g8rbob

I'm not a regular poster - just a usual lurker. I thought I would share my 9500ci install pictures in case anyone out there was looking for a good professional installer that comes to your location. I found him through the dealer who had him install an aftermarket NAV system in my 2011 C6.
PM me for his contact information.

Pic1 - Nicely concealed in bumper. No cuts required
Pic2 - Passenger side Laser Shifter
Pic3 - Drivers side Laser Shifter close-up - fits in gap between Crome bar and lower grill grate
Pic4 - Radar Detector behind center Grill
Pic5 - GPS Antenna under hood - drivers side

g8rbob

And the Interior Installation. Of course the interface module and speaker are behind the dash and the USB Printer Port for updates is nicely mounted directly behind the OBDII Connector - facing down for easy access and debris protection.

Hope you like the pics

CNB

Very clean install!

Elite275

Looks great!

g8rbob

Thanks. I should have also mentioned that the small LED visual indicator (normally solid green, increasing rate flashing red with signal strength) was mounted on top dead center of the Steering Wheel decorative housing in direct line of sight.

meyerweb

And what did that all set you back?

g8rbob

Very Reasonable considering cost of equipment (you may be able to find one below $1995 retail) and time to install (5 hours). A month from now, I won't even remember.

It meets my priorities. It's in. It's on. It's functioning and it doesn't detract or diminish the interior or exterior appearance nor attract unwanted attention from other drivers. Now it's just part of the car.

KeepRightPassLeft

I do not recommend this installation for a number of reasons:

1. The laser shifter heads should be positioned higher in the grill Generally, the higher you place the shifter heads the better. If you are being shot with LIDAR as you are about to crest a hill, the shifter heads being too low will not see the LIDAR beam. The best place to position the shifter heads is at the midpoint of a line drawn from the center front license plate to the most superior and lateral edge of the headlights.

2. The laser shifter heads are too recessed, and the shifter's eye is hidden underneath the chrome strip. This will reduce sensitivity of the shifter head and result in the police officer obtaining a speed reading on your vehicle at distances under 500 feet.

3. The radar receiver as stated by Escort in thier installation manual should NOT be located behind a grill. See some of my previous posts for explanation.

g8rbob

I respect your expertise and appreciate the critique - but it would be more productive if you reveal exactly how you would install the three elements for comparison.

There is always the trade-off between theoretical and practical. For me, the point of having concealed detection is to conceal it. Of course, the theoretical 'best' location would be completely exposed.

On the other hand, my C6 installation had ALL three elements behind the grill and it worked well enough to keep me ticket free for the three years and 50,000 miles of travels from FL throughout the entire SE and as far north as MI and NY including east-west through VA. Did the laser shifters work properly EVERY time? Who knows. I do know that whenever I knew there was laser or radar, I got an early enough warning to react.

I think this installation is far superior to my prior C6 installation and so, based on MY experience and driving habits, I am confident that this installation is a good functional compromise between the theoretical and the practical and will work for me.

KeepRightPassLeft

The C6 provided many more mounting options for laser shifter heads and the radar receiver than the C7 without having to modify the grill. To adequately mount the shifter heads and radar receiver, you would have to modify the grill.

seamus2154

I have been using the laser deflectors for many years. Living in Florida it is a must! I agree there are trade offs to any install especially a corvette. But I have to agree with the above criticism. The laser heads must be straight, level, and on the outside edge of that grill. Those are way too set back to work optimally. They are almost shadowed, by the grill. The radar detector can me recessed but not the laser heads.
Better to make them blend in than to recess or conceal them. Also they shouldn't follow any curve of the grill they must be straight to work correctly. I would get those out to the edge of the grill or flush with the chrome as long as that is also straight. Very nice install, but get those heads out front.

I was just on the Turnpike last week and got hit at almost 1/2 mile away! I was in my 2015 GMC Sierra crew cab. Trooper gave me a warning ( a real gentlemen!) and I just installed them on my truck!! That was an easy install in comparison to my vettes!

g8rbob

I am asking for further clarification from a learning perspecutive and to pass valuable knowledge to the community in general.

I am not sure the pictures represent the install adequately.

The laser heads do face straight forward, they are level, and they are in front of the grill with no obstruction in front of them. They are approx 14" above the ground with the grill opening limiting mounting to a minimum of 11" and a maximum of 18" ground clearance.

On the other hand, they are under the chrome strip and approx 0.5" behind its leading edge. In your opinion, are we talking 5, 10, 25 or 50 % (or more) increase in capability by moving them forward 0.5"-0.75" and flush or in front of the leading edge of the chrome strip.

First question is with regard to materials. Is your issue the presence of "chrome" directly above and slightly forward of the head face?
Because if it is a reflective material issue - I might consider removing the "chrome" or blackening it - not one of my favorite design features of the C7.

Second question is with regard to line of sight? Is the issue that line of sight is obscured?
By my eyeball geometry, I would estimate the unobstructed field of vision of the heads to be at nearly 180 degrees left to right. Vertically, the field of unobstructed view is limited below by ground surface and terrain. The line of sight above horizontal is limited to about 45 degree elevation - which would equate to about 1 foot elevation for each 1 foot down range.

This is where I had a problem comprehending the statement by KeepRightPassLeft - "This will reduce sensitivity of the shifter head and result in the police officer obtaining a speed reading on your vehicle at distances under 500 feet." From a purely unobstructed line of sight perspective and assuming the laser is being shot from a standard overpass, the heads can see the Laser until I am about 16 feet from passing under it. At that distance and angle, could the laser produce an accurate measurement of my speed? If the laser and I are on opposite sides of an elevated apex, moving them forward 0.5" or upward 4" would have negligible affect on the instant of visibility.

seamus2154

I have the Blinder HP- 905 install instructions in front of me. They are very clear, but simple. I did read a lot about install and how it works over the years. Bottom line, a LEO is trained to shoot a beam at your headlight or front plate which does reflect back well. The laser heads need to be as close to those locations. Trucks have a bigger picture up front and need extra heads for the height to work best.

For the heads to work "optimally" they must facing straight and level so they can catch and send a beam. If angled you are decreasing their effectiveness in the other direction. Straight works best for left to right equally.

It does NOT say anything about chrome or shiny parts. Actually LEO are trained to shoot at the shiny parts as dull painted parts can absorb the light beam.

I don't believe it effects the "sensitivity" but does effect the effectiveness or performance. Meaning due to being recessed you may not detect or send out a beam perfectly in every situation leaving you a little vulnerable from one direction. You are never 100% covered unless you had 6 heads up front stuck on the outside of the car! I just wouldn't give up 5 or 10% after spending the time and money. Again the corvette has it's limitations already.

You have a perfect install as I can see if they are straight and level. I would just move them up that .5" and you have the best you can get!

g8rbob

THANKS - Me thinks exactly! I will pursue moving them forward as well as share some feedback to my installer.