My Wife Is Getting Me An Alarm System For My Formula For X-Mas And I Would Like Your Help Deciding What One To Go With. What Ones Are You Using, What Are The Features And About How Much Did They Cost???? Thanks For Any Help!!!
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05:23 AM
PFF
System Bot
LoW_KeY Member
Posts: 8081 From: Hastings, MI Registered: Oct 2001
Sidewinder 6000 ESP, was like $250 last year at Best Buy, when I worked there with my discount got it for $50 they gave you awesome breaks on car audio/security stuff when you worked there.
Works pretty good.. I get a bump on the windshield or what not it'll set it off. Have to replace a few things, they set it up really stupid and I have to be like almost 5 feet from the car to engage it.
No complaints here although I sometimes wish it was more sensative like even if someone tried opening the door handles when they were locked, but hey I like it works great!
Oops almost forgot.. has like 5 different security settings or something around that area forgot how many exactly, if you have power locks it locks/unlocks them. Shock sensor.. etc. best bet to find all the options are to just stick it in a search engine and see if it has what you like
Ive never trusted auto alarms much. Their reliabilty leaves a lot to be desired. Seems like no matter what the cost, one day they work the next, they dont. Had a 'Ungo' (spelling) on the Mercedes that was replaced 3times and still never worked completely right. I dont know what system Lisa had installed, but it didnt last more than a few months. The factory one in the Vette only works with one door and thats only sporadicly. To me the best thing is watching where you park, dont keep anything of the slightest value in it, rig a kill switch to something like fuel pump. Half the time I dont even lock it. That way they do get in and find nothing and they leave without even having to fix a broken glass. Now home alarms are a diff thing. You can buy a 2 pc setup from X10.com or some of the mail order catalogs (those are called 'driveway alarms'. They have a small weatherproof motion sensor you can place on the house or nearby tree, etc aimed toward the car or cars. Then you plug in the buzzer/siren anywhere inside the house. Its all wireless, nothing to install. When motion is sensed, it setts off the alarm for around 5 seconds. You can even just lay the sensor in your car if you want. They work great. I have several around my house and they only cost $25 or so. One big advantage is it goes off before they even get to the car. If you want to spend a little more, X10.com also has a kit that can record the scene on your VCR when it recieves the signal from the motion sensor too via a small camera. Whole setup is less than $100 and the camera pic quality is relatively good. My own system is a lot more elaborate, it sends pic to my email when its tripped. I can see whos been there, what been going on, and even see all my cams from a computer from anywhere live. Even calls a cellphone or police if you want them too.
If you do just install a car alarm, Id recommend going with one that is silent and pages you when activated. That way they dont know and you may catch them redhanded. No one pays attention to alarms in cars going off anymore in parking lots.
[This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 12-14-2002).]
I didmobile electronics for 15years and it was fun but as you grow older the thrill leaves you any how ever had to jump in with a few advice: Most of the popular alarms are basically the same,Code Alarm,Viper ,Ungo Crimestopper,K9,Excalibur but what makes the difference is the installer and the accessories that is added on to the system (1)With todays technology on new cars do it yourself is out even with the instruction that comes with the system and without a installers manual forget it. (2)A few accessories like starter kill,flashing lights,door locks ,remote start,window roll up&down the provision is built in but you have to wire it to the cars wiring system and unless you are a certified installer or you do it for a living leave it to the pro. Afew years when the Ford Probe came out I ruined a new one doing a 1 wire door lock system luckily thr car was under warranty and they changed the car. So you don't have to shell out big $$$ for a system because they are all the same,at Circuit City I was the roadshop manager we used to use the Crimestopper which was a $49.95 alarm(cost) and installed it for$295 plus accessories so shop wisely they are all the same and the only differenceis that one is brand name Alpine, Code Alarm,Viper and the other is what is called a whitebox made in the same factory in Tiawan or Hong Kong to the company specs so have fun.Hope I did not make you
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08:44 AM
wiccantoy Member
Posts: 3372 From: northwales , pa / Williamstown nj Registered: Mar 2002
(1)With todays technology on new cars do it yourself is out even with the instruction that comes with the system and without a installers manual forget it. (2)A few accessories like starter kill,flashing lights,door locks ,remote start,window roll up&down the provision is built in but you have to wire it to the cars wiring system and unless you are a certified installer or you do it for a living leave it to the pro.
I agree with your statements about NEW cars, but when it comes to Fieros, if you have the service manual then wiring up an alarm is not that difficult.
I installed my alarm on my Fiero Coupe, and it was child's play. And it works WAY better than the dealer installed GM alarm on my GT.
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01:04 PM
LT-5Fiero Member
Posts: 336 From: Charlotte, NC Registered: Oct 2002
Compustar is by far the best in alarms. You should expect to pay for it though, an average setup is about $450. You want the real good one, $650. That is the one I am getting for my GT (Not for the alarm system really, but because of the fact it can control 7 different functions- perfect for my air bag setup).
------------------ '87GT 6" Drop, Can you say "Bagged"? Pictures and Details Coming Soon!
'87 blue cp- Yah! '91 Eclipse- Lowered 2.5" '91 Beretta GT- FOR SALE
My GT is getting complete air suspension installed. Air strut configuration in back and air sleeves in the front. All corners will able to be controlled via remote control.
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06:11 PM
fierce_gt Member
Posts: 1517 From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Registered: Oct 2002
My best advice would be to get one with a pager. Nobody pays any attention to car alarms anymore. best bet is to get the pager so YOU know when the alarm goes off. I have a Viper 800ESP, tons of options. Right now it has power trunk, power windows up, power locks, back-up battery hooked up. I want to get a pager, tilt sensor, field disturbance sensor(aka radar!)and maybe the voice module. it also has auto start, headlight/parking light auto control, electronic hood lock, audio sensor.
I like this one. Has a remote control to arm it and it works like the club but shocks the theif (or your little dog Foo Foo) when they make contact with the steering wheel. It's called the AutoTaser and I think they sell them at target. Also comes with some sort of insurance reduction thing which most alarms come with. Sweet! =) http://www.pimall.com/nais/autot.html Forgot a link. ------------------ -Kyle Aim: Littlechugger 1987 Fiero Notchback 4cyl. 1990 POS Cavalier
[This message has been edited by arte444 (edited 12-14-2002).]
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08:50 PM
Dec 15th, 2002
timmer Member
Posts: 1266 From: langley/surrey b.c..canada Registered: Oct 2002
hi . i am audio and security installer and most of the alarms out are good to use the largest problem is installation,installation can be the differance between a good or bad alarm . i am curantly installing marksmans m 10 remote start keyless entry pager alarm system with trunk release into a standard 87 gt fiero . ouir store uses and has used marksman products for the last 8 years with great success with many happy return customers
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12:41 AM
MOBILE Member
Posts: 768 From: Linwood, MN, USA Registered: May 2002
Every other good brand got bought out by Directed Electonics Inc or DEI, which is the company that makes VIPER. (and sidewinder,hornet,python,wasp,rattler,your valet, automate, and more. They bought out avital and clifford)
VIPER is DEI's cadillac line with a lifetime warranty. AND they pay your deductable if your car is stolen.
Compustar is a fairly new company out of Alaska, with very good products. (Lifetime Warranty) They concentrate on 2 way paging alarms and remote starts. Their big dog will page you up to 1.25 miles away. (I know sometimes even further, 'cause I have one!!
HAVE IT INSTALLED PROFESSIONALLY!! (especially if the installer owns a fiero!!)
MOBILE
------------------ Member MN Fieros Forever 1986 GT. Self Installed SC3800/getrag almost everything performance wise is modified/upgraded, inside and out. Over 10 years in Car Audio and Car Electronics Experiance P.S. GOT 19"s??(all the way around)
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07:43 PM
fiero go fast Member
Posts: 1728 From: Royersford, PA Registered: Apr 2002
actually.. my mom is going to buy me an alarm/keyless entry... and i was wondering the same thing about what to get. I've heard great things about viper thought.
You might consider the Alpine SEC-100S or 150R--I think Circuit City carries those. Crutchfield has several systems, and you get tech support from them if you want to install it yourself.
I personally think the argument that you must always get the alarm installed "professionally" is bogus. If you have the Helms or Haynes manual and the time, you probably can handle the install. Do a search of the technical forum and its archive here--the installation of alarms is covered in several threads. You might also want to check out the security forum at Car Sound and Performance.
[This message has been edited by ct (edited 12-18-2002).]
I have to disagree with you guys, my buddy has the Compustar or his S-10. I dont like it. Neither does he. Half the time it does not work right. He disarmed it once opened the door and it went off. Somone lowered his tailgate and stole his Euro lenses. NEVER went off. I like the remote start but Not for the $700 he paid for it. Although after hearing your testimonials it makes me want one. Maybe the dealer did a bum job.
------------------ 87 GT Holley Side Scoop---DELETE K&N Air Filter Home Page
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07:20 AM
Rare87GT Member
Posts: 5087 From: Wichita, KS USA Registered: Oct 2001
The best and only best alarm system is simply yourself. It doesn't matter if you have a $1000 alarm system, anyone can mess wtih your car, key it and the alarm probably won't sound. In the world today, you can barely make a trip to walmart without worrying someone is going to try and mess with your car because of jealousy. Its quite sad.
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Maroon 1987 GT 5 spd: 2.8L Ferrari Red 1988 Formula 5 spd: 3.4L
Rare brings up a good point, an alarm system might not stop someone from stealing your car or goods, but it will deter them if the siren is screaming and lights are flashing.
It's a safety measure, just like locking your doors. Oh yeah, DON'T LEAVE YOUR CD WALLET ON THE SEAT IN PLAIN VIEW! I have heard more than enought times where people get their stuff jacked simply because it was in the theifs view!
I like compustar for the fact that it's not just about the alarm. I have many other functions on it including car start, door/trunk locks, windows, lights, and in my case- "hittin' switches".
------------------ '87GT 6" Drop, Can you say "Bagged"? Pictures and Details Coming Soon!
'87 blue cp- Yah! '91 Eclipse- Lowered 2.5" '91 Beretta GT- FOR SALE
they gave you awesome breaks on car audio/security stuff when you worked there.
although I sometimes wish it was more sensative like even if someone tried opening the door handles when they were locked, but hey I like it works great!
