Adaptive CATS shocks vs standard shocks?
#1
Adaptive CATS shocks vs standard shocks?
I have CATS on the car at the moment but they will need replacing most likely in the next few years. Is it really a downgrade going for the standard shocks? They are a lot cheaper. I am at abotu 14 inches on both of my front wheels and 15 inches on one side of the rears. The other is at 14.5 I think.
#3
I would be very reluctant to get rid of my CATs shocks and downgrade to normal ones. My convertible on 20" wheels gives a super comfortable ride, firming up when it has to when you go over bumps or round corners. At what point do you stop downgrading your car rather than fixing it properly? You will end up driving a 4 cylinder with manual windows, no power steering and a starting handle otherwise.
You could also look into getting your existing shocks rebuilt. Bilstein has a rebuild service in the UK - it might be worth asking them what the cost would be:-
https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/pa...ebuild-service
You could also look into getting your existing shocks rebuilt. Bilstein has a rebuild service in the UK - it might be worth asking them what the cost would be:-
https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/pa...ebuild-service
#4
I would be very reluctant to get rid of my CATs shocks and downgrade to normal ones. My convertible on 20" wheels gives a super comfortable ride, firming up when it has to when you go over bumps or round corners. At what point do you stop downgrading your car rather than fixing it properly? You will end up driving a 4 cylinder with manual windows, no power steering and a starting handle otherwise.
You could also look into getting your existing shocks rebuilt. Bilstein has a rebuild service in the UK - it might be worth asking them what the cost would be:-
https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/pa...ebuild-service
You could also look into getting your existing shocks rebuilt. Bilstein has a rebuild service in the UK - it might be worth asking them what the cost would be:-
https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/pa...ebuild-service
#5
I would be very reluctant to get rid of my CATs shocks and downgrade to normal ones. My convertible on 20" wheels gives a super comfortable ride, firming up when it has to when you go over bumps or round corners. At what point do you stop downgrading your car rather than fixing it properly? You will end up driving a 4 cylinder with manual windows, no power steering and a starting handle otherwise.
You could also look into getting your existing shocks rebuilt. Bilstein has a rebuild service in the UK - it might be worth asking them what the cost would be:-
https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/pa...ebuild-service
You could also look into getting your existing shocks rebuilt. Bilstein has a rebuild service in the UK - it might be worth asking them what the cost would be:-
https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/pa...ebuild-service
#6
#7
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#8
I would be very reluctant to get rid of my CATs shocks and downgrade to normal ones. My convertible on 20" wheels gives a super comfortable ride, firming up when it has to when you go over bumps or round corners. At what point do you stop downgrading your car rather than fixing it properly? You will end up driving a 4 cylinder with manual windows, no power steering and a starting handle otherwise.
You could also look into getting your existing shocks rebuilt. Bilstein has a rebuild service in the UK - it might be worth asking them what the cost would be:-
https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/pa...ebuild-service
You could also look into getting your existing shocks rebuilt. Bilstein has a rebuild service in the UK - it might be worth asking them what the cost would be:-
https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/pa...ebuild-service
#9
If original l think your shocks would have the part number stamped, as in the pic of mine. Note in the pic however the part number is stamped MXD 2141 AA which is one digit off the published part number which is MXD 2140 AA
Last edited by baxtor; 10-16-2021 at 04:15 PM.
#10
If you can access the build sheet for your car it will tell you if the R performance package is fitted. Ford Etis used to allow this but seems to have stopped working.
If original l think your shocks would have the part number stamped, as in the pic of mine. Note in the pic however the part number is stamped MXD 2141 AA which is one digit off the published part number which is MXD 2140 AA
If original l think your shocks would have the part number stamped, as in the pic of mine. Note in the pic however the part number is stamped MXD 2141 AA which is one digit off the published part number which is MXD 2140 AA
#11
Ford Etis don't have my VIN so I will need to have a look at the shocks in question. Are yours the R package adaptive shocks or the regular ones so I can match the part number? I might have a go at emailing Jaguar directly to see if they will send me a build sheet. Worth a try at least.
No need to even look any further if your car is not a coupe, since "R" handling was not fitted to convertibles.
Last edited by baxtor; 10-16-2021 at 11:38 PM.
#12
I will have a look as soon as it gets light outside. It's dark up here at the moment. Thanks for the help.
#13
I had a look at them and there is no way to read it anymore because the surface is too heavily corroded and covered in crap. The springs look like they are green though if that means anything? How comfortable are the R shocks on rough roads.
#14
Another clue might be had by checking your steering rack for MXD prefix. All part of the same package so if you have one you have the other. Info plate on the rack is clearly visible from under car.
#15
Not sure if you mean entire spring is green or are marked with splash of green. R springs should have splash of white and pink from memory.
Another clue might be had by checking your steering rack for MXD prefix. All part of the same package so if you have one you have the other. Info plate on the rack is clearly visible from under car.
Another clue might be had by checking your steering rack for MXD prefix. All part of the same package so if you have one you have the other. Info plate on the rack is clearly visible from under car.
My steering rack prefix is MJC so I assume that is the standard rack? Does the MXD steering rack have a shorter lock to lock? That must mean I have the standard adaptive shocks. Thanks for the help. Do you think it would be worth it to upgrade the shocks when I come to replace them with the MXD parts. Would you upgrade the steering rack as well if it's quicker. Although I would thik they are pretty expensive.
Last edited by Kuddlesworth; 10-17-2021 at 03:15 AM.
#16
Just the springs are green, the shocks are black. But the springs are rather dirty so it may be hiding some other colours. I will check the rack plate.
My steering rack prefix is MJC so I assume that is the standard rack? Does the MXD steering rack have a shorter lock to lock? That must mean I have the standard adaptive shocks. Thanks for the help. Do you think it would be worth it to upgrade the shocks when I come to replace them with the MXD parts. Would you upgrade the steering rack as well if it's quicker. Although I would thik they are pretty expensive.
My steering rack prefix is MJC so I assume that is the standard rack? Does the MXD steering rack have a shorter lock to lock? That must mean I have the standard adaptive shocks. Thanks for the help. Do you think it would be worth it to upgrade the shocks when I come to replace them with the MXD parts. Would you upgrade the steering rack as well if it's quicker. Although I would thik they are pretty expensive.
I have only ever had the rack l have so can't give a comparative view but l am very happy with the feel and speed of the steering response.
#17
All those are questions of your personal preference, entirely up to you. The dampers will be much the same cost for adaptive regardless of the specifics. The steering rack (it is shorter lock to lock and increased feel) might be found fairly reasonably priced where you are.
I have only ever had the rack l have so can't give a comparative view but l am very happy with the feel and speed of the steering response.
I have only ever had the rack l have so can't give a comparative view but l am very happy with the feel and speed of the steering response.
#18
Baxtor,,
I've already made that mistake about the Convertible not having the "R" Package! THEY DO!
I was corrected about a Month ago as some of the 2005 - 2006 Convertibles have been fitted with the Package....I really don't know about the earlier XK8/R's but some of the 2005 - 2006's have it!
Billy Clyde @ Cinco Ranch - Houston
I've already made that mistake about the Convertible not having the "R" Package! THEY DO!
I was corrected about a Month ago as some of the 2005 - 2006 Convertibles have been fitted with the Package....I really don't know about the earlier XK8/R's but some of the 2005 - 2006's have it!
Billy Clyde @ Cinco Ranch - Houston
#19
I asked Jaguar for a build sheet for my car and they got back to me. All looks pretty normal but what does "Super Sport Suspension" mean? The CATS suspension is listed separately. This is my list:Automatic Transmission
Boot Spoiler
Mirrors with Interior & Exterior Electrochromic Function
Audio & Cassette
Heated Front Seats
* Premium Sound
Performance Seat
High Performance Brakes Solid Disc
* Reverse Park Control
Super Sport Suspension
Alloy Space Saver Wheel
* F9 R10 x 20 Detroit Wheels
Adaptive Damping (CATS)
Headlamp Powerwash
Rain Sensitive Wipers
Xenon Headlights
* Heated Front Windscreen
Intrusion Sensing
Warning Triangle
Wood/leather Strg Wheel
CD Autochanger
Cruise Control
Mirrors with Exterior Powerfold Function
Memory Function
Drvr=12 way Pass=12 way Rec.
Carpet Footwell Mats
2004 Model Year Parts
Boot Spoiler
Mirrors with Interior & Exterior Electrochromic Function
Audio & Cassette
Heated Front Seats
* Premium Sound
Performance Seat
High Performance Brakes Solid Disc
* Reverse Park Control
Super Sport Suspension
Alloy Space Saver Wheel
* F9 R10 x 20 Detroit Wheels
Adaptive Damping (CATS)
Headlamp Powerwash
Rain Sensitive Wipers
Xenon Headlights
* Heated Front Windscreen
Intrusion Sensing
Warning Triangle
Wood/leather Strg Wheel
CD Autochanger
Cruise Control
Mirrors with Exterior Powerfold Function
Memory Function
Drvr=12 way Pass=12 way Rec.
Carpet Footwell Mats
2004 Model Year Parts
#20