karl k

I intend to trade up to the 2002 coupe.

Had great experience with the Escort 8500 radar detector; hardwired in my 2001 C5 coupe.

Any tips re best place to mount and how to hardwire.

This will be my first Porsche. This is my first post here.

brobbinson

I have a K40 system built into the dash of my '99 coupe. The controls and leds are all in place of existing button contols in the porsche dash so no cutting was necessary. The sensors which pick up the radar are hidden in the front and tail lights. A lazer diffuser is under the front plate. You may want to consider this since its a very custom look (check out K40s website). The passport 8500 is a good portable detector - it should be possible to hardwire it into your car (for electric feed), but there is no great place for the detector itself (short of suction mount on the shield). However, if you don't buy the NAV system or digital soundprocessing unit, you may have an available space in the dash under the cd holders. But then the detector can't "see". Passport is now selling a custom in dash model as well. I don't know anyone who uses it but I saw the add.

Eric - Plug Guy

Did the same. Pics are here:
http://www.geocities.com/esklut/Erics996.html

I have front/rear and laser defuser, but you can do the defuser without a front plate

Josh Warner

Check out the Valentine One. By far the best radar dector I've ever used. I love to drive fast and I take sometimes go LA to LV and back. on these trips I have been saved no less that five times, with an indication of radar often two minutes or more before seeing the man on the side of the road. This unit is $400. and worth every penny. Only available from the manufacturer. Use this link.

V-1 radar dectors

Best,

Bill P.

Josh, you seem well versed in radar detectors. I curious why you did not use the Valentine One, a very highly rated unit with multidirection??

I have an old V1 and have not looked into comparisons for some time now.

bp (seeking input)

Josh Warner

Hi Bill. I'm no pro but I did spend a good bit of time looking into which unit to buy. I usually like the best (I'm sure most here do too). I got a couple of comparisons, one from Car and Drive, the other was I believe Consumer Reports. V-1 blew all the others away in the tests. Got one for my dad, myself and then a bunch of my friends got them too.

Did a side-by-side with a battery operated unit on the way to Tahoe last Christmas. I think a passport? Other unit worked but V-1 gave far more advance notice on the highway and didn't freak out as much in the city areas. I love it and know for certain that it saved me numerous times. Like my car, somthing I wouldn't skimp on.

Further on the V-1, I think it's interesting that it is only available directly from the manufacturer. If you call the company, you get Mike Valentine on the phone. I've spoken to him and he graciously answered all of my questions. Many other units sell for about $300., this means the stores selling them paid no more than about $175. If you think about the other units like this they most likely have about $35 - $40 in build and circuitry for the manufacturer to turn a profit. The V-1 is sold direct as the build costs prohibit dealers further marking them up.

So Bill, I got on a tangent there, but I think I didn't get something in your post as I do use the V-1.

Best,