V1 and 350Z

[hitop]

Well after checking out all of the RD's available on the market, and man there's a boatload, but it was a no-brainer, I chose the best and that's V1. The arrows and bogey counter are just awesome man

After searching the forum I couldn't find a DIY hardwire for a 350Z. Is there another member here that has a walk-through and some pics?

[RacerX]

Well I don’t have something specific to a Z, but here’s some quick basics.
Once you get your mounting location, run the wire from the V1 to down under the dash. Tuck the wire along the liner and next to or behind the pillar.

Now you have a few options for power. Most people tap into an accessory, so the detector turns on when they start the car, and turns off when they shut the car off.

Myself, I have it wired through a separate switch. One reason is separate control for my V1 and blinders. Another is that I’m starting to think some problems with detectors go back to possible power surges upon vehicle startup. On my vehicle, when I turn the key, it goes to ACC and starts to turn the detector on, and then it goes to ignition, momentarily kills power, then starts up the detector again. I liken that to turning something on, pulling the plug momentarily, and then plugging it back in. now whether or not this type of startup is actually a problem remains to be seen, but that’s just my opinion.

Anyway, now you need to find a power source. Here are a few options, so you’ll have to look under your dash and decide what’s best for you. Depending upon your skill and knowledge level, a 12v tester comes in real handy to test possible sources.

Tapping into fuse box. If you have an empty slot, you can put the appropriate connector on it and plug into that. Then run your ground wire to any suitable location. If you don’t have an empty slot, sometimes you will come across a vehicle that has been pre-wired for an option you don’t have. You can pull that fuse and plug into that.

Tapping onto an existing wire, such as the hot wire on a cigarette lighter. You can use a wire tap that crimps onto the existing wire, then put the appropriate connector on your power wire and plug onto that. Do the same for a ground and your done.

Any auto parts store will have different types of connectors, depending on what you need.

I know this is somewhat basic, but maybe it’ll point you in the right direction until someone with your vehicle can give specifics on what they did.

[hitop]

Ok, let's get more specific if we can.

1) What quite a few Z owners do is run the red wire to fuse panel and use the fuse for the cig lighter. They'll strip some insulation, fan the wire and then attach to a peg of the fuse and then pop the fuse back in.

1a) Is it ok to use either peg of the fuse? I heard from a guy that it matters which side you use.

[Aaron]

You don't need to sheath that wire though. They have tap connectors for that.

[hitop]

You mean like a fuse tap shown below?

http://www.tessco.com/products/displ...06&eventPage=1

[kpatz]

1a) Is it ok to use either peg of the fuse? I heard from a guy that it matters which side you use.

If there's an inline fuse in the wire, then it doesn't matter which side you use. If there's no inline fuse, connect it to the side that does *not* show voltage when the fuse is pulled.

[hitop]

Ah, I see, the fog is getting clearer. That's where the voltmeter comes in to play right?

Come on guys let's seal the deal here, my V1 is gonna be here on Friday 10/21/05, so is the V1 mount I ordered from Mike P., dang that thing is nice lookin'.

[hitop]

Well, I did a hardwire install of my V1 and it works great, the arrows really set this RD from all the others. V1 is the best hands down.

Just some helpful info for others who drive a 350Z, when you buy the Add A Circuit or if you plan to use one, it works great because there is no splicing or soldering. I went straight into the fuse panel, all you have to do is crimp the red power wire from the adapter into the blue end of the add a circuit and yer done. One thing to note, make sure you get the Mini Add A Circuit and not the ATO, because the ATO will not fit into the fuse slot.