Hi "S" Typers with CATS suspension. I eventually tired of the marshmellow ride of my 03 STR's CATS suspension (struts/shocks built by Bilstein). Last fall H&R Sport lowering springs went in and fell in love with the slightly firmer ride with a 1 1/4" drop. New front CATS struts went in but she never came around to handling like a 400+ hp sport/luxery sedan.

Though the rears were likely beat, I felt replacing them would continue the "Too soft for my tastes" ride through dips and corners. Stepping outside the proverbial CATS box, Bilstein non CATS struts/shocks were placed on all four corners, along with a 4-wheel alignment. They were purchased through Shockwarehouse.com for $431 for all four, and another $430 for install and alignment (4.5 hrs @ $69/hr, alignment: $80). Compare this to Jaguar's CATS struts: $400/each (four for $1600), Jag Bits: $350/each ($1400 for four).

I opted for Bilstein's crossover for the 03-08 S-Type 4.2 with Sport Suspension Package. Fronts: F4-BE3-6743-HO ($232/pair) and Rear: F4-BE5-6772-HO ($198/pair). When I picked her up this a.m. the tech said despite unplugging the harness from the CATS module (just aft. of the spare tire) the CATS fault message with amber caution light came on and remained. I drove her home, unplugged the harness from the CATS module, then performed a hard re-set (removed both cables from battery, held them together for 10 minutes then popped them back on and...wha la! No CATS warning message.

Drove her 42 miles from home to office...The ride is perfect...no fluff, but not too harsh...just a slight hint of more "road" feel through the wheel. She stays with the road without losing track from road irregularities. Corners are the big plus...A long but sharp corner that I would have never dared at near 70 mph was taken at 85 mph, staying level and comfortable throughout. IMHO, a win-win for those who want more road control whilst not sacrificing ride comfort.

 

Awesome glad your liking it. I knew you would like them, I would guess mine is about 20% stiffer due to the heavy springs. It really dose handle like its on rails!

 

Thanks and 10-4 on that qwikcat. As mentioned in my original post; I opted for Bilstein's variant for the 4.2 "S" with Sport Suspension Package because I knew anything beyond the gas pressure and valving of these shocks would yield ride characteristics outside my tastes. I wanted a firmer yet still soft ride quality. As far as my needs are concerned the non CATS Bilsteins were a grand slam.

 

If only I didn't do so much driving in the 5 boroughs I'd be with you Seth. I'd still take that corner at 85 with the cats though. :-D

 

I had a former lemans GT3 driver in my car the other day and he commented "damn this thing is flat and sticks for a big car!" I like things a little over the top! Once these contact tires go and I get some real rubber it will be even better. The breaks are a little aggresive though!

 

I need a ride in one to feel the difference!

 

Your welcome to take a ride in mine if your ever close. I have only drove a few stock ones and then just for test drives and I can tell a huge diffrence.

 

Ditto to qwikcat's; Everyone's welcome to test drive my 03 STR at the June 4-5 Pittsburgh meet or if in close vicinity to where I live. I'd also like to have the same opportunity so I may experience a full functioning CATS system. Though qwikcat maintains an Arden CATS suspension, I'd also wish to give recognition to him for giving me the insight in helping me make the switch to a non CATS suspension. It's definitely "To each his own" when decidimg to remain CATS or go conventional. Check "it" out then go from there.

 

Glad I could help and your happy with what you picked. Nothing better then new parts!

 

have all STRs got CATS? mines a 2003 pre facelift one

 

All STRs came with CATS as standard. I am very sure you could not tick the box to go back to the standard setup if you wanted to.
But you could tick the box to go to CATS on the 2.5 V6 as well as the 3.0 V6 SE and the 4.2 V8 SE all at a whopping $4,250 extra here in Australia!
The 3.0V6 Sport and 4.2 V8 Sport both had CATS as standard as well.

 

Yep. Ya can go non CATS on a CATS car. After installation of non CATS shocks/struts, unplug the CATS module (just aft of the spare tire), then perform a hard re-set of the ECU (disconnect both battery cables, touch them together for 5 minutes, leave off for 10 minutes, then reconnect) = No CATS warning message.