i want it to have keyless entry and remote start (manual tranny).

 

viper 500

 

compustar.. $400
awesome alarm man.

 

Alarms are fairly simple devices. They trigger outputs when inputs receive signals. The sensors' quality and installation quality is where I would focus. Unless the brain has some kind of programmable feature you can't live without it's basically the same.

Definately get some quality sensors though. I recommend glass break sensors in addition to all the rest.

Most alarms I've seen are installed with everything out in the open. It'd take a vicious teenager seconds to rip it out. Gotta hide that siren wire and brain box.

 

Depends on your budget and what you expect to get out of the system. By far, DEI branded alarms (Viper, Python, Sidewinder and Clifford) capture the most market share. If you value security the most, go for the Clifford AvantGuard 4. No other security system compares in terms of preventing your car from being stolen because of it's 3-point immobilzer (starter, ignition and a wireless immobilizer to cut the fuel). The siren is also first rate (battery backup with no override key, also can take a hell of a beating from a hammer). The alarm also has a pratical anit-carjacking feature. Other features include: shock, motion and tilt sensors, Windows programmable.

Also, as stated earlier, the installation quality is very important. The brain and siren must not be easily accessible. Wires should be well-hidden and blend into the factory wiring. Sensors should be placed properly in order to minimize false alarms.

If you like the pager alarms, the ones from DEI are the only FCC-approved models. All the other similar units are not recommended. I won't mention any brand names of these units so people don't get their feelings hurt but the build quality is very low and not highly regarded by most quality shops.

 

I agree, DEI/Clifford is the way to go. and any alarm is only as good as the installation.

BTW, i live in HB and have been a tech for 12+ years, if you need help or anything, hit me up.

 

Which DEI 2 way pagers alarms are good? DEI has so many different brands that its hard to know which model is better than another. I was looking at the Hornet 554t, is that pretty good? Also, how much do these usually run installed? I've seen these online for pretty cheap, about $170. How much would I expect to pay a shop to install it? Thanks

 

The Viper 790XV, Python 880XP and the Clifford RS3 are all the same models. They're just marketed with different brand names. The Hornet 554T is very similar but more readily available to the DIY market. The main difference is that the 554T responds back and forth to the alarm brain via an AM frequency instead of FM (all DEI 2-way alarms are FCC-approved BTW). The remotes are also slightly different (I like the 554T remote better except for the fact that is says "Hornet" on it). In terms of features and build quality, they're all pretty much the same.

 

I do not plan on doing the install myself. I want someone knowledgable about these to be installing it, since this is one of the most important aspects of alarms. I like how the Hornet remote looks over the others as well, but which model would you recommend? Does the AM-FM difference matter a whole lot? Also, how does the siren of the Hornet sound? I hate the alarms that have like 6 patterns and change every 15 seconds or so. I want one that just has the one horn pattern going off. Thanks for your help.

 

Unfortunately all of the DEI sirens sound alike. You can modify the siren so that you only hear one sound or a combination of your choosing.

In reference to your AM-FM question, the FM units are supposed have better range and be able to pass through obstacles (buildings, trees, etc.) better. Personally, I don't think there will be much difference in most real-world situations.

Most quality shops will not carry the Hornet line so therefore you'll have to choose between the Viper, Python or Clifford models. Any of the three is fine but I'm partial to the Clifford name. When choosing a shop just do a little homework. Check out how long they have been in business, the experience of their installers, how clean their install bay is and ask for samples of their work. Most top installers are proud of their work and take pictures. Wiring should look like factory, the brain and siren should be well-hidden and not easily accessible and sensors should be mounted to minimize false alarms. Being in Southern California, you should have no problem finding a good shop.