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This section is more about the electronics and accessories that I have on the inside than boasting about the leather and upholstery.
Escort Passport 8500 X50
Yes, I have a radar detector (not that I drive fast or anything...), and I must confess that it has saved my butt on numerous occasions. I just upgraded to this one (which received top ratings in several radar detector tests) after using the PNI Sensoro Silver Bullet for a while. This one is an overall much better detector. It has greater range and sensitivity, and very sophisticated filtering. The result: I can pick up police radar from much further away, without being overwhelmed with false alarms. I'm very happy with this device.
Scangauge Auto Computer
This is a nifty little gadget. It plugs into the OBD-II system on my car, and displays a wide variety of useful information. It'll tell me my intake temperature, coolant temperature, mileage, speed, rpm, engine loading, throttle position setting, manifold air pressure, and ignition timing, to name a few. Also, it displays useful trip information, such as average/max speed, max rpm, max temps, mileage, trip duration, and fuel consumption. Additionally, it can also scan your vehicle for error codes (such as those relating to a service or check engine light) and can reset those errors, thus removing the lights. A very versatile device. Also, the orange backlight goes well with the amber display on my SID (Saab Information Display).
I recently got the updated version of the ScanGauge - it's got all the same features, and 1/4 the size. So now it fits a bit more discretely on my instrument panel.
GlowShift GS-701 Boost/Vacuum Gauge
I got a great deal on this from one of the guys on TheSaabLink.net. It's not really my style (white face with LED backlight that can be 7 different colors), but it can't be beat for the price. It's effective, too, with a range from 30inHg vacuum to 30psi boost. Hopefully I'll upgrade to a VDO black-faced gauge at some point, but this will work quite satisfactorily for now.
Push-button starter
Now I feel all classy, because I start my car with the push of a button. And it cost about six dollars. (Click the link above for instructions). Now, granted, I do still have to have the key in the ignition, and it has to be turned to ON, but starting my car by pressing a little red button is a lot more exciting than turning a key. So it's more of a novelty than anything else. Anyway, I'm a part-time valet, so I know that this button will drive valets crazy.
**UPDATE: During my attempts at installing the MP short shifter, I seem to have broken the contacts on my switch... I had to ghetto-rig the original starter wiring back together so now my car starts just like any other - you know, except for the key being in the center console between the seats... **
Red LED dome lighting
I replaced the dome lights with red LEDs - I left the reading lamps white so I could still actually see if I needed to. At night, it's a pretty cool effect and it goes well with the red theme of my radar detector, ScanGauge, and boost gauge. Added plus: no annoying glare at night, AND the red light doesn't hurt your night vision. Pretty cool stuff.
Turbo warning decals
I felt a moral obligation to install these to inform my passengers of the dangers of riding in a tuned turbocharged car...
Carbon Fiber Radio Surround
I got a great deal on this fashion accessory for the car, so I had to jump on it. This is a genuine Saab part, and is made of real carbon fiber. It fits perfectly around the stock head unit and dresses it up pretty nicely. Now I just need to find a complete CF dash kit for cheap...
Realistic Pro-44 Frequency Scanner
I picked up a cheap scanner on ebay and have been using it with pretty good success - both in knowing where cops might be and for entertainment purposes. Hopefully I'll never hear them bitching about a silver blur flashing past them, but if so I'll know to just keep on running ;)
I recently added an external antenna from RadioShack that made a significant improvement in police band reception. The antenna is 29" long and designed to look like an older carphone antenna. I was concerned about looking a bit redneck with multiple antennas sticking up from my car, but I have to agree with my Camaro-driving, multiple-firearm-owning roommate: this is the very definition of "geek chic".
