I just purchased an Escort 8500 X50 last week and have been using it in my Si. Very pleased so far - excellent range on the warnings.
I'll be tackling this hard wire as soon as my materials arrive. I ordered the hardwire ($10 for the non smartcord version - no sense wasting $20 for leds and a mute button you won't be able to use) and an extra bracket with suction cups ($4) direct from Escort.
http://www.escortradar.com/shop.htm
Total was $15.50 shipped. I ordered the extra bracket because it didn't raise shipping, plus this way I can use the EZpass velcro strips on the bracket that will stay in the Si, plus have the original bracket with suction cups if I need to take the RD to another vehicle.
PepBoys carries the 3M Scotchlok Self Stripping Tap Connector 558 (that little red clip in the picture). Unfortunately they only come in boxes of 18 which cost $6.
Here's the description from the 3M website:
"Specially designed for the smaller wire gauges used on todays vehicles. U.L. listed. Permits fast and effective tap wire connections on 22-16 AWG strand or solid wire in automobiles, boats and RVs."
Can't wait to see how it all looks. Not a bad mod for about $20 (assuming you already have the $300 detector)
Does anyone know if the adhesive on the Ezpass velcro poses a threat to the dot-matrix stuff? Will it rip off the little dots if I need to remove it later?