radar detector positioning?

[Matt F]

I just got a new Escort 8500 radar detector for my 2004 STi, and I was
wondering....should I be extra careful about positioning this thing, seeing
as how there's that huge scoop on the hood that might get in the way of
radar detection? Or would it not be a factor?

Thanks!

Matt

 

[Cam Penner]

I just got a new Escort 8500 radar detector for my 2004 STi, and I was
wondering....should I be extra careful about positioning this thing, seeing
as how there's that huge scoop on the hood that might get in the way of
radar detection? Or would it not be a factor?

I don't know if your STi has one, but my RS has a little
"sunvisor" over the rearview mirror. I clip my Passport
Classic 2700 to it. (or I did until the clip broke last
week). You can run the cord under the headliner and down
the door frame to under the dash so that it is completely
hidden.

It's got a good view forward from there...

 

[TW-Ohio]

radar detector positioning?

From: "Matt F" (e-mail address removed)
Date: 2/24/2004 1:48 PM Eastern Standard Time
Message-id: <(e-mail address removed)>

I just got a new Escort 8500 radar detector for my 2004 STi, and I was
wondering....should I be extra careful about positioning this thing, seeing
as how there's that huge scoop on the hood that might get in the way of
radar detection? Or would it not be a factor?

Thanks!

Matt

I'd think the STi's scoop wouldn't be a factor in detecting radar as the
detector would have to be high enough to not sit behind the wipers anyway.
Generally, higher is better. But if you are also trying to detect laser, then
a mounting position which is closer to their aiming point, usually headlights
or license plate, is better to receive any bounce.
Terry - '02 Regatta-Red GT wagon 5spd - 25,000 miles
'03 Silver Legacy SE auto-sedan - 2450 miles
Yakima / TandeMover / Rockymount rack
To reply, get rid of the "nonsense"

 

[Byron]

Mike Valentine of (the V1 detector) has a web page for this issue
http://www.valentineone.com/laserhowto/
He summarizes as follows: "For the best chance of Early Warning, I
suggest mounting high"
Some of his web site is found to be inflammatory to owners of other
radar detectors, but most of what he says of this page makes sense to
me. High is where I put my (very old now, '96) V1 in my WRX. Between
the roof and the rear view mirror. But I may move it to just below the
mirror so it can get a better view of the back (I have a wagon, so the
rear glass is pretty far away)

- Byron

 

[Mark]

I just got a new Escort 8500 radar detector for my 2004 STi, and I was
wondering....should I be extra careful about positioning this thing, seeing
as how there's that huge scoop on the hood that might get in the way of
radar detection? Or would it not be a factor?

Thanks!

Matt

I have a 02 WRX and I mounted my radar detector (using the visor clip)
to the roof trim. Also, add a nice touch and run the power line to
the cigerette lighter. It's easy to do. I got a inline fuse holder
and connected the hot wire to the cig lighter and the ground to the
chassie behine the radio, then run the wire under the dash, up the A
piller to the detector. This way whenever you turn on the car the
detector comes on. Also, it hides the wire from view. I put my visor
clip on the overhead trim panel to place it higher to the roof line.
That way it don't stick down and is easily visable to anyone looking
into the car. The black sun tint hides the unit.

If you need any parts (plugs, wire or fuse holer) Radio Shack has all
the items you need.