Finally posting I "installed" a Valentine V1 radar detector a couple of weeks ago.
It works great and fitted nicely above the mirror. I was able to run the cable around the windshield and plug into the outlet in the glove box. So fairly tidy un obtrusive and a lot cheaper than a true built in system.
No problem with the heated windshield.

 

I installed mine is almost the same position but on the left. I hardwired it to be on with the ignition so I didn't have to think about it. You'll be happy you don't have wires hanging or the whole thing in your vision all the time.

 

I found if I put it on the left it was obscured with the visor down. Originally I planned to hard wire a socket into the mirror mount, but I was able to root the power cord around the screen and B pillar gap. It turns on with the ignition and I don't have any dangling cords to annoy me.

 

Has anyone every done a "stealth" install of a radar detector? They're illegal here in Ontario, Canada, so a window location isn't going to work.

 

I got a quote for a built in one (I had a K40 built in to my old 911) but it was close to $3,500 so I went the Valentine route. Valentine do a remote display to help hide the unit.

 

I have a built-in K40 radar/laser detector. If you don't know its there and it doesn't go off you will never find it. just two LEDs in the gauge pod in front of the driver and sound warnings which can be controlled as to volume. Generally, I'm satisfied with it. Cost of complete unit including installation $2000.

 

If'n one has moderate wiring skills, pretty much any detector can be disassembled and custom installed directly into any vehicle. The leads to the receiver and to the display would have to be extended and routed, but that takes mostly time and a bit of engineering. A good tinkerer could complete the install in a few hours and save that almost $2000.

 

I installed a Whistler Remote detector. I put the receiver in the front grill and the display in the ash tray. When I close the ashtray cover you can't see anything. I got power from the cigarette lighter in the glove compartment. It took me a couple hours to install it, but I could probably do it again in about an hour. You just need to think ahead about how you want to do it.

I ordered it from Walmart for about $250. The remote Escort model is $2000 and the reports I've read say they are pretty similar. I'm happy with it so far.

Govtslug

 

Here in Oregon police love laser, which requires their vehicle to be stationary.
Radar detectors do not do so well with laser. I have a Valentine, and it reads a laser only when it is pointed at me, which is usually too late. I may be saved if I am closely following another speeder.

I have not explored laser jammers, which I understand are "legal"/ not unlawful. But most jammers face forward. Oregon Patrol likes to shoot you from "behind", so you will need both for and aft receiver/emitters.

 

A nice thing about the Whistler is it's expandable. I can get a second radar/laser detector for the rear and it just plugs into the bus that comes with the basic kit that I put under the dash. I think it only costs about $75. It's powered by the bus I already installed, so it's pretty simple. I can also get a GPS receiver if I wanted it.

Govtslug

 

We use WAZE about 90% of the time. I'm not sure of it's distance in advance warning of the Policia,but, it together with a Valantine could be a great combo.....

 

I use waze but not frequently as there's not a huge uptake in west Michigan so not that reliable for cops

 

I'm on the Eastern Seaboard though have traveled in all 48 contiguous states and have found that a V1 & Waze are an excellent combo for detection of ALL road hazards/concerns. Not too helpful on back country roads with the locals (V1 & situational awareness does it there) as there are few wazers around, however on the main thoroughfares nothing beats the combo of a V1 (front & rear detection with Laser) and a road full of wazers. Especially like waze for announcing traffic jams up ahead so I can detour before I have to sit for an hour.