I am considering replacing my suspension on my 2005 XK8. It currently has the CATS system.
I was considering just replacing the telescopic suspension with ‘normal’ units. However I have read the following item.

Considerations for Replacement

If CATS components fail, replacement can be costly. Some owners consider switching to standard non-adaptive shocks for cost-effectiveness. However, this may affect ride quality and handling.
Has anyone replace their suspension with telescopic suspension that isn’t the CATS system and what make have you fitted?

 

I bought a 2000 XKR and the previous owner had replaced the CATS with normal Bilstein dampers.
The CATS module was disconnected so no faults on the INSTPK display.

It is the wife's car and she does not drive the car approaching it's limits so she is unaware that the suspension is different.

Ride is fine. I have the CATS in MY 2000 XKR and she never told me it feels different when she drives my car.

I have 10 running cars (6 Jaguars) so I don't really pay attention to the ride from car to car.

 

For me the real question about de-CATting the suspension, is not about how the car handles afterwards, but how comfortable it is. With CATS the ride is soft most of the time, hardening up when you need it.

I wouldn't want to lose the comfort that CATS gives, so it would be interesting to hear from anyone who has done this as to what the end result was like.