I know there are other posts talking about this product, but my install is slightly different and I wanted to express my happiness with the Escort SRX protection system and describe the custom install done by a local shop. They are not a site sponsor, but if you are in the Seattle area and looking for custom electronics installations Benchmark Motoring does a great job. The install seamlessly integrates the system in the car without drilling any holes. Also I’m not sure if the SRX is going to be phased out for the 9500ci, but you can find the SRX for much less than its retail price if you spend some time looking at online retailers.
Installation:
Unless you have experience installing electronics in cars and are comfortable removing body pieces I would definitely recommend professional installation for this product. Removal of the front bumper is required to mount the radar receiver, they may also attach the shifters while its off for easier access. Here are some highlights of the install done by my local shop:
No holes drilled
- maybe not a big deal to some, but I appreciate that they have devised a way to leave all parts of the car intact.
Custom fabricated brackets
- This goes hand in hand with no drilling. They have created brackets that use factory bolts to anchor the pieces to the car. Can’t really see how it attaches to the frame, but you can see the black piece that the shop fabricates to mount the front shifter units on. (I apologize for the dirt, but its winter here and haven't had a dry day to wash the CS in over 3 weeks).
Custom LED
“display unit” – This install places a small LED within the dome light enclosure that indicates when system is active/being targeted. Pictures of installs I’ve seen in the past place the actual blue/black display unit somewhere in the car, usually in the storage space directly in front of the shifter. The LED as Solid Green indicates on/active/safe. Flashing Red accompanied with speaker notification lets you know when you're being targeted. The standard display is not used in this installation.
Speaker hidden
– the speaker that notifies you when you’ve been hit and tells you the source K, Ka, Laser etc is nicely stowed behind the center console but is also clearly audible. (No pics of this one as I'd have to remove trim pieces).
Mute Button
- placement is negotiable, I opted to have it on the driver’s side of the “shifter storage space”. In addition to killing the sound, holding the button allows for volume control and double tapping turns off shifting temporarily.
Kill Switch
- not part of the original system, but for those worried about breaking the law in states where these are not legal you have an override kill switch that can turn the entire system off. This is nicely hidden above the pedals.
No 12v drain
– Normal detectors using the 12v will stay on even when the car is turned off, this installation only powers the SRX when the car is on.
Summary:
I’ve spent a few days driving with it now and the SRX has already paid for itself. It’s hard to find the words to express the feeling knowing you just drove through a speed trap and didn’t get pulled over. I was only about 15-20 over, but the cops just stat stationary as I drove by. Escort definitely makes quality products and after this I don’t think I’ll ever own another sports car without radar/laser protection.
They did my install as well. I am not happy with the location of the front transmitters. I think that they are way to deep and behind the fog light, I doubt that they will be effective.
I promised to take some better pictures and talk to them more about it. Right now they are mounting them the same on all cars, but I think that they are doing every Porsche owner a disservice.
Would love to be proven otherwise, and I think that workmanship is top notch there. I have had no quality issues with them, but this "engineering / design" issue has me worried.
Maybe I will get my car washed today, and be able to snap some pictures on Saturday.
Nice install. I also have the SRX and love it. Well worth the money.
Enjoy!
-Moto
