Zoomspeed

Whats the best security system? And how much are they?

the_glass_man

iTrader: (2)

Any of the highend DEI (or what ever they are, FBI?)ones are good. Look to spend at least $300 or more, depending on features . I paid about $500 for my Viper a few years back. Some of the best money I've spent, kept any of my subs, or amps from getting stolen.

Icemark

The key isn't who makes a good alarm. Most alarm companies like DEI (who make Viper/Python/Sidewinder/Hornet/Automate) Alpine, Clifford, or even Code alarm, build good alarms, the key is the installation.

It doesn't matter how much you spend to get the best consumer reports alarm out there if the security system is installed poorly. You won't use the alarm if it is false triggering, or difficult to use. Speaking of consumer reports, they did an article a couple years back on auto securty systems, and they found 70% of the alarms that were installed at different shops, had something wrong with either the install or car after they were finished.

You should be shopping around for an installer. You want a shop that gives you a lifetime warrenty on their work, that hides and blends thier wiring. A shop that has worked on your vehicle before, that can show you pictures or give you customer referances. The best price isn't the best if they don't put it in right and you have to make a half dozen trips to get the car or security system fixed.

I personally also check the bathrooms, and the shop. If they can't keep where they put their butts or where they work clean, what makes you think they are gonna care about keeping your car clean.

Zoomspeed

THanks for the tip Icemark, My options are limited though. theres only 3 professional audio shops around here that I can think of. I don't want some place like best buy, or circuit city doing it.

Are they're any good alarms out there with some really neat-o features? I mean features only the most paranoid of people would get. Things like GPS tracking, video surveillance,.....machine guns.

Thanks

Icemark

I use Viper 800 esp (also available as the Python 3000 ESP) in all my cars, and with the remote start option. (remote start lets you start the car up to a 1/4 mile away, or at a preset time). The ESP series also allows interface with future products such a GPS location.

They have an optional interface which works anywhere that a pager would work that allows you to dial an 800 number to lock or unlock your doors, or arm or disarm the alarm, in the event that you or your significant other locks the keys into the car.

As far as security things, I would recommend a back up battery, (in case the cars battery is disabled the alarm will still have power). I strongly believe in and use Field Sensors (which detect movement in the vehicle, even if you leave the windows or roof open). Of course make sure that you have the installer hook up the factory hood, doors and trunk pins, to protect all the openings. A shock sensor comes with most alarms but make sure you get one. It will detect windows being broken or someone hitting the car in a parking lot.

As I have mentioned in other posts, make sure if you have a factory alarm, the installer retains its use. The trick to superior security is more and more.. The more things a thief has to get past, the less of a target your vehicle is. Things like brake bars, clubs, even car covers, make a thiefs job harder. So anything you can do helps. Full wire break downs (where to find the correct wires, and what color to tap onto), are available for DEI and Clifford dealers for the FC and FD as well as most other cars.

f2racer

iTrader: (1)

Anyone got lowjack in their RX?

Icemark

Lojack only works in areas that the local police dept has installed them on their cars. Generally bigger metropolitan police depts like in LA or Las Vegas.

Once the car is out of the city, there is nothing for the police to track, so they are great for some areas, but check with your local police dept before spending the $400+ on them.

MIKE-P-28

iTrader: (1)

Vey very very true, an alarm is ONLY AS GOOD as its installed. You can buy a high dollar alarm and make a simple broken window and a cut battery cable to disable it. Its like wasting money, locks and alarms usually only stop honest people. Make it as HARD as you possibly can to get into.

When I do alarms, everything is tied up and in loom. Its almost impossible to tell whats factory and whats my wiring, ESPECIALLY UNDER THE HOOD!

Now when its done right it will take them a while to do it. Be patient with the installer... And be prepared to pay well for a god quality job...

By the way Icemeark. Sometimes my bay gets really messy, as far as the floor goes. I just dont have time to sweep constantly, when Im doing a buttload of installs by myself all day. But I do wear sweat paints and cotton shirts (winter) in summer I wear soft cotton shorts and cotton t shirts. I do this for one reason. If I rub up and down against your paint, the worse thing im gonna do is rub a shiny spot in it. How many people wax their cars with denim jeans?

Icemark

Yes some bay mess is expected, especially late in the day, or closer around christmas when things ar getting hectic, but if I walk into a shop first thing in the morning, and I see yesterdays or two days before burger wrappers as well as 5 billion wire scraps on the floor, I might think twice.