Mina Springs + Bilstein Shocks (non-CATS) (or stock non-Cats shocks)
-OR-
H&R Springs + Bilstein Shocks (non-CATS)

If anyone here has done this.
It would be helpfull to find out your oppinion on ride quality, conering ability, and would you do it again?

How long did the your shocks last after the swap?
Also what model Bilstein or shocks you ended up running.

Thanks,
Brian

 

I'm on non-CATS Bilsteins with H&R springs. Part #s are 24-067720 and 24-067430 for the struts. Let me know if you want to go for a ride since you are local. The R is a bit different than the non-R, but you could still get a decent feel for it. I've only put maybe 1500 miles on this setup, so longevity isn't something I could comment on.

 

Ideal, I did not realize anyone was local.

I would love to see how it rides first hand, also see how it looks.
I would assume the only differnce would be the rims/tires and swaybars.

When would work?
Snow is supposed to hit soon.

Brian Shaw

 

I live in Aurora, Saddle Rock Area.
Arapahoe and E470 (Approximately).

 

I'm in Westminster but I have a junky 3.0

 

Whats wrong with the 3.0? Still has as much power as the 98 Mustang GT (automatic) I used to have.

Cars have come a long way in recent years, and very surprised that I am unable to change the gears in this thing, I mean beloved Jag. My standard 4.2 could be a bitch on wheels with a set of 4.10s. That is one thing I never even thought to check on before purchasing. That could of pushed it to the low 13's and mid-5 second 0-60. Still not real fast but reasonable.

With the power of the STR, I would expect to see real fast numbers if gears were an option.

Do these even have a limited slip differential?
Is it possible to reprogram the transmission?
If I was to install mina intake and exhaust to lean it out, does it autocorrect itself? (I see no reason why I cannot retune to see 325, 345 with cold air kit and exfhaust).

I would like to see it still ride well and pull more than .9g's in the corvers.

 

The 3.0 is just gutless IMO

As far as I know the S-Type's do not have LSD's, although its being worked on.

As far as I know the ECU will compensate to a point but an ECU tune is available from ETG, they have ads on the site. Not sure if it applies to the 4.2......

The transmission can be reprogrammed by the dealer but it's really to correct the lurch problem the ZF trans has.

 

Maybe it is because of where I grew up, Detroit suberbs, and driving American made cars. But I could always find a local tunner with a dyno in their shop.

I would love to go to a set of 4.10's given it is an automatic. 4.55's would be really good, but would worry about snapping axles. Would love to change the normal trans mode to match the S mode in the non-overdrive gears. And S mode should run just under redline and act like I was running a road coarse never even going past 4th gear wile Holding the gears much longer before down shifting.

Maybe I am just dreaming, or have just drank too much beer. Either way, 300HP should be able to run good numbers.

This should not of felt faster: 4.6L SOHC V-8 = 225 hp @ 4200 RPM & 285 lb-ft @ 3400 RPM

I did have 3.73 gears, a cold air intake, non-cat H-pipe, under drive pulleys, flowmaster mufflers, BBK MAS and igniton, but still did not pull a whole lot of power on the Mustang Dyno after the tune. I am sure the 3227 curb weight helped. 14.24 lbs/hp. and the Cobra was 3391 with 305hp. 11.12 lbs/hp and they pushed into the 12's (with gears) and very low 5 second 0 to 60 (stock).

but ours at 3800 lbs is 12.7 lbs/hp.
I should be seeing close to what a R sees and the R should be much faster.

 

Hi fellas. As quartzstr: non CATS Bilstiens with H&R Sport lowering springs adorne my 03 STR. Initially, the Bilstiens made a good combo with the H&R's. Over time it feels that they've lost some umph in dampening the high rate springs. The NY roads are unforgiving, so I'm not sure if its that or ??? I'm returning the CATS struts to the car this spring. The same combo can be used on non R's.
An aftermarket LSD is available and we're presently working with Drive Train Specialists (Warren Michigan) for an affordable transplant of the Quaif LSD ($150 labor, $40 new carrier bearings). Or: Their Quaif LSD at a discount? The Quaif LSD is between $1200 and $1800? Someone please correct me with its cost.
The STR was a sleeper beast from 2003-2008, and continues to surprise those challenging it. Jag claimes 5.3 sec. 0-60 with a 13.7 sec. 1/4 mile. Some have managed 5 second 0-60 and a 13.3 sec. 1/4. Modded STR's have done as low as 4.7 sec. 0-60 and 12.98 sec. 1/4 mile. A LSD will allow much improved launches that'll knock off a few tenths. A soon to be released Kenn Bell twin screw kit (AVOS) will allow an additional 150-200 chp. This'll put the STR in the low 4 second 0-60 and low 12 sec./high 11 sec. 1/4 mile. Can you imagine taking out the Cadillac V and Camaro ZLT, etc.?

 

That's not too far from me, I'm maybe 5 miles away near Quincy and Buckley. Once the snow melts you are welcome to try it out.