I'm going to be buying an alarm shortly. Hoping to get a Viper or Clifford. Probably will get a Viper just not sure what model yet. My buddy will be installing the alarm and I will be there to help, watch, and learn. He worked at Circuit City for several months in the install bay. He knows how to do the remote start, window modules, actuators for keyless entry, etc.....

The only thing I am concerned about is the actual install. At places such as Circuit City and Best Buy they are on a "timed" schedule so they usually just do the quickest job that will just get them by. An example could be mounting the brain, wires, and valet switch right around the area underneath the steering column. I know one thing a good alarm install will have is a well hidden brain. Another is a good hidden location for the valet switch. Some say soddered (sp? wires are a must in a good alarm stall too.

What are some good tips to follow / things to remember when installing an alarm?

The car is a 93 Civic, but I am sure the basic rules of alarm install are pretty generic.

I have a good location for the valet switch already
Also will be adding a siren inside the car
Probably going to get a back-up battery or back-up siren

 

You're right on the brain and valet switch location. Here are some other tips:

Alarm wires should be integrated with the factory ones.

Siren should not be plain sight and easily accessible (install it in the wheel well).

Install a backup battery and/or a siren with a backup battery.

Install an interior siren.

Use solder for a majority of the connections. Do not use t-taps or any other similar connection.

Good Luck!

 

definately solder, have him use electrical tape to wrap up the loose wires to make it look a little neater, if you ever have problems later on it'll be a lot easier with a neat install to fix

 

Hide all the wires good unless u want your **** jacked. my old friends out of cali specialized in getting pasted alarm systems. But the siren under your window wiper area like below window under the plastic crap.

 

I went by Circuit City and a mom / pop shop that is supposed to be pretty reliable.

Both stores came to right around the $500 price tag.

First the mom & pop's shop:

--Alpine SEC-1505
$299 installed. Guy said the alarm comes with radar (proximity) and shock sensor
--$150 to add keyless (actuators are needed)
--$30 for extra siren in cabin

Came to a total of $480 and I forgot to ask about the back-up battery
Probably could get it all for $500. Keyless was $150 of that.

Asked about location of the brain. Said he would put it in the drivers side dash as high as he could. He said it would be out of reach and pretty high. I asked about mounting the brain under the seat and carpet and he did not recommend that due to water and moisture.

I could also get a Python 460HP with the same features above for $500.

Circuit City
--Viper 600ESP 289.99 installed
$100 for keyless
$30 for extra siren
$30 for a hood switch / $30 for trunk switch
$40 back-up battery
Total: $504

Also, talked to the guy my buddy recommended to do the install. Gave me the same line about the brain: he would put it in the drivers side dash as high as he could. He said it would be out of reach and pretty high.

I don't want to spend $500 on an alarm that would be useless if a thief who has some sense breaks into the car

One more question I forgot to ask the mom and pop's shop: Can the alarm (Python) be taking into any authorized DEI dealer for repairs if something were to go wrong with the Python and the shop closed down?