When I picked up my Z I noticed the rear plug and the sales manager made a comment that one of their technicians ( translated mechanic ) was hard wiring radar detectors for Z owners directly to the battery . I didn't give it a thought until I had time to finally read the owners manual . In it it states that wiring into the electrical system can affect the car's electronics . It didn't say exactly how it could damage it . I had already ordered a Solo ( battery powered ) from Escort and although battery powered it gives you enough of a range to have an ample warning , not to mention how easy it is to remove . It also looks good without any wires and mounted on the windshield below the rear view mirror . It's just a suggestion.


FrankieZZ

ps The Solo was only $199 and I think there is a new one due out anyday with even more sophistication and range .

 

I've been running a 2002 V1 in my Z for 3 months now. It saves me on a fairly regular basis, especially on interstates and highways between cities. Just remember to have a quick reaction time to hit the brakes.

The standard suction cups work fine because the unit is light. It even stays after daily bumping from my Covercraft rigid sunshade.

I used a 4ft. level and line-of-sight method to assure that the lidar is not obstructed. The unit is actually quite unobtrusive when mounted just below the mirror, and easy to reach (negating any remote module IMHO.)

Running the black RJ11 through the autodimmer wire housing, along the headliner, down the pillar, and inside the wall under the dash was easy. The hook-up was even easier with the "Minifuse Add-A-Circuit" from LittleFuse. Pull fuse, pop this in, and connect V1 to the attached wire. Then run the ground from the V1 power module to a grounded bolt of choice. I got mine at Pep Boys. But, don't think the 3-amp fuse that comes with the Minifuse is all you need. It's too high to protect the V1 and unfortunately I cannot find a miniblade in 1-amp. So, retain the 1-amp fuse in your wiring that comes with the V1. If they ever make a 1-amp, you can go in and simplify the wiring.

 

I heard about a bracket for the V1 that has the "Z" logo that mounts to the bottom of the rear view mirrow. It supposedly makes it look factory installed. Has anyone seen these or know where I could look at one?

 

I helped a friend in Maryland install a new V1 in his Z last month. He has a 04Z Touring with Nav like mine, except in Lemans Sunset. His approach was to "fish" the power lead (without an RJ11 connector) through the passenger A pillar. From the passenger's bottom wheel well area, route the cable along but underneath the carpeting. Use the Valentine hardwire install unit and wire into the 12V equipment outlet in the passenger wheel well. It is quite easy to access it. My friend pulled the plug from the female connector and spliced the + and - terminals into it. Once done, he attached a RJ11 connector to both ends after routing the wire through the passenger visor. With the hardwire kit installed, my buddy then routed another cable through the back area between the passenger and driver wheel wells. Once done, he brought the wire up along the right upper portion of the driver's wheel well. We decided to install the concealed display just above the 6 disc unload button on his upgraded Bose stereo. It has room to allow the navigation door to open/close and to access the CD unload button. More importantly, the display can be seen while he is driving. As described above, his V1 hangs from the passenber visor and the concealed display is just below the nav door. It seemed to work well when we got painted by Maryland troopers on the way to Baltimore.

 

Chuckeeee,
I make the bracket that mounts to the rear view mirror. The cost is $30.00 ea. shipped us mail. I am out of town all this week but can send one first thing next monday. PM me on payment options.
Mike Peronek

 

Do you have a picture that I can see of it? I have been a little hesitant to have it down that far but don't like not being able to use the visor and the sun is coming out in Texas these days.

I just got back in town myself. Thank you for the reply.

Chuck

 

Check out this thread. It has multiple pictures, and explains everything fairly well. I have Mike's bracket, and have hard-wired my 8500 without problems.

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....highlight=8500

 

Hi MSGarrett1,

Does it have the Z logo? I didn't see it in any pictures.

Chuck

 

Check out page six of that thread . . . it shows a pic with the Z logo sticker.