Ditto to Jagv8. If you should ultimately decide to do non-CATS, I'd heavily recommend using the Mina Galleries springs. They're compatible with stock struts. The Bilstien S-Type Sport struts are the way to go in this case.

 

Eh... I would say in the interest of longevity and ride quality, non-CATS dampers, i.e. V8-Sport bilsteins, should be matched up with factory-spec V8 sport springs (the springs they were valved to run). Factory STR springs would be second best, and Mina's 3rd followed by H&R's as your last choice.

 

after everyone's input, i purchased the front replacement CATS shock (ouch) and will call Mina on Monday for the springs Thanks for all your input!

 

Sounds good.

 

I'm know I'm late to the party but I have run Mina Springs and Stock Shocks w/CAT's on my S-Type R and I will tell you the Mina Springs will shorten the life of your shocks. The springs and Stock shocks where not designed to work together. I learned this the hard way. For the cost you could have purchased Arden Springs and Shocks for the same $$$$. I now have the Arden Springs and Arden/Billstein shocks w/CAT's on my STR and I couldn't be happier.

 

do you have a source or more info on them ?

 

I HAVE A GOOD CATS MODULE IF ANYONE NEEDS ONE PM ME $75
ALSO IDE CHECK WITH THIS BILSTEIN REBUILDER ABOUT REBUILDING CATS SHOCKS
Service

 

jagstr05, if the Mina springs are heck on the CATS, then the H&R's are hell on em. According to Chris of Mina, their springs are Arden "knock-off's".

 

I have had H&R springs with stock shocks with CATS for about 6 months, and so far the ride quality did not change. It still rides smoothly and corners well with 285s in the back, considering the weight of the car. Slightly stiffer than stock but compared to my friend's BMW stock suspension 335is with 19s, its still smooth and comfortable.

 

http://shop.arden.de/jaguar/s-type/s...b-mj-2002.html

 

BFSGROSS - They may be knock off's of Ardens but that doesn't mean they are built using the same materials or to the same quality or standards. I'm not bashing Mina in any way shape or form but what I will give you is my real world experience. I had Mina Springs with Stock Shocks w/Cats. In my opinion the Stock Shocks didn't last a very long time.

My point is if you want to optimize your ride there are some options that will work out better than Stock Shocks and or After Market Springs. I happened to choose Arden's spring and shock combo the second time around. If your serious about performance do your research. I made the mistake the first time around and wasted money.

Here are two options to consider Arden/Billstein or Spires/Billstein Coilovers.

Arden - http://shop.arden.de/jaguar/s-type/s...b-mj-2002.html


Spires - Jaguar S-Type Sports Suspension Package from Spires Specialist Jaguar Tuning

 

Damn the Arden look to come in at $ 2500 US, I need to swap out the CATS shocks as they are worn and leaking they come in a bit cheaper @ 1400 with stock springs....decisions decisions need new tires also sigh never did wind up taking receipt of the CATS shocks really need all 4 new ones as the car is more of a marshmallow these days

 

Has anyone found out how much the rebuild service of the stock CATS are?
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Bump:
has anyone ever used this rebuild service?

 

Not as far as i know.

 

Ok, since my wife's car is nothing more than a daily driver, I plan on using the Bilstein B4 Sports shocks. How difficult is it to use these non-CATS v CATS? If it were something that she used for more than a daily driver I would consider making the investment in the CATS but as it is I am going Bilstein sports. This is on the rear of the car btw.... any helpful replies would be appreciated?

 

The Bilstiens that fit the Sport model work well on the STR. The B4's won't fit at all. They're for regular S-Types (non STR).

 

So which Bilsteins do I need to get if not the B4s?

 

Use the same Bilstiens used for the S-Type 4.2 with "Sport" suspension. Part #'s Front: BE3-67430 Rear: BE5-6772