I have done a search and see no discussion on this subject
I want an installed remote detector, not something hanging from the windshield in plain site, but totally discrete. Valentine doesnt sell them. Escort does as SR7 and others. I went to an installer, he checked out the car, and the conclusion was it is just about impossible to sensors in the front. In particular, I wanted nothing blocking what looks like cooling ducts for the brakes. The back adds something to the rear plate that looks ugly
K40 has something new that uses BT but I cant find a price yet.
Anybody have anything like this installed?
I think I remember Russ was quoted $1400 for the K-40 concealed system. Search for K-40 and you may find it.
Yeah, my local dealer installs the Passport system. It's about the same price ($1400) installed. One othe the techs had the system installed in his car (a new Mitsu Evo) and tested it against a Valentine. He said it wasn't even close. It missed a lot of real signals. Subsequently sold on eBay. IMO if it isn't as good and cost gobs more money, (even if concealed oh so nicely), why would ya'?
Good timing on the question: I spent hours surfing this issue last night.
See
http://www.radarbusters.com/default.asp
they have tons of information.
I priced a K40 today (Walnut Creek, CA): 'not less than $1,800), but was not familiar with the car.
Let me know what you decide on.
I was quoted $1100 for the SR7 installed at Tweeters but they couldnt figure out how to mount the front radar.
I then went to a high-end audio shop who has done work for me before and have the K40 (Calibre). He quoteed ~ $1200 without the laser. ... you can pick and choose exactly the parts you want. I dont want ugly laser reflecting plates sitting on the license plates.
He looked at the rear and talked about putting the radar behind the plastic bumper but needed to cut off some heat shielding . EEK. No way. Besides, I'm looking for a sports catback and who knows who the rear will look after that so that is on hold.
As to the front, he says the radar receiver will sit behind the black plastic part in the center and not block those two side fans blowing air. I questioned the radar antenna sitting behind the plastic and he said it work work fine. Is that true? They have done installations on 997s. You can then go back later and add any component you want, like a radar in the rear or laser
The thing I like about this is the BT and integration looking OEM although I do wonder if that BT frequency will interfere with the cell phone BT which I am having done in a week
Beltronics has a remote version of the STi Driver coming out around the end of this year. As I understand it and being based on the standard mount STi it will be the best one on the market. There is a good chance that mounting the radar receiver behind the bumper will not reduce the range (much). Otherwise it may be case of cutting a hole in the front depression of the bumper. As I have a black bumper I dont think this will be to noticeable Although I prefer not to do that. Also have the issue of where to mount the laser sensors, however they must really be mounted next to the licence plate to be effective. As I plan to get one later Im really going to have to think about this mounting way more than any installer ever would.
I had the Beltronics Pro RX75 Plus (radar + laser blinder) installed at a local auto electronics shop.
He's done lots of them. The remote radar detector is in the front of the car - but not sure exactly where.
Can't compare to V1 as no experience with that product.
Very clean install - blinders just above foglight spears (x2) on front, and on upper license plate frame at rear.
Control module in the little storage area just below the ACC.
<input width="300" type="image" height="164" src="/UserFiles/rx75.jpg" />
www.beltronicspro.com/rx75.html
Price? About $3000 Canadian all in. Steep, but little competition for this business here.
Value? Have seen the 'shooter' scratching his head as I drove by. So far have picked up photo radars well in advance. And the thing goes crazy if there is a police car within a couple of blocks away in the city.
But I'm also not a CRAZY driver, just sometimes not so focussed on my speed, which is the point, I guess.
==RedEye
I have the SRX, It was installed by my Porsche Dealer for $2,300 US. Pics are at this link.
http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7001
I had the LED added to the dash by the dealer later. I recommend it as when the main unit goes to mute you can still see the red LED flashing to let you know the radar is still there. Very helpful with the top down. The units installed quite easily in the left and right vents in front and on the rear license plate. The main unit is by the battery as you'll see in one photo. Interior unit is in the cubby under the Spoiler/PSM buttons and mute to the left of the steering wheel. The mute button also controls volume up and down if you hold it down. Sensitivity is higher than my X50 and the laser shifters do work. I have been very pleased with the performance though I'd like the interior unit somewhere else I can't find a better location than the cubby at this point. Personally I think the Valentine is over rated if you do a google search to evaluate when the technology was last updated but I may be biased because I don't like the mounting options.
