Suspension conversion kit for catera?

[Rob@Westfield-ET]

Anyone near Westfield MA that wants performance suspension parts,

I'd like to see for myself just what we can get to work from the GTO on a Catera. We have many options, but before i decide to be a vendor i would like to see exactly what will and will not work for myself.

You will have the option of me putting your car back to stock and a free alignment, or purchasing parts with a steep discount.

[speeddemongto]

I have the rear shocks from my 05 GTO with 3000 miles on them,$60 shipped takes them...I have the rear springs also $40 shipped takes them,and the front springs $60 shipped takes them

[R-Caddy]

There is an 05-06 GTO in the yard. Shocks still in it. Anybody? I think the price will be around $20 for both + shipping. PM if interested

[elvin315]

Updated 04-07-2009

Here are the suspension components (stock calibrations and upgrades) I found for the Catera. Beware, some of this is educated guesswork. Since we know GTO front & rear springs and rear shock absorbers will fit the Catera I'm assuming that aftermarket GTO springs and shocks will fit also. There's no good reason they shouldn't but to be on the safe side I feel I must warn you. Same goes for the BMW front bushings and Commodore rear bushings. Other Catera/Omega B owners have installed the BMW bushings successfully and with good results. I haven't performed these upgrades yet but will when the money appears. I trust the info I've received from other owners but that's me. Follow this link to the original thread.
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...-bushings.html (Aftermarket Suspension Bushings)

Catera/Omega Suspension Upgrades:

CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS

Front Suspension

Homemade Bearing Tool (Removal/Installation)
Simple homemade tool to pull the bushings out & in.

YouTube - Rubber bushing removal

Ingalls Engineering Camber Adjusting Bolt: part # IEC-I-81260
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...D81260&FROM=MG
Eccentric bolts to increase camber range for lowered front suspension.

RockAuto (OEM Replacements):
SPICER Control Arm, Rear/Vertical Bushing: Part # 5651329
ACDELCO Control Arm, Rear/Vertical Bushing: Part # 45G9329 {#19187194}
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

Meyle Bushings BMW E34/M5 HD Bushings: part # 31121136607MY
http://www.germanautosalvage.com/services4.html
Heavy Duty rubber front horizontal BMW/M5 bushing for Omega/Catera.

Meyle Bushings (Opel Omega)
Front Horizontal Bushing 58.5mm: part # 614 035 0016
Rear Vertical Bushing 48.5mm: part # 614 035 0010
http://www.meyle.com/Home/applicatio...a=14201772640&
Rubber bushings for the Opel Omega/Catera. I have sent emails to Meyle and German Auto Salvage asking whether these bushings are Heavy Duty. No answer yet.

Meyle Control Arms w/bushings & ball joints: part # 616 050 0017(Left) - 616 050 0018(Right)
New wishbones loaded with Meyle rubber bushings & balljoint.
http://www.meyle.com/Home/applicatio...a=14201772640&

NOTE: Meyle makes a large range of replacement parts for the Opel Omega that we can use in our Cateras.
Use their search engine and leave the the last box [select...(not required)].

Korman Autoworks:
BMW M5 (E34) Heavy-Duty Thrust Rod Bushings: part # 3112567
http://www.kormanfastbmw.com/m5m6susp.htm
Heavy Duty BMW/M5 bushing for Catera front/horizontal control arm bushing.

MOOG:
1993 BMW/M5 Thrust Arm Bushing: part # K90137
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
BMW OE bushing for Catera/Omega front/horizontal bushing.

Bavarian AutoSport:
BMW/M5 Upper Control Arm Bushing: part # : 31 12 2 226 528
http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp
OE rubber M5 bushing for Catera/Omega front/horizontal bushing.

Bavarian AutoSport: BMW/M5 Upper Control Arm Bushing: part # N81368BAV (polyurethane)
http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp
"Our exclusive street performance bushings and mounts are made with a more forgiving urethane formula! During spirited driving, polyurethane bushings and mounts provide more responsive handling and maintain better control over suspension geometry than stock bushings. Along with this improvement in handling, though, comes a stiffer ride -- a welcome side-effect on a smooth race track, but much more noticeable on the streets. Our street performance urethane is formulated with a touch of polyester. This new compound is more forgiving than 100% urethane, so itís better for street BMWs."

Powerflex BMW E34/M5: part # PFF5-601 (polyurethane)
http://www.powerflex.co.uk/product-d...+Bush/288.html
Polyurethane front horizontal BMW/M5 bushing for Omega/Catera.

Rear Suspension

Meyle Bushings (Opel Omega)
Rear Outer Bushing 45mm: part # 614 042 0003
Rear Outer Bushing 43mm: part # 614 042 0004
http://www.meyle.com/Home/applicatio...a=14201772640&
Rubber bushings for the Opel Omega/Catera. I have sent emails to Meyle and German Auto Salvage asking whether these bushings are Heavy Duty. No answer yet.

Whiteline Rear Suspension Bushing: part # KCA384 (polyurethane/eccentric) rear outer position only
http://www.globalperformanceparts.co...ons/KCA384.pdf
Provides a camber adjustment range of +/-1.0 degree from base settings for lowered rear suspension (outer position only).

SuperPro Rear Suspension Bushing: part # SPF0877K (polyurethane/eccentric)
http://www.superpro.com.au/download/4381.link
Provides a camber adjustment range of +/-1.0 degree from base settings for lowered rear suspension (outer position only).

Pedders Suspensions - GTO IRS Bushing (polyurethane)
GTO IRS Inner Lower Arm Urethane Bush #EP7023
https://secure.merlinsoftware.com.au...rodCode=EP7023

Pedders Suspensions - Rear Camber Eccentric
GTO Rear Camber Kit #5403
https://secure.merlinsoftware.com.au...?ProdCode=5403

SPRINGS (Front & Rear)

Intrax Lowering Springs: Part # INT-25-1-001
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...%2D001&FROM=MG
Lower the car 1.6 inch (40.6mm) front and 1.4 inch (35.5mm) rear.

VOGTLAND Lowering Springs: part # 955120
http://vogtlandsuspension.com/p71/Ca...duct_info.html
Lower the car 1.2 inch (30mm) F&R.

Eibach Lowering Springs: part # E-6532-140
http://www.eibach-uk.com/
Lower the car 1.2 inches (30mm) F&R.

BILSTEIN Coil Springs - 007967
Front Right Spring: part # FE1-D403
Front Left Spring: part # FE1-D402
Rear Springs: part # FE1-D020
http://www.carparts-cat.com/webkat.a...94325632018004

BILSTEIN Coil Springs - 007969
Front Right Spring: part # FE1-D448
Front Left Spring: part # FE1-D404
Rear Springs: part # FE1-D020
http://www.carparts-cat.com/webkat.a...94325632018004

STRUTS & SHOCK ABSORBERS (incl: MOUNTS, BOOTS, and BUMP STOPS)

Koni Sport Struts & Shocks:
-Sport Strut: part # 8610-1315Sport (insert in OE strut; externally adjustable for rebound)
-Sport Shock: part # 80-2591Sport (non-air, must disable self leveling; rebound adjustment made before installation)
http://store.summitracing.com
Struts & Shocks: Sport ride.

BILSTEIN (Opel/Vauxhall)
-Strut - B4 Gas: part # VNE-4480 (OE Replacement)
-Shock Absorber - B4 Gas: part # BNE-2861 (OE Replacement)
-Strut - B6 SPORT: part # VE3-4425 (Firm)
-Shock Absorber - B6 SPORT: part # B46-2260 (Firm)
-Strut - B8 SPRINT: part # VE3-4426 (Firm/Lowered)
-Shock Absorber - B6 SPORT: part # B46-2258 (Firm/Lowered)
-Boot & Bumpstop: part # ASP-C245 (front)
http://www.carparts-cat.com/webkat.a...94325913018004

KYB GR2:
-Strut: # 334903
-Strut Mount: part # SM5285
-Shock Mount: part # SM5287
-Strut Boot & Bumpstop: part # SB101
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index....cted_year=2001
Strut only. OEM ride. No adjustments.

Monroe:
Sensatrac Strut: part # 71503 (Twin-tube low pressure gas unit similiar to OEM)
Max-Air Rear Shocks: part # MA825 (For use with self leveling)
Upper Mount: part # 903932
Front Boot & Bumpstop: part # 63619
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index....cted_year=2001

ACDELCO Strut: part # 506592 {#09192250} Right / # 506591 {#09192249} Left
http://www.rockauto.com/
Factory Replacement w/o SPORT APPEARANCE PKG (RPO-TV5)

ACDELCO Strut: part # 506594 {#09192292} Right / # 506593 {#09192291} Left
http://www.rockauto.com/
Factory Replacement w/SPORT APPEARANCE PKG (RPO-TV5)

ACDELCO Part # 560227 {#72119084}
ABSORBER,RR SHK w/o SPORT APPEARANCE PKG (RPO-TV5)
http://www.rockauto.com
Factory Replacement - Catera

ACDELCO Part # 560228 {#72119087}
ABSORBER,RR SHK w/SPORT APPEARANCE PKG (RPO-TV5)
http://www.rockauto.com
Factory Replacement - Catera Sport

Gabriel Ultra Strut: part # G56769
http://www.gabriel.com
OE replacement

NOTE: The following rear shock absorbers are for the 2004 Pontiac GTO. Owners who have used them assure me they will fit. Try at your own risk. GTO front struts will not fit. Front & Rear springs will fit.

MONROE SENSATRAC Rear: part # 5786
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
2004 GTO - OE Replacements

ACDELCO Rear Shock: part # 560595 {#92157266}
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
Factory Replacements for 2004 Pontiac GTO

Pedders Suspensions - GTO Sport Ryder Springs (front & rear):
GTO SR Front Coil 0 Drop #2142
GTO SR Front Coil -20mm Drop #2151
GTO SR Front Coil -35mm Drop #2275
GTO SR Rear Coil -35mm Drop #2641
GTO SR Rear Coil -20mm Drop #2643
GTO SR Rear Coil 0 Drop #7643
Pedders GTO Sport Ryder Springs. All are 45% to 50% stiffer than stock.
http://www.peddersusa.com

Pedders Suspensions - GTO Rear Shocks:
GTO Touring CG Shock #8081 (street)
GTO GSR Rear Shock #9095 (street/track)
GTO GSR Big Bore Shock #9195 (track)
All Pedders shocks are firmer than stock to varying degrees.
http://www.peddersusa.com

[tpilews]

Honestly, I've got the GTO front springs and rear shocks/springs on my '01 Catera. I wouldn't want to see it lowered anymore than it already is.

[elvin315]

How much do the GTO springs lower the Catera?

[R-Caddy]

FYI, Ingalls 81260 camber bolts do NOT fit the Catera struts. I have put new KYBs and the bolts do not fit the strut holes. I found a set of 12mm bolts, as opposed to 14mm, on Rockauto and they fit fine. They may fit Monroe or other stuff, but not the KYBs I bought. Just thought I would let you guys know.

[tpilews]

Originally Posted by elvin315

How much do the GTO springs lower the Catera?

I'll take a picture for you tomorrow. Sorry I missed your post. I've also got some new struts on the way, so I'll get some before and afters, not that it'll make a difference. The GTO springs, I couldn't really tell any difference ride height in the rear, but the fronts definitely lowered it a little bit, maybe an inch. I'll measure the gap for you too.

[CateraMV6]

Originally Posted by tpilews

I'll take a picture for you tomorrow. Sorry I missed your post. I've also got some new struts on the way, so I'll get some before and afters, not that it'll make a difference. The GTO springs, I couldn't really tell any difference ride height in the rear, but the fronts definitely lowered it a little bit, maybe an inch. I'll measure the gap for you too.

I was wondering the same thing... which springs did you use the 04 or the 05-06 GTO springs?


Also can you snap a few shots...

The Aftermarket springs run around 250$... the GTO ones used can be around 100-150 and a bit softer... so the OEM struts wont take too much beating.. only problem is when you throw 5 people in the car... and ti squats..... ?

[tpilews]

Originally Posted by CateraMV6

I was wondering the same thing... which springs did you use the 04 or the 05-06 GTO springs?


Also can you snap a few shots...

The Aftermarket springs run around 250$... the GTO ones used can be around 100-150 and a bit softer... so the OEM struts wont take too much beating.. only problem is when you throw 5 people in the car... and ti squats..... ?

Springs came off an "04 GTO. Pics tomorrow morning as long as it has stopped raining. I've got the car outside, because I've got a paint booth set up in the garage painting my tool chest.

[CateraMV6]

Just checked and seems like all GTOs 04 and 05-06 were rated at Curb Weight = 3725lbs... so maybe the springs on all of them are identical...

GM parts also call it 04-06 Springs..

They are as follows from GMpartsdirect.com

FR 92048199 $58.05/spring
RR 92100087 $87.91/spring

Used may be found for way less I assume, maybe the GTO forums will have some left overs from lowering kits...

[tpilews]

Originally Posted by CateraMV6

Just checked and seems like all GTOs 04 and 05-06 were rated at Curb Weight = 3725lbs... so maybe the springs on all of them are identical...

GM parts also call it 04-06 Springs..

They are as follows from GMpartsdirect.com

FR 92048199 $58.05/spring
RR 92100087 $87.91/spring

Used may be found for way less I assume, maybe the GTO forums will have some left overs from lowering kits...

Yeah, I got mine for something like 80 shipped to my house. That was for all four springs, and shock and struts. Although, the struts won't work on our cars. Oh, got them from ebay too.

[CateraMV6]

Makes me wonder what kind of spring stiffness they have... I assume the ausies just cut the OEM springs.. making them a bit shorter and a bit more stiffer...

The Sport version of the Catera has nearly 30% stiffer suspension, and it appears as if the ride was lowered by 10mm... possibly due to shorter springs.
The GTO ones might be very identical to the sport springs in stiffness but yet a bit shorter...

I am trying to figure out if I should go Aftermarket INTRAX Springs or GTO ones... I guess all that will get decided from your pictures...
I am looking for a lowered but not slammed look, maybe 1" all around.. the rear I can adjust with the self leveling but he front I want it to be a bit lower too..

[tpilews]

Well, I'm not tired, so here are some night shots. I'll get some better pics in the morning.

[CateraMV6]

Well I just measured my gap... I have 245 40/18s on the car... diameter is around 25.5" I think...

Here are the pics to compare...
The car has 123K on the clock so these probably sagg a bit by now...

Yours shows 1.5" with the GTO springs, mine is at 2.0" so thats roughly 0.5" of drop...


~2" OEM Springs

~2"

~1.45"

~1.55"