Hardwiring a Valentine 1 into an Impreza STI?

**Blue_Genes** · 06-13-2007, 03:51 PM

Hi all. I am a proud new owner of an 07 STI and I'm looking to install a Valentine 1 radar detector. A friend of mine has a 3 series BMW that he hard wired the detector right behind where the cabin lights go.

Can anyone here tell me if they have done the same on an Impreza? How would I go about doing this? How does the panel come off, which wires to cut, etc?

Thanks for all the help.

**Harold** · 06-13-2007, 04:06 PM

got no answer, but maybe change the topic titel into Impreza STI.

Otherwise everybody thinks of the Bel Sti detector....

8)

**DogGod** · 06-13-2007, 04:15 PM

There was a great stickie in either the V1 section or the General section but it seems like it was deleted. Kinda pisses me off because there was some great info there and now we cant send any one there.

**Blue_Genes** · 06-13-2007, 05:41 PM

I'll keep digging as best I can. I updated the thread title as suggested; maybe that will help.

**TSi+WRX** · 06-13-2007, 06:20 PM

Try Scoobymods, WRXTuners, IWSTI, and NASIOC.

Honesty, the Scooby community is *very* modification oriented, and there are "walk-throughs" that both verbally describe as well as depict, via step-by-step pictures, how to do things not only like this, but everything spanning from something as basic as an oil/filter change to a turbo retrofit. :shock:

You'll find this to be one of the best parts about the Scooby community.

Search with keywords "v1 hardwire" and "valentine 1 install," and you'll get PLENTY of results.

Just to get the ball rolling, here's a freebie for a fellow Scooby owner. 8)

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...entine+install

If you're planning on having a short cable-run (i.e. using only the detector) the most commonly tapped sources on our Scoobys are the map/dome light or the compass/HomeLink rearview mirror power and ground supplies. "Vampire/T-taps" are your best bets here to tap-off the proper wires, unless you're very good at clipping and soldering.

Both of these sources should be switched power. You'll want to check to be sure that's the case, though, on your '07, as I do not have *specific* experience with this particular model. :wink:

If you're planning on using the remote/concealed display and/or the remote audio controls, thus trailing the wiring across your headliner and down the A-pillar, you'll also open up access to another two very popular power-tap areas - either your main interior fuse-box (via the traditional "slot in" method or using an Add-a-Circuit fuse) or behind your cigarette lighter (again, using a vamp or T-tap would be the way to go, here).

While I can almost guaranty that your cigarette lighter socket is a switched source, you will definitley have to search around in the main fuse box for a switched slot. Of-course, the cigarette lighter/12V accessory slot would fit this description, but you can use others there as well. Note that if you do go through the main fuse-box, I would favor using a "non-critical" fuse, such as that for the death-stick lighter, so that if the fuse blows, you don't suddenly lose power to a vital component necessary for safe vehicle operation.

Congrats on your new ride - I wish you many happy, speedy, safe, and ticket-free miles! 8)

**Blue_Genes** · 06-13-2007, 06:35 PM

TSi, thank you very much for your detailed response. I appreciate the help and I will surely repost when I have completed my project.

**TSi+WRX** · 06-13-2007, 06:43 PM

^ No need to thank me - I'm simply glad to be of-service for a fellow Scooby enthusiast.

Best of luck on your coming V1 install!

**polakatl** · 06-13-2007, 06:48 PM

If you have a multimeter this will be very easy.

Get an add a circuit from an auto zone or the like (cheap). This will allow you to plug the V1 into your fuse box. You can pick an empty spot or use an existing socket. I would recommend using an empty spot if available.

Use the multimeter to check if you get ~12v and if it turns on/off with the ignition key so that you don't have to worry about ever turning your V1 on/off manually.

**Asleeper** · 06-13-2007, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by Harold

got no answer, but maybe change the topic titel into Impreza STI.

Otherwise everybody thinks of the Bel Sti detector....

8)

Being a car guy, whenever I see "STI" I think of the car

**TSi+WRX** · 06-14-2007, 05:32 AM

It's ironic that my wife, who is a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine, drives a WRX, and is thus in a community which talks, all the time, about "STIs."

Why?

The old "STD" has been dropped, in favor of (S)exually (T)ransmitted (I)nfections.