I just installed the KYB AGX shocks from Cattman Performance on the front and rear of my '02 SE. The AGX are exactly what I was looking for. I really like and highly recommend them.

I thought I'd pass on a couple of observations. I mounted the rear units to the car and have put about 100 miles on the car but the Eibach springs still have not settled all the way down onto the rear AGXs. There appears to be no problem with this, other than the fact that it has raised the rear of the vehicle by about 1/4" or so. This is sort of OK since, after trimming the front strut mount, the front and rear now show the same space in the wheel well. Looks very good. However, I do hope the rears don't become dislodged with aggressive driving.

Regarding the trimming of the front strut mount to permit more access to shock bolt threads, it was a simple matter to separate the two parts of the mount then hacksaw off about 8mm. Very easy to do and cost nothing.

I have experimented a little with the settings and find a front setting of 2 and a rear setting of 6 real good. The car rides firm, but not too much so, and it handles very good. Now if I could just improve upon the short comings of the non-independent rear suspension...

Thanks.

 

Post some pictures ASAP buddy.

 

I would love to see some pictures of the eibach/AGX combination. Could you describe the ride compared to the stock SE setup .. I am trying to decide between the eibach and the H&R springs ... any advice appreciated.

Thanks,
Brendan

 

Eibachs ride stiffer than H&Rs but with the AGXs, you don't have to worry about which brand of srpings you get... You can even cut your stock springs and still have a decent ride...

 

I just cannot decide if I should go ahead and go for Cattmann's modified AGX or wait for AGX to release a 5th gen specific model. I doubt I'll be able to wait once summer rolls around and I am working full time. Has anyone heard anything other than summer time for the 5th gen specific AGX?

Brendan

 

I heard they're coming out next year....

 

Is it true that Cattman's aren't plug and play? I've been reading about having to grind or saw off the top of the housing and buying 4th gen strut mounts. Since I wouldn't be doing the install myself, would the local shop mechanic be ok with having to modify the struts? Something about liability...