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Looking to get a radar detector for my C8. Need an effective one that mounts comfortably in a place that is not obtrusive and easy to wire power to and won't go off because all the time because of other cars collision avoidance systems, etc. Any suggestions?
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
I've been using the Uniden R3 since it came out and am very happy with it. Still close to the range of the latest top dollar units, great customization and good filtering (with all the firmware updates Uniden has done). I mount mine right on top of the Infotainment screen and use a long straight cord with right angle plug to run to the 12V outlet under the passenger dash. This pic shows it using the Bartallama3D mount, but I've since moved to a magnetic base mount that's 3M taped to the back of the screen to slim it up a little.
I prefer the mounting location above the infotainment vs under the mirror. I mounted my RD under my mirror in my C7 and didn't like the obstructed view. I mounted my RD above the infotainment screen similar to the picture above in my C8.
I like the situational awareness arrows provide. Valentine 1 (Gen 2) is a good detector if you run the JBV1 app (V1s don't have built in GPS so an app is necessary for location based lockouts). V1 plus JBV1 is the best total system short of built-in systems but you have to deal with an app (and it only runs on Android). I use a CarPlay AI box so I can project JBV1 onto the infotainment screen.
If you don't want to run an app there are better choices. Vortex Radar is the best source of reviews. There is no perfect radar detector.
I agree that the blendmount for the C7 was too low below the mirror. The one for the C8 is much better. I’m 6’2 and don’t feel it blocks my view at all. It tucks up nice and high. Even a bit behind the mirror if you choose. A 3m mount up high on the glass would work as well. I’m not a fan of the suction mounts. They fail too often in both cold temps and heat.
I've been using the Uniden R3 since it came out and am very happy with it. Still close to the range of the latest top dollar units, great customization and good filtering (with all the firmware updates Uniden has done). I mount mine right on top of the Infotainment screen and use a long straight cord with right angle plug to run to the 12V outlet under the passenger dash. This pic shows it using the Bartallama3D mount, but I've since moved to a magnetic base mount that's 3M taped to the back of the screen to slim it up a little.
No. one just used 3m double sided tape on the detector mount. Works much better than a suction cup. I used one up high on my C7. They are all over ebay. Very inexpensive option.
FWIW, I have a 10 year old Escort Passport Max. They have newer ones with additional features. I mounted it with their "Sticky Mount" single suction cup to the right of the mirror on my two C7's and for 3 years on my 2020 C8. Then switched to a Dash Mount I like much better. I use 3M Dual Lock, 4 times the holding strength as Velcro (It's my go to product for many things.)
Here are some pics including the Dash Mount on my E-Ray where I wired to the 12 volt receptacle under the passenger dash (automatically switched on when car starts.) The plug mounts flush with a 90 degree wire so no interference with the passenger legs etc. Wires hidden until they come out at the windshield. Easy to remove when and if needed. This is a many page Pic's Long Captions with full details: http://netwelding.com/Radar_Detector_Power.pdf
Switched to a Dash mount in my 2020 C8 and continued with my E-Ray. Note: mounts on black plastic section of Dash. Love it.
I currently have a Uniden R8 mounted under the mirror (powered via a mirror tap). The Blendmount was too pricey for me and instead use one by Radar Mount.
Does anyone use the C8 ODBll port to power their detector like Passport or Valentine ? Curious if it interferes with anything...Power draw when car is off, ect. Something like this https://www.escortradar.com/products...-to-rj11-cable
Does anyone use the C8 ODBll port to power their detector like Passport or Valentine ? Curious if it interferes with anything...Power draw when car is off, ect. Something like this https://www.escortradar.com/products...-to-rj11-cable
Much better (and far cheaper) to power from the 12 volt receptacle under the passenger dash. It uses zero power when engine is off. This 90 degree plug I use fits flush and no wire to interfere with passenger legs.
It's fused.
Can route the wire out of view as I did until it comes out at the windshield. Can place close to the windshield where it is not visible until it comes forward to wherever you mount the detector. Like what you describe, I use a phone plug that fits my Escort detector. This is a Doc that shows what I did: http://netwelding.com/Radar_Detector_Power.pdf
Radar Detector for C8
