Money2536

I've had a single Valentine One radar detector for years. I have swapped from car to car using the window suction cups to mount it. I ordered a hard wire kit and figured I'd install it in the 911 the same as in my previous cars. For some reason, this time I was dragging my feet on the install. I've been driving around without a detector in the car. About a month ago I decided I'm done with all of the false alarms. It was time to start doing some research on what my next detector was going to be.

I really wanted to get the Escort Passport 9500ci custom installed unit. I decided against it because I have the M3 coming soon and definitely don't want to spend $5,000 on two custom installed radar detectors.

I stumbled upon 911Idiot's Journey thread that starts off with a Blendmount/MirrorTap install.

https://rennlist.com/forums/991/8047...re-of-dog.html

First off, I wish I had his wit to make my journal more entertaining. Anyway, I decided to also ditch the suction cups and spend the cash for a Blendmount. I was also happy to not have to run the wires to the fuse box and use the MirrorTap system.

I finally decided the 9500ix was the answer. For some reason, I just wasn't pulling the trigger. I'm riding around without a radar detector, and I just couldn't find enough concrete information to cause me to make a purchase. Last Sunday there was a post from a Sponsor of the other forum. Wouldn't you know it, they specialize in selling radar detectors. I would highly recommend you give them a call if you are unclear on Laser/Radar related issues. I got some very solid service and advice.

http://www.bestradardetectors.net/

I settled on getting the Escort Passport Max. BestRadar talked me through my options. The Max is basically the replacement for the 9500ix. For my use, the Max is what I need: less false alarms with maybe slightly reduced range over a V1 or Redline. Make sure to call them. The gave me a forum discount without even asking of $489 shipped. I ordered on Monday afternoon and had it from NJ on Thursday.

Then I had to get the Blendmount. We need Blendmount ID # POR-002 and Part Number BMX-2021.

http://store.blendmount.com/blendmou...021-p1903.aspx

I also needed a MirrorTap, or so I thought. I ordered an MT-2012.

http://store.blendmount.com/mirrorta...00h-p1654.aspx

Well...I was certain I thought this through and was ready to go. Today, I started the process. I had the mirror torn apart when I came to the realization that a MirrorTap works for an automatically dimming mirror. My car doesn't have an automatically dimming mirror! Oh well, I wasted $30. If anyone needs one, I'll sell you mine cheap.

I pulled out the V1 hard wire kit I had and used that to install the Max like I have done in all other cars. I didn't even need a fuse tap. There is a switched 5 amp open fuse that works just fine. I didn't do a DIY. Just search V1 or Escort hard wire. There a bunch of them out there. Since I had the mirror torn apart, I ran the wire through plastic trim rather than having the wire come directly out of the headliner. The bad news is that I broke two different tabs near the fuse box. I wanted to try and avoided tearing trim apart for this reason. I think it will be fine, but I hate not having things go back together perfectly.

I don't have any input on the Max yet. I haven't driven the car with it. I'll keep everyone updated on how well it works. It's supposed to eliminate most false alarms after having gone by them five times. We'll see.

Zohan

MAX is good choice, It saved my butt x2 just last week - paid for it self

cell pic

hankinjax

that looks awesome. thank you for posting. Question: Do you use the smart cord also? I have the passport max hardwired with the smart cord but i am still trying to decide if i should mount the smart cord remote somewhere on the dash.

Money2536

I didn't get the smart cord. I ended up using Valentine's hardwire kit which will not work with Escort accessories. I only used it because I had it sitting in my cabinet.

BlackBeauty

Matt, as copying is the highest form of flattery (and I've completely revamped my detailing regime based on your excellent advice) I wanted to get your thoughts on PSE. I saw from your initial build that you didn't opt for this.

I dropped of my car today for Spring service, they're installing Sport Design mirrors (I had a high end shop paint them) and decided to take the plunge and get PSE. I'm just curious and hope you don't mind me asking, but I'd love to get your thoughts PSE. I went back and forth on initially adding this to my build, didn't do it, thought about for the last 8 months and pulled the trigger today.

Thanks again Matt!

BlackBeauty

I've read some posts that say that PSE helps to "flatten" the torque curve.

Money2536

PSE came with the X51 Powerkit, so I didn't have a choice to go without it. If I were you, I would skip PSE and get the AWE switchpath. I'm about to tear out my PSE in favor of the AWE. The PSE is good, but it's a little weak sounding and drones quite a bit under load at round 2,500 to 2,800 RPM. Personally, I don't ever use the closed valve mode, so that feature is wasted on me. I'm not driving my 911 to a client's house and just take it easy in my neighborhood. I think the PSE exhaust is a great factory exhaust and is very nice for those that aren't used to aftermarket upgrades. The AWE is lighter and more aggressive but not obnoxious. The install is super easy. Check the last few pages of this post for some more info on it:

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/9...s-journal.html

BlackBeauty

Thanks Matt!

Money2536

I think I'm the only goof that needs 18 photos to show off my new personalized plate. I'm not sure why I'm so in love with my obscure plate. 99.999999% of the population won't have a clue that it's personalized. I think that's why I like it so much. I even had a guy come up to me at cars and coffee, a group of car guys, ask me what model it was since I took the badges off. Every time I see it, it makes me smile.

On a side note, I haven't mentioned this yet. If you look closely, you'll notice that one of the plate lights seems a little off. I spent 25 hours detailing the car the days immediately after delivery. The paint on the car looked flawless, but I purposely tried not to stress myself by looking for issues. The first day I took it out, a friend of mine said, "Dude, there is a dent in your rear bumper!" I looked at him and laughed. I said, "yeah right..." We walked out to the car and looked. I pretended I didn't care, but I was secretly about to punch through the rear bumper and probably break my hand in the process. I don't know how I missed it, but the rear bumper was clearly bumped into. It is probably from putting the car on the truck or on the ship. I never even told the dealer. I figured the fix would be worse than the problem. It is really not that bad, you have to catch it under the right angle and lighting. I'm sure all of you that have followed this Journal know this bothers me to the point of twitching.

I think what I'm going to do is have the reflectors filled and paint the rear valence all when I do the Tech Art wing.

Sorry photography buffs, I shouldn't have been too lazy to throw on the circular polarizer. Onto the typical photo whoring...

Money2536

I finally decided to test out a new emblem on the back after looking at a thousand photos. I'm going to try out the look of the flat black emblem to see if I like it. I'll do a full write of how I got the letters back on the car (assuming I don't screw it up). Wish me luck.

http://www.suncoastparts.com/product...S_ExteriorEMBG

Also, I'm ordering the AWE Switchpath with Diamond Black tips. The tips should play nicely with the white/black theme. I'm just waiting for my local guys at PSI in Winter Park to try and strike up a relationship with AWE. I like to try and support the locals guys to keep them in business.

BlackBeauty

Matt if anybody can do a great job - you can. I just wanted to highlight something someone said above regarding the template. The Porsche shops near me don't have it yet but it might be worth checking the higher end repair shops that do Porsche auto body work around you. It should be the same that was used in the Ultimate Factory video. You drop the letters in - use a roller and it's perfect-no guessing and no measurements. Good luck. I did get the PSE installed but now appreciate your point about the AWE and understand why you're going in that direction. You're going to have some Wagnerianly epic music coming out of those pipes!! Enjoy and good luck!

Money2536

I've been thinking about that template. I'm going to call some Porsche authorized body shops around to see if they have one. It will guarantee perfect alignment and save me a lot of time. Although, I do love spending half a day in the garage.

BlackBeauty

I took the day off and am heading out to the garage now - it's a balmy 49 degrees here)

Money2536

That's funny I'm heading out to mine right now. I just got my new emblem and oil filter. I guess I have to go out to the garage for the rest of the day!

BlackBeauty

Matt saw this at C&C this am - I think your black tips will look phenomenal!!