Looking for an Alarm System..

[95DGcamaro]

I am wanting to get an alarm system this spring when I get back home. I want to be able to install it myself and have features such as:
-Shock sensors for windows, etc
-voltage sensor for dome lights, etc
-hard-wire for actual door openings
-maybe a proximity sensor just for good measure
-also a remote trunk release

(I have manual locks and windows, but i have the trunk release in my glove box.)

I have searched the board and found a few things, but would really like to know what is the best alarm system that is not really expensive (trying to keep around $250 or lower) that can perform all of theses things? Also does anyone have any suggestions to help out the install process and certain "tricks" that may help.

Any help and suggestions for setup would be greatly appreciated.

TIA, Scott

[FireFighter]

Listening in too, I need an alarm.

[Chet Mo and the Camaro]

i have a viper 560 i love it it has remote start alarm keyless entry and trunk release and you can add stuff to it if you want

[FireFighter]

Remote start could be scary with a manual. I know they make kits for them now but still, I don't like the idea.

[CAMAROWIDBASS]

If you intend to install it your self have you ever done any other alarms? What kind of skill do you have when it comes to a cars electrical? If none or little stay away from wiring an alarm.

[95DGcamaro]

Originally posted by CAMAROWIDBASS:
If you intend to install it your self have you ever done any other alarms? What kind of skill do you have when it comes to a cars electrical? If none or little stay away from wiring an alarm.

I have done quite a bit of stereo wiring and soldering and things similar to that. I have never installed an alarm unit before. However I will most likely be getting help from a friend who wired his sons car last year, he did a fantastic job.

[FireFighter]

I have no skills [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[96firebird311]

Unless you have professional help, leave it to the professionals. It's not worth the saved money to install it yourself. You'll say more curse words in one day then you've said your whole life. :D For a top of the line alarm install, I would honestly be willing to pay $500 for install alone. Just so I don't have to do it. Screw that. LOL. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Any other features you're looking for? LCD remote?

[Chet Mo and the Camaro]

i have an automatic and i love my remote start. i didnt get the lcd screen because i only got one and another cost 75 bux. btw my alarm and install cost me 325 and the guy does great work

[95DGcamaro]

I don't want to have to pay for install, i would rather have a little project to do. And i do not really want an lcd remote. No point. What alarm systems would you recommend with those types of features? Model Numbers? Makers?

[Pig General]

Dont skimp on an alarm. Seriously. Worst idea. If you only got 250 to spend, stop, save up, and spend the time picking out a nice one.

If you do the install yourself, Put the control part of the alarm somewhere other than under the driver dash (Where most install places put them), and get a key for your hood release. On an f-body, an informed thief could have your driver window smashed, the hood open and battery disconnected in ~20-30 seconds. Granted, your alarm will go off for 20 seconds, might get your attention, but your neighbors will just think you turned it off and not bother to investigate.

If you have the money, get a good 2-way alarm system. Doesnt sound like it makes much sense, but if you work in a crowded area, having your keychain rattle or beep when the alarm is triggered is a nice feature. Most only have a range of ~1000 feet, but still enough most of the time.

Get more than 1 siren. That standard siren that is included w/ an alarm isnt loud enough. You want to disrupt the peace. You want the police 3 miles away from your car go what the hell cat is dying over there? If your alarm is going off, it needs to be as loud and obnoxious as possible. If it gets your neighbors up to look outside and knock on your door to complain, its loud enough. Get ones w/ battery backups so if your batt is disconnected they still go off.

It might seem expensive, but if the alarm ever protects your investment in stereo electronics or your car itself, it pays for itself right there. Also some insurance company's allow you to get a discount based on any thief prevention in the vehicle.

[96firebird311]

Originally posted by Pig General:
Get more than 1 siren. That standard siren that is included w/ an alarm isnt loud enough. You want to disrupt the peace.

Speaking of which... I thought the same thing. So I ordered a second siren for my alarm. Just wired it in parallel with the existing siren. Weirdest thing.... they both play separate sounds at different times! :eek: So actually it sounds CRAZY! Turns heads left and right. EVERYONE looks. Mission accomplished.... one way or another! :D

Sorry. Don't have personal experenice with many different models. But I suggest going with a DEI product. EVERY place sells their gear. It would be VERY easy to have worked on or get replacement parts or upgrades no matter where you might move to. Also, Ebay is always going to be your cheapest place for anything. Surf around there a little to get some ideas.

[CAMAROWIDBASS]

the alarm is only as good as the install, if you have a $500 alarm and someone who has little skills in wiring it installs it you might as well just leave your keys on the ignition.

i CAN honestly say that in my car you can strill out all the carpet, all the panels and the seats and i bet you still wont find my brain. Thats how good my install is...

[95DGcamaro]

I plan on being able to get a good install on it, i plan on spending a crap load of time putting it together and making sure everything works well. I'll remove everything in the car and then start from there with wiring and such. I have some pretty good ideas on where to install the brain. How much do extra battery backups cost and extra sirens? I dont really think i need a 2 way remote if it only works for 1000 ft. I will be about 40 ft from it as i will be living in a townhouse, so if it goes off, i am going to hear it. And if im anywhere at school or whatever, i am going to be way too far away to hear it anyhow.

Any suggestions on model numbers or roughly cost of certain units?

(p.s. i will have help installing, and im not a moron with this stuff either. It will be a good job)

[whiteshark]

for not much over 250 you can have an alarm profesionally installed. I had a Viper 350HV installed by best buy for 250 (before taxes), it doesn't have a proximity sensor but it's got anything else you'd need. I try to install pertty much everything I buy myself, but no way was I going to install the alarm, not worth it. Just my opinion.