For those of you considering a new radar detector, I highly recommend the Escort SRX (aka SR7) radar detector / laser detector / laser shifter. This is the custom install kit that has an external radar detector for the front, two laser detector/shifters for the front, and one laser detector/shifter for the back.

It works like a charm, and this week I got to experience first hand getting lit up by laser at 76 mph in a 60 zone (saw the cop in the left lane and had already let off of the gas when he lit me up) and I KNOW he was aiming at me but did not pull me over. I turned the shifters off a couple of seconds into his lighting me up once I slowed down. I am 100% confident he would have pulled me over but could not get a reading.

Here are some pics of my install. I could have completely hid the head unit (as many do) but I like to see the display and be able to manually mute the audio / stop the shifters once I've slowed down.

The front shifters may not be in the absolute optimal location, as cops sometimes target the headlights (esp. in states that don't require front license plates), but they are still close to the license plate (which is the target of choice for WA cops) and the shifters hide nicely in the front spoiler with a clear view of the road. I could have hid them in the grill above the bumper but that would have involved some cutting of the grill and a less stealthy look. The radar receiver is hidden in the front spoiler as well, between the shifters.

One advantage of the external radar receiver is improved range since your windshield glass does reflect some of the radar energy, attenuating the signal.

The rear receiver/shifter is a simple install, bolting on to the top of the license plate cover. One downside-- it covers up your trunk handle, so you have to use the fob or internal release. You could mount it on the bottom row of bolts but it would be dramatically more noticeable.

The below thumbs are clickable for larger pics.

<a href="http://ifs1.imagefly.info/v/6f/jpg/S4%20SRX%20interior.html"><img src="http://ifs1.imagefly.info/t/6f/S4%20SRX%20interior.jpg" border="0" /></a>

<a href="http://ifs1.imagefly.info/v/cc/jpg/S4%20SRX%20front.html"><img src="http://ifs1.imagefly.info/t/cc/S4%20SRX%20front.jpg" border="0" /></a>

<a href="http://ifs1.imagefly.info/v/46/jpg/S4%20SRX%20rear.html"><img src="http://ifs1.imagefly.info/t/46/S4%20SRX%20rear.jpg" border="0" /></a>

I was pretty pleased with the price I found this at a local car stereo shop- $699 for the system, installation was initially quoted at $250 but ended up being $350 (#$!#%- whattya gonna do...) So all told, a little more than a grand.

Considering a new Passport X50 costs about $350, a hardwire kit another $40, and the shifters separately cost $599, it was a wash for me. Plus, I don't have to hide the X50 every time I park.

I have seen this system advertised usually as a package with installation included, typically in the $1200 - $1400 range. I did actually get a quote from another shop that does uber-custom installs (ie. custom CNC-machined brackets for the shifters and head unit) for $2500-$3000!

I did originally plan on installing the system myself and looked at various examples of the installation found on the net, but decided that in the grand scheme it would be better to let a professional do it-- I was afraid I'd mess it up somehow.

My recommendation would be that unless you are very comfortable with running wires through the engine compartment,through the firewall, hardwire the power, wire behind the trim, and run another wire through the trunk to the head unit, (ie. have done other stereo or alarm equipment installs), you may be happy you paid someone else to do it. I just know there are a million wires and electronic bits crammed into those spaces and with my luck I'd mess something up.

Good luck!

Got lit up again yesterday on 520 and no ticket!