Caprice engine swap?

[kevm14]

Just checked Rockauto. Rear MR shocks are $465/ea. They don't seem to carry the front ones.

Other sources can be cheaper, like under $400. But this is always an available backup plan:

You can bypass the system for each shock you replace with a 3ohm 50watt resistor (just plug that in where the white cap plugs in that would normally connect to the shock). You could replace it with the passive shocks made for the V or for any of the other STS lineup

I'd rather have a functioning system of course.

Link: http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/ca ... ering.html

2005-06 and 07-11 have different MRC part numbers. 05-06 MRC most expensive

I guess that figures. I could see if Rockauto corroborates this.

And of course, some perspective:

I know this was primarily a concern about the front struts, but the rear struts absolutely can clunk when they are bad. I had bad rear shocks on an STS4 and it had a brutally harsh ride, it was simply running on the bump stops with no body control at all. To troubleshoot, I threw $120 at it and bought a pair of ACDelco 540-314 shocks. Less than 20 minutes after I started, I had the new shocks in and the car back on the road and the car was transformed... amazing what a bit of body control can do.

Now some here will complain that losing the MRC shocks destroys the "performance" of the car, but face it, these aren't performance cars, they're big road pigs that can handle a bit and have good acceleration. The cheapo replacement shocks were a huge upgrade when compared to shot MRCs!

I don't necessarily agree fully and hopefully you can inspect the car before you buy to see if any shocks leak, but down the road, the notion of dropping $400+ per shock on a $6000 car may not quite sit well. There are options, which is the point.

[kevm14]

Yeah it's true. 05-06 is special. 07-10 is more like $300-$350 per shock and Rockauto does carry fronts.

I don't know if this is building the case for the 07 (cheaper shocks, maybe less prone to leakage? plus the 6L50). Not really - I never ruled the 07 out. It's a price thing.

[bill25]

There are some interesting questions with this. How good was this system calibrated on a 2005? As in, how new was MR at that time it was put on this car. Would putting stiffer non-MR shocks and struts on it make the car handle better, for less money? If so, that would absolutely be the route I would go. I don't mind it that would also result is a "rougher" ride. Plus at least in newer cars, MR is a heavier option, so reducing weight would also be a benefit.

[kevm14]

So the only ones on CL even worth looking at are:
https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/6065497421.html

Cadillac STS 4.6 v8 - $6000 (Salem)
4.6 v8 320 hp very powerful and fun car to drive. Odometer reads 165,000 however engine was replaced by tulley BMW and has 94,000 miles on it. (Have receipt) Interior is beautiful, most comfortable seats I've ever sat in for a car. Brakes were redone, hid headlights were just replaced, front struts were just replaced, 1,200$ just for the struts. Have receipts for everything that has been done to the car. Windows tinted, plasidip rims and grill as well as tailights. Mostly trying to get a trade but if the price is right just throw an offer. Text for more pictures or other info 603-818-21-37

Has the 18s. A little weird history. Not a fan of the blacked out everything. And could be rustier than average given the NH location.

https://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/cto/6055825644.html

2005 CadillacSTS Sedan - $5800
141,266 Miles
V8 4.6 liter
AWD
CD multi disk
Bose Premium Sound
Navigation System
DVD Player
Onstar
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Cruise Control
Leather
Parking Sensors and much more.

fully loaded power door lock power windows power mirror remote start
Ac, radio everything works well.

I'm selling my car because I need a bigger one. Runs great, very comfortable.

This guy has two ads.
https://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/cto/6055825644.html

This car is like a new condition! Everything works excellent it also has heated seats and huge sunroof. It has all wheel drive so no problem during snow. The car has 141K miles. It has navigations system, cd player, XM Radio. New brakes and Battery. Never had any problem.

keep in mind this car is in great conditions, I'm willing to negotiate the price. Please make an offer once you see the car.
If interested please call or text: show contact info and speak with the owner Juan.

Then this:
https://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/6058922375.html

2007 Cadillac STS V8 for sale - $4500 (union)
For sale by owner 2007 Cadillac STS V8 for sale. Good Condition, needs some work.

RWD with 18s - could be a 1SG car, but only 58% of 07 V8s on 18s were 1SG. Everything else is AWD. At the moment I am officially not looking at cars at all on 17s.

[kevm14]

There are some interesting questions with this. How good was this system calibrated on a 2005? As in, how new was MR at that time it was put on this car. Would putting stiffer non-MR shocks and struts on it make the car handle better, for less money? If so, that would absolutely be the route I would go. I don't mind it that would also result is a "rougher" ride. Plus at least in newer cars, MR is a heavier option, so reducing weight would also be a benefit.

Yeah I mean I think you'd be fine with replacement shocks. It is good to start with FE3 though. I am not sure exactly what is different but I'd bet springs and anti-roll bars.

On the other hand, I have no idea what is actually available. Tirerack only lists ONE shock, a KYB (garbage). I haven't dug into it fully but it's not like you have this choice of 17 aftermarket shocks for the car. Let me check shox.com.

EDIT: shox.com doesn't even list the STS...

[bill25]

For me, I really like the blacked out one. I had seen that. The problem with that is the third buyer thing. I would rather buy this from an old man. I am stereotyping here but an older person did not plasti-dip a Cadillac. If you don't like that and don't mind the history, the plasti-dip peels clean off. It is actually part of their marketing.

[bill25]

On the other hand, I have no idea what is actually available. Tirerack only lists ONE shock, a KYB (garbage). I haven't dug into it fully but it's not like you have this choice of 17 aftermarket shocks for the car. Let me check shox.com.

Do you really think the geometry is different from the STS-V? Was that only MR?

[kevm14]

That's why I feel like I am looking at better cars on Auto Trader or cars.com.

[kevm14]

There was a handling package for the STS-V, but I'd bet they were all MR. Worth looking at just for curiosity. I think front shocks on AWD cars were different than front shocks on RWD cars.

EDIT: Tirerack doesn't even list shocks for the STS-V.

[kevm14]

The STS V8's inability to trap even 100 is starting to eat at me. I mean it is barely faster than something like an old Buick Regal GS with the supercharged 3800. Who knows where the AWD lands as the 97 trap is from a 1SG RWD. That's the wrong direction. At least the Lacrosse Super was in the 101 range. Driving both would hopefully lead me in a direction. Looks don't matter to me between the cars. Features and RWD vs a little more speed but way fewer toys for the same money.

At least the Buick was about even with a similar era Hemi Charger R/T (the tested 1/4 mile is identical for ET and trap, in fact). The STS is slower. A car like the STS was supposed to be nicer AND faster than a car like a Charger - isn't that why a loaded one was $60k? The STS-V is relevant. Later I will look at where those are in the market for pricing. They are going to be over $10k either way so I guess I don't know why I'd even bother looking.

I really do need to drive both. I may drive both and say "you know I can feel the extra power in the Buick but the STS is better in every single way." Anything else is guesswork.