So I finally got around to getting all my suspension installed. I had contacted Fortune Auto about purchasing a set of their series 500 coilovers for my R58. They are a US manufacturer of performance suspensions located in Virginia. Previously, they had only ever sold 2 sets of coilovers for MINIs, but none specific to the R58. They are big in the EVO/STI crowd as well as some BMW time attack cars, but cater to a wide range of makes and models. I spoke with their development guy and we both agreed that the R56 specs will fit the R58 as most if not all other manufacturers do. I became the guinea pig for fitment and future review. The review will come at a later time as I literally just drove the car back from the shop (25 miles). Once I let the system settle and get it aligned, I will come back and give my 2 cents. I really don't want to get into the initial drive yet, because with everything I had installed, it would be hard to pinpoint one vs the other on such a short trip.

But I did want to share some photos and some adjustments we made while it was still up on the lift and after a couple short trips around the block to work out the kinks.

So what I had installed:

Fortune Auto Series 500 Coilovers (Includes Swift Springs 6K/5K, Camber Plates, Adjustable Rebound, Roller Bearings, Rear Adjustment Extenders, Front End Links)
H-Sport Comp Rear Sway
H-Sport Lower Control Arms
12mm Wheel Spacers
43mm Extended Lugs


The install went relatively smooth. The coilovers came set really low (fit in packaging) so we had to raise them up. Setting preload is imperative on these and was super easy. Raising and lowering the car is also easy because these are not inverted like some, they can stay on the car and you loosen one lower locking ring and spin the assembly up/down. With the rears, we didn't even have to remove the wheels.

The rear control arms, despite them noting that they come to you with set to stock lengths, were way off. Easy enough to adjust though, and as you can see from the photos below, I am running them at a pretty steep negative camber. That will change once I get the 3D alignment done next week.

Of course the car feels completely different. The steering response is crazy. As I drive it more, the more I will be able to focus on the changes. Like I mentioned before, i will do a review a little later after I put some miles on it.

Here are some photos of the car before the suspension was installed.










And here is what it looks like now. I know I am raked a bit high in the back, but with the spacers and the camber we went with, I was afraid of rubbing sitting any lower. Initially these were dropped loooow, so much so that half of my tire was inside the fender. While that looked sick, the drive around the block was nothing but rub, so we had to adjust the camber and the height a bit to what you see here. I am sure we will find a happy medium after it all settles and the alignment is completed.

(and sorry for the photos. These were in my garage because its the flattest part of my neighborhood. I will get better shots later)















I will update this thread with more info, feedback, and photos as time moves forward.

-Z

 

Looks great. What was the cost?

 

The cost is irrelevant because Fortune Auto sold them to me directly as a test bed for fitment. Fortune normally doesn't sell directly and they will refer you to a distributor for purchase. Distributors can sell them at different prices, although Fortune publicly sets a suggested minimum SRP on them. I have seen them sold and advertised for more and less than that price, so it just depends.

If you order them "stock" without the Swift Spring, Roller Bearing, and Extender upgrades, I would probably price them somewhere a bit above BC's/ST's. Add all the upgrades and you are closer to between KWv1s. But just to note, you are getting camber plates, adjustable rebound, and end links with the basic kit.

 

Um, I just see pics of a lowered car. Any pics of the actual coilovers? Maybe some detail shots of the bearings/camber plates. And of the whole coilover as well.

 

Photos of my coilovers are on a previous thread discussing Fortune Auto Coilovers.

The thread is located here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...coilovers.html

The post where I have photos of them are here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...55-post20.html

-Z

 

Hey zcast, did you ever figure out who made those endlinks?

 

No, I didn't unfortunately. I purchased a set of front endlinks from Way assuming I would need them, but Fortune sent me that set which was shorter than the ones from Way by quite a bit. They are exactly like Way's in all manners (sealed ball joints, etc) just shorter. When we installed the suspension, it was apparent why, because the attachment point is closer (shorter). A shorter adjustment rod is really all it is. Nice that they were included though and that I didn't have to hunt down short end links. They are dead silent too. If I were to guess, they might be manufactured by TMS.

I guess I could call Fortune Auto if need be.

-Z