I want to lower my STR but don't want to ruin the ride. It would appear I have two choices either the Mina or H&R HR-29300.

The Mina are around $499 and I have sourced a set of H&R HR-29300 for $219.

Anyone installed either?
How difficult is it to swap them out?
Any negative issues?
Ride quality?
Do I need new struts?
Do I need to get a new alignment?
Do ya have a good lookin' sister of legal age?

 

I have a set of the Mina Gallery springs installed. I actually had the dealer install the springs. You will definitely need to align the car after installing either springs.
The ride has not suffered but the front is a bit higher than the rear. I would purchase the H&R springs.
I believe the front drop is 1.4" and the rear is 1.3" for the H&R springs. The Mina springs have a drop of 1.2" both front and rear.
That is a great price for the H&R springs. It is almost $100 cheaper than I have found.

 

How does this affect CATS?

 

I have been told that the CATS is not affected.

 

Really? I won't do it because of the roads in Canada but otherwise I'd be worried that it would affect the handling with CATS.

 

I ordered a set of H&R 29300 Sport Springs for $219.20 + $41.75 shipping. They are coming on a Fedex camel and should be in Oroville, WA within a week. I drive down and clear Canada Customs myself (gotta pay the pr*cks 12%). Fabulous drive through wine country (stop for tastings) and pick up a couple of bottles (sometimes cases) on the way back.

I am planning on doing the swap myself and then getting an alignment. I will let ya know how it went. If anyone is interested where I got 'em I will post once I know they are definitely in route. I ordered them from a dealer but they are being shipped by the manufacturer.

 

Keep us posted. I am very interested in the springs at that price.

 

The H&R Sport Suspension Springs arrived last Friday. They are the proper model number 29300 for the STR. Made in Germany.

Here is the link where I purchased them for $219US dollars:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...Rear:%201.3%20

I will be installing them this Saturday if my son-in-law and I don't get too hammered on Friday night. We're gonna team on this one as he and my daughter will be here for a 3 day visit. I told my daughter that if they get divorced I'm keeping him. She always laughs - I'm never quite sure whether I'm serious or not. Hmmm...

 

We finished the installation yesterday in six hours. Not the easiest job on jack stands but doable. Hoist would have made it easier. Took it for a short test drive last night and it drove flawlessly. No adverse affects on the ride, handling greatly improved and the STR benefits by a much better stance.

Take it in next week for a complete wheel alignment. It needed a toe in adjustment per a TSB for excessive wear on inside tire front. Kill two birds with one C note. If you want to do this don't hesitate as I don't know how many kits they got left for the STR at that price.

 

Any before and after pics?

 

I had the 4-wheel alignment done today. Toe-in was out both front and back - now right on factory specs. Camber is set just outside of min-max specs. Castor is set just outside of min-max specs but tracks perfectly with no steering wheel pull.

I am pleased with the outcome. The function of the F1.4 and R1.3 drop provides better tracking, cornering and improved steering response. The form provides a better stance and flat looks right. No excess air space around the upper tire between wheel opening and tire.

I was concerned that I would ruin the ride and was delighted that it turned out better than expected. Barely a noticeable difference in ride comfort and/or road noise. Oh, it sits dead level. Doesn't look like it sh*t itself as with the Mina springs.

I'll get around to some pics in the next few days...

 

Thats some funny ish--thanks for the follow up I knew those mina gallery springs were 2 much, 500 bucks for springs, thanks for the post, any problems with the cats?

 

PS who can set camber and toe end, can a regular shop do the adjustment.

 

The cats have had a good and solid workout and they work just fine. Any good alignment shop can do the alignment.

 

Do you happen 2 have any pointers on shocks for the STR, ones that work with the CATS system? THe dealer wants like 350$ for the fronts and 450$ for the rear, crazy money, have any leads on something a little more gentle on the pockets? P>S> I will be ordering a pair of those springs regardless.

 

Check if they work with the CATS system:

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,7584

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,7556

 

Good lookin my brother, appreciate the info and they do work with the CATS saved me over 800 bucks.

 

When you installed the H&R springs, did you install the Caster/Camber bolt kit?

 

No. Tell me more...

What does this kit do for me?

MOOG Part # K80061 {Caster Camber Cam Bolt} Frt Susp; adjustment range from -1-1/2 to +1-1/2 Deg.

As I mentioned the tech could not get the caster/camber within the min/max range. Does this provide more adjustment?

 

Yes, I believe it provides more adjustment. I suspect this kit is similar to the kit Mercedes has, which is commonly called "crash bolts." On the Benz, there is virtually no adjustment, and this is a problem after accidents. Hence, the inexpensive crash bolt kit for more adjustment.

On my last slammed CLK, I used a KMAC kit, which was a pain to install, but had plenty of adjustment. I don't know if KMAC makes a Jaguar kit or not. I need to check.