wheels. I ended up going quite a bit further and decided I want to cry once. So I bought... Forgestar wheels 19x9.5+20 wrapped in 245/40/19 and 19x11+17 in 285/35/19 and the Z1 Brake kit upgrade since It's time for brakes. Now I don't do any track driving nor do I plan to do anything more than autocross.Most of my driving is cruising back country roads or the Interstate. So I do value comfort as I typically cruise for 1-3 hours at a time. It's not a daily though. I decided I want to get coilovers instead and install everything together and be done. So that brought me to Fortune Auto. After reading on the divorced style vs true I decided I want to get the OEM style because I didn't think I'd get much benefit from doing midlinks. Fortune auto offers a bunch of options on this coilover and everything I've read on the forums has started to somewhat run together and I ended up more confused. Now my actual questions. Fortune Auto 500 Series Coilovers for Nissan 370z (OEM Rear) - Fortune Auto SuperStore by Enjuku Racing Parts, LLC Should I get the swift spring upgrade or can I use my swift springs and get the correct valved shocks as long as the diameter is the same? I have no problem just selling my swifts and buying them already with the coilovers if that's the best route. Do I need the radial mount upgrades? I've read it reduces some noise during the coilover operation. This is something I'm willing to pay extra for if it's needed/worth it. Do I need the adjustment extender? Or should I consider looking at a different coilover all together? I know this is a lot. Any help is appreciated.

09-30-2019, 02:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
OptionZero A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,225 Drives: 15 370Z Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 214100	I don't know what swift springs you bought, but they're probably the Spec-Rs meant for fixed struts If you are getting Fortunes, you want the swifts they provide as they are the correct length for their coilovers. I think the radial mounts only apply to the fronts. The divorced setup in the back requires something different; fortunately, swift has the solution: Swift thrust washers available from SPL https://www.splparts.com/products/sw...t-washers.html They are basically thin plastic rings that go between the spring and the mounting surfaces so they can rotate with less friction. this is what creates the "squeaking" and "popping" sound that occurs with coilovers during compression. One set should handle the rears fine. They are insanely easy to install, you're just putting one set on top of the spring and one set on the bottom. The radial mounts are just a fancier solution for the fronts. you might as well get the adjustment extender to make life easiest in the future, even if you aren't doing a ton of adjusting Stick with the fortunes. They are USA-rebuildable, offer great support, and very functional. I use them on my daily IS300 and the ride is excellent; others use them here for track and are satisfied. As for your wheels - they are a fairly common size range and should fit fine without further work, with the caveat that you don't go too low. If you are too low your alignment will start getting out of whack and you will need more SPL parts to correct them. I don't think the fender clearance will necessarily be the issue, it's mostly sorting out side-to-side to make sure it's even and to zero out your toe for tire wear. You'r eon the right path, just dont get intimidated by options presented. hrtbrknprince and BettyZ like this. __________________ OptionZero Build Thread

09-30-2019, 06:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
OptionZero A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,225 Drives: 15 370Z Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 214100	FYI - DSG are recolored/relabeled Fortune Auto coilovers. They may also have some custom spring rate/damper specifications, but i dunno how much testing they do to determine them Fortunes are also sourced from. . .places in common with other brands, but thats not necessarily a negative __________________ OptionZero Build Thread

09-30-2019, 07:00 PM	#7 (permalink)
OptionZero A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,225 Drives: 15 370Z Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 214100	If the noise occurs during compression and sounds like a squeak, sometimes a sharp pop, that is the springs "binding" against metal. The best i can explain it: when a spring is compressed down, the top and bottom rotate. thats physically the coiling/uncoiling of the spring. Well, what are the top and bottom touching? The upper mount and lower seat. All that stuff is metal. So you have metal moving against metal, which creates noise. The radial bearing eliminates the noise by putting that mounting surface on a rotating platform with low friction. The thrust washer does the same thing - it's just two plastic (or i think one plastic and one metal) ring that goes between the spring and the mounting surface, so that rotation has less friction and therefore less noise. The radial bearing is a sophisticated (and more expensive) solution. The thrust washers are a cheap and just as practically effective solution. I have used the swift washers on three cars (S14, IS300, Z34) and it has solved the spring popping noise every time. ValidusVentus and BettyZ like this. __________________ OptionZero Build Thread

09-30-2019, 10:31 PM	#11 (permalink)
Spooler A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Ga Posts: 13,800 Drives: 2013 Nismo 370z Rep Power: 2684392	I run Aragosta's with 12/10 springs. No issues on the street. I feel I need more spring, 14/11's but my shocks would need to be valved for the fronts. I have 50k on these anyway. I will get them rebuilt in the future or change to something else. hrtbrknprince and BettyZ like this.

09-30-2019, 02:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
DaveZ03 Base Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Kentucky Posts: 218 Drives: '11 FairladyZ Rep Power: 51859	I actually went with these (divorced/OEM type set up): https://www.dsgperformance.com/dsg-s...34-nissan-370z Extremely happy with them, install was a breeze and there are no weird noises due to the radial bearings and the washers that were included. I went with custom spring rates, 13f/11r. SPL FUCA and Rear Camber arms got everything in line, since I didn't slam it. My Z is a weekend car only and again, I'm EXTREMELY happy with this set up as, in my opinion, improved what was already there. Better turn in, feels planted/solid, and lowered the car. Hit up Josh@DSG, he will take care of you. Hope this helps!

09-30-2019, 06:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
tRidiot Base Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: OK Posts: 178 Drives: '09 370Z Sport Rep Power: 9972	Is that what that sound is??? I get a weird squeak/rub noise. I had it some with my stock shocks and thought it meant they needed replacement. I was getting kind of a skipping or skittering sideways over bumps, too, so that made me think my stocks were bad. Now, if anything, after putting on a used set of KW V1, the noise is worse. Seems to be much more out of the rear, but could be getting some from the front.

09-30-2019, 09:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
hrtbrknprince Base Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Savannah Posts: 113 Drives: 14 MBMM6S Rep Power: 3368	Thank you Option for the advice. I will stick with Fortune auto and get those thrust washers and radial mounts. I did forget to mention spring rates. 12k/11k sound like a good compromise or would you get something lower or higher?

10-01-2019, 01:30 AM	#13 (permalink)
OptionZero A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,225 Drives: 15 370Z Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 214100	I know, but at the time he ran OEM type, he had 13/10 fortunes, and that was for track use i figure going just below that would be fine for street __________________ OptionZero Build Thread

10-03-2019, 08:45 PM	#14 (permalink)
hrtbrknprince Base Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Savannah Posts: 113 Drives: 14 MBMM6S Rep Power: 3368	Well slightly unrelated but I have yet to order my coilovers because I just found out why my wheels did not arrive on time. The truck they were on apparently caught on fire and my wheels burned up.. Currently trying to find out what's going to happen with that. Was really hoping I could go to Z nationals with the new shoes on... Totally bummed right now

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