I think most everything critical you need to keep an x308 "on the road" is still available in the aftermarket, though its not always likely to be in stock at your local oh reallys. May have to order parts from a specialist and wait a few days. But what I'd run into was trying to keep up the "luxury" aspect of the x308, weatherstrip, trim, vents, switches, etc. Everything I've asked for at the Jaguar dealer the last few years is no longer available and I've had to search for good used replacements or figure out how to fabricate and repair. I'm lucky to have a local Jaguar salvage but here in Texas, much of their inventory is as crispy as my original pieces. Sadly, most of the last ten years I worked in an industrial district where there was no covered parking. Nine hours a day of Texas sun has taken its toll.

 

Thanks Highhorse. I'll check those sticky's out.

 

Bookman,


In-between coil only or airbag suspension is the CATS with electronic shocks.


It gives the driver reactive suspension without drooping airbags or defunct compressors.


I know it appeared on XJR's, VDP Supercharged & XJ8 Sports. Not sure what else, how long, or if it came as part of another package or could be ordered specifically.


It wouldn't help body stance if vehicle is overloaded, but would assist with ride quality.


Where it shines is ride quality during aggressive driving. No one expects (or wants) a VDP to handle like an F-type. But a surprising number of Teutonic 'Mall Buggies' who attempted chasing me through increasing-spiral exit ramps appeared highly startled as they began to slide off towards the weeds. Sublimely entertaining!

 

 

Some X308s were equipped with CATS, or "Computer Active Technology Suspension," which electronically varies the shock absorber damping rate between Firm and Soft.

In the X350s the coil springs were replaced by air springs, but the shock absorbers/dampers had similar Firm-Soft capabilities managed by what Jaguar now called ECATS, or Enhanced Computer Active Technology Suspension. This was based on ECAS, the Electronically Controlled Active Suspension system designed by Wabco, the air suspension OEM.

Cheers,

Don

 

Thanks, Don. That makes sense. I was only slightly wrong, I guess. (That’s somewhat like being a little bit pregnant, now that I think about it.)

 

2002 and 2003 is definitely the best years. I happen to have a very nice 03 VDP for sale. I'm in Southern Ohio between Cincy and Portsmouth.

 

D. Fite, can you tell me more about your 03 VDP? Send me a private message if you wish. Thanks.