Suspension conversion kit for catera?

PEETYZ · #1 (**permalink**) 11-01-07, 12:15 AM

I was looking at parts for catera at www.oreillyauto.com and found this STRUTMASTERS - Suspension Conversion Kit
Item No: CAD-R4CAT

1 Per Vehicle
REPLACES REAR AIR SUSP SYSTEM W/COIL OVER SHOCKS OR MANUAL AIR SHOCK

Price- call store Anyone know about it?

By the way the monroe suspension prices are good on there too

Resilient · #2 (**permalink**) 11-01-07, 08:13 AM

On of the Sponsor advertizers (on the side bars) at some point specialized in air susp. conversions to standard susp.

Might want to check ..

R-Caddy · #3 (**permalink**) 11-24-07, 03:03 AM

Just installed 2004 GTO shocks on my 97. Fits perfectly and a big improvement over even leveling suspension. Stiffer, better handling (I can tell- I have 2 Cats) and much more confident. Also, probably easier to come by. Later ;]

elvin315 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-24-07, 02:36 PM

Details please. What brand/model were these shocks or will any shocks for the GTO fit? Did you disable the leveling system and if so how? Do you know if front struts for the GTO will fit our Cateras? Thanks.

Elvin

R-Caddy · #5 (**permalink**) 11-25-07, 03:52 PM

I had those Strutmasters, but they were crap (didn't even have all the hardware! - had to reuse od bushings, until I ordered new ones from Cadillac) and the people were not willing to replace them (Lifetime Warranty my ass!!!) The ones I got were stock 2004 GTO shocks. I removed the Leveling Suspension light for now, but I think you can disable that little arm next to the rear end and that should work. Or you can get Koni Sport shocks for about $120 a piece for Catera and I heard those work too. P/N 80-2591S, S for sport. I will find out if the front struts and springs work later and wil post it on the forum.
Later,
Aras

tpilews · #6 (**permalink**) 12-12-07, 12:38 AM

Any update??? I'm looking for a solution to my ride quality and will be doing a complete overhaul of the suspension.

R-Caddy · #7 (**permalink**) 12-13-07, 05:30 PM

I will try to put in the front struts and springs this weekend. I will let you know. I have read that the struts are supposed to fit, if you change the springs, and there may be some other thing. Oh well, I guess I'll find out soon

PEETYZ · #8 (**permalink**) 12-15-07, 12:09 PM

r-caddy keep us in the loop im looking to redo my entire suspension system

tpilews · #9 (**permalink**) 12-30-07, 10:34 PM

Well, I found a donor '04 GTO and took the front struts/springs and rear shocks/springs. I will be putting them in this friday. I will take some pictures during the process. I'll post up when I'm done.

elvin315 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-31-07, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tpilews

Well, I found a donor '04 GTO and took the front struts/springs and rear shocks/springs. I will be putting them in this friday. I will take some pictures during the process. I'll post up when I'm done.

Don't forget the '04 GTO front brake calipers and hoses.

Elvin

tpilews · #11 (**permalink**) 12-31-07, 05:37 PM

Why??? The brakes on the catera are fine. They're the best brakes of any car I've ever driven.

elvin315 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-31-07, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tpilews

Why??? The brakes on the catera are fine. They're the best brakes of any car I've ever driven.

Best brakes? No offense but the brakes on the Catera are only adequate. As Cadillac's entry in the Luxury Sport Sedan market it was meant to compete with BMW and Audi.

Quote:

2001 Catera Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 130 ft.

2001 BMW Series 3 Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 126 ft.

2001 Audi A6 Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 126 ft.

Cadillac shortchanged us in horsepower (200) versus the Omega (210) and limited her top speed to 125 MPH versus Omega's 150 MPH. We can't do much about the HP/Top speed but we can improve the braking. The Catera has single piston sliding caliper brakes in front. Ironically her rear brakes are dual piston. The 2004 GTO has dual piston front caliper that, with the GTO brake hoses, are a direct bolt-on swap. No test results but they must decrease the stopping distance a few feet closer to the class standard. If he already has access to a 2004 GTO then why not grab the brakes too?

Elvin

tpilews · #13 (**permalink**) 01-01-08, 09:33 PM

I never said they were the best of any car. I said of the cars I'VE DRIVEN. Either way, the brakes work great for me. I'm more interested in how shitty the stock suspension is in these cars. I hate how they made the camber of the rears not adjustable.

I only have access to the suspension.

The Catera is a pig. If the catera was 300lbs lighter, I'm sure it would stop better than the 126 ft. rated for the BMW

2001 Catera - 3815 lbs.
2001 BMW Series 3 - Curb Weight: 3494 lbs.
2001 Audi A6 - Curb Weight: 3836 lbs.

I'm sorry to say, but the Audi should not be in the same class with the Catera.

elvin315 · #14 (**permalink**) 01-01-08, 10:12 PM

I saved this from another rear suspension thread.

Rear Camber Kit

It's for the Holden Commodore but I've been assured it fits the Omega B/Catera.

Elvin

elvin315 · #15 (**permalink**) 01-28-08, 11:53 AM

Hey Guys,

How did the GTO suspension swaps go?

Elvin