Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
#1
Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
So I'm really wanting key-less unlocking/locking and while I'm at it I may as well get remote start since I have an automatic. Then the slippery slope begins....
Should I go full on cutting edge modern system, or keep it simple? The car is always kept in my garage and never driven to work so I have no need for an alarm really but it seems all key-less entry/remote start systems are alarms too anyway. It would really be slick to have remote hatch open since mines motorized and lifts up by itself anyway.
I'm REALLY worried about the wiring tho. I was looking at the Viper system with the 2-way color OLED fob and paying a local authorized Viper installer to do it. My worry is; will this forever screw up my factory harness and wiring? I've heard horror stories and even had the problem myself with old alarm system wiring in vehicles screwing all kinds of things up.
Should I go full on cutting edge modern system, or keep it simple? The car is always kept in my garage and never driven to work so I have no need for an alarm really but it seems all key-less entry/remote start systems are alarms too anyway. It would really be slick to have remote hatch open since mines motorized and lifts up by itself anyway.
I'm REALLY worried about the wiring tho. I was looking at the Viper system with the 2-way color OLED fob and paying a local authorized Viper installer to do it. My worry is; will this forever screw up my factory harness and wiring? I've heard horror stories and even had the problem myself with old alarm system wiring in vehicles screwing all kinds of things up.
#2
Member
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
92GTA,
I am thinking about doing the same. I am going for the keyless entry with remote start and alarm since it is cost effective. Look into the Autopage keyless entry, remote start with alarm. They are priced pretty reasonable. Take a look at Sonic electronic website.
I am thinking about doing the same. I am going for the keyless entry with remote start and alarm since it is cost effective. Look into the Autopage keyless entry, remote start with alarm. They are priced pretty reasonable. Take a look at Sonic electronic website.
#3
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Rebuilt 350 going in after paint
Transmission: WCT5, 7k & counting behind the 350
Axle/Gears: 4thgen disc rear w/ 3.73 Posi
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
Why not just use a kit for shaved door handles if you don't want/need an alarm? You could wire it to lock and unlock the car doors instead of popping them open easily enough. You can also use it to open the hatch as well.
#4
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
What about a GM system? For example, I love these factory GM remotes because they only have the exact buttons I want: lock/unlock, trunk, and remote start. http://www.ebay.com/itm/230891670876 Too bad you can't get them with like a Pontiac logo on them lol.
Where do you get the factory GM control modules/systems at? Like the ones prior to when they all started getting built into the ECU?
Can you get the shaved door handle kits with the add-on for remote start?
Where do you get the factory GM control modules/systems at? Like the ones prior to when they all started getting built into the ECU?
Can you get the shaved door handle kits with the add-on for remote start?
#5
Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 396
Received 52 Likes
on
33 Posts
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
Is it possible for the unlocking feature to be 2 step? As in one press opens the driver door only second press unlocks passenger?
#6
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 26,201
Received 1,713 Likes
on
1,303 Posts
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
The car is always kept in my garage ... so I have no need for an alarm really
will this forever screw up my factory harness and wiring?
even had the problem myself with old alarm system wiring in vehicles screwing all kinds of things up
I can think of few more effective ways to permanently and irreparably DESTROY a car, than to put this sort of thing in it. You already know this. Why are you even THINKING about it? Just DON'T.
Is it possible for the unlocking feature to be 2 step? As in one press opens the driver door only second press unlocks passenger?
#7
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: 212 is up in this Bit@#
Posts: 2,768
Received 741 Likes
on
567 Posts
Car: Resto-Mod 1987 IROC-Z Clone
Engine: Alky fed L92 Vortec Twin-Turbo 6.8L
Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
We (GM) did offer Remote Keyless Entry Systems for the Third-Gens as Dealer Installed Options...
I still have a NOS System buried in storage somewhere.
It was from 1992, and only operated the door-locks, not the Power-Electric Hatch.
There are far more modern, and better operating Systems now.
I still have a NOS System buried in storage somewhere.
It was from 1992, and only operated the door-locks, not the Power-Electric Hatch.
There are far more modern, and better operating Systems now.
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: 212 is up in this Bit@#
Posts: 2,768
Received 741 Likes
on
567 Posts
Car: Resto-Mod 1987 IROC-Z Clone
Engine: Alky fed L92 Vortec Twin-Turbo 6.8L
Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
Screaming Chicken just Posted a Thread about offering a RDLC System.
#9
COTM Editor
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,951
Likes: 0
Received 1,880 Likes
on
1,284 Posts
Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
If you think it would be a fun project then go at it and have fun. But maybe put it together with a mindset that it might need to come out eventually (make it plug and play with connectors).
Personally, I wouldn't hand over the job to anyone. Best to do it yourself because nobody cares more about your stuff than you. And if it's not something you would enjoy doing yourself then maybe just skip it.
Personally, I wouldn't hand over the job to anyone. Best to do it yourself because nobody cares more about your stuff than you. And if it's not something you would enjoy doing yourself then maybe just skip it.
#10
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: 212 is up in this Bit@#
Posts: 2,768
Received 741 Likes
on
567 Posts
Car: Resto-Mod 1987 IROC-Z Clone
Engine: Alky fed L92 Vortec Twin-Turbo 6.8L
Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
If you think it would be a fun project then go at it and have fun. But maybe put it together with a mindset that it might need to come out eventually (make it plug and play with connectors).
Personally, I wouldn't hand over the job to anyone. Best to do it yourself because nobody cares more about your stuff than you. And if it's not something you would enjoy doing yourself then maybe just skip it.
Personally, I wouldn't hand over the job to anyone. Best to do it yourself because nobody cares more about your stuff than you. And if it's not something you would enjoy doing yourself then maybe just skip it.
I won't even let Car-Stereo/ Car-Alarm professionals install their products into any of my Families vehicles.
Obviously I am aware that these Professionals get paid very little for the Service that they do...
But it causes the work/ Wiring-Techniques to often be horrible!
I am at the opposite end of the spectrum, and always "Over Do" the Work/ use "Over-Kill" Parts.
But not everyone wants that, or can afford that.
I am that guy who installs everything with a Delphi sealed Connector, and the most stringent wiring practices...
LOL! I am a bit nuts that way!
#11
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,040
Received 427 Likes
on
306 Posts
Car: 1986 IROC Z
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Posi
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
I'll 2nd ^^^^ this.
OP, unless you do automotive wiring work professionally, or are at least a highly-skilled hobbyist who can perform the work at that same level of expertise and quality, you'd do well to just leave the car's original wiring original. And as far as farming the job out to some "shop," well, the results of such actions have been well-documented across many posts in this forum.
OP, unless you do automotive wiring work professionally, or are at least a highly-skilled hobbyist who can perform the work at that same level of expertise and quality, you'd do well to just leave the car's original wiring original. And as far as farming the job out to some "shop," well, the results of such actions have been well-documented across many posts in this forum.
Last edited by ironwill; 08-29-2021 at 05:01 PM.
#12
Sponsor
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
Alarms are not much more difficult than installing a radio. Our $149.95 alarm needs 8 wires from your car for all the features to operate, even less if you don't want to have the ignition disable. We include 3rd gen specific instructions and simply the system as much as possible by combining/eliminating wires that are not needed for a 3rd gen. Our $119.95 keyless is even easier since it has fewer options to hook up, the system works great if keyless entry and trunk release are the main things your wanting.
1982-92 Camaro & Firebird Alarms & Keyless Entry (screamingchicken.com)
1982-92 Camaro & Firebird Alarms & Keyless Entry (screamingchicken.com)
#13
Member
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
[QUOTE=scfbody;6439352]Alarms are not much more difficult than installing a radio. Our $149.95 alarm needs 8 wires from your car for all the features to operate, even less if you don't want to have the ignition disable. We include 3rd gen specific instructions and simply the system as much as possible by combining/eliminating wires that are not needed for a 3rd gen. Our $119.95 keyless is even easier since it has fewer options to hook up, the system works great if keyless entry and trunk release are the main things your wanting.
1982-92 Camaro & Firebird Alarms & Keyless Entry (screamingchicken.com)[/QUOT
Hi, I just took a look at your systems. I do not need an alarm system or a door unlocker. Here is what I would like. A remote just for unlocking the rear hatch. Do you have anything simple that would do just that. Louis
1982-92 Camaro & Firebird Alarms & Keyless Entry (screamingchicken.com)[/QUOT
Hi, I just took a look at your systems. I do not need an alarm system or a door unlocker. Here is what I would like. A remote just for unlocking the rear hatch. Do you have anything simple that would do just that. Louis
#14
Sponsor
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
[QUOTE=Ct1987;6439373] Unfortunately we do not, actually the door unlocker/trunk release only is also hard to find nowadays. You could use our keyless entry and just not hook up the door part of it. I can swap you a trunk relay for the door lock relay which saves $10. Without the door locks the system would be a simpler install, wouldn't need that many wires connected. Most of the systems available have remote start and some other stuff that only applies to newer cars. The Prestige systems have been the best for older cars since they have technology without being complicated.
Alarms are not much more difficult than installing a radio. Our $149.95 alarm needs 8 wires from your car for all the features to operate, even less if you don't want to have the ignition disable. We include 3rd gen specific instructions and simply the system as much as possible by combining/eliminating wires that are not needed for a 3rd gen. Our $119.95 keyless is even easier since it has fewer options to hook up, the system works great if keyless entry and trunk release are the main things your wanting.
1982-92 Camaro & Firebird Alarms & Keyless Entry (screamingchicken.com)[/QUOT
Hi, I just took a look at your systems. I do not need an alarm system or a door unlocker. Here is what I would like. A remote just for unlocking the rear hatch. Do you have anything simple that would do just that. Louis
1982-92 Camaro & Firebird Alarms & Keyless Entry (screamingchicken.com)[/QUOT
Hi, I just took a look at your systems. I do not need an alarm system or a door unlocker. Here is what I would like. A remote just for unlocking the rear hatch. Do you have anything simple that would do just that. Louis
#15
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 26,201
Received 1,713 Likes
on
1,303 Posts
Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
Every single car I've ever seen with an aftermarket alarm more than about 5 yrs old, in my 40-odd years around this hobby, has had electrical problems. That's EVERY, with a capital V, with NO exceptions. They are compounded by the fact that those things are made in China and the make, model, etc. changes regularly, such that when one goes bad, it's all but impossible to repair or replace. Compound the lack of repair parts with the total absence of documentation, the non-standard part numbers printed on the parts. etc., and the damage invariably done to the car's wiring in the process of "installation", it should be OBVIOUS why they are a guaranteed source of unreliability, intermittents, and failure.
While I don't want to call into question the value / longevity / quality of YOUR particular product or installation as opposed to anyone else's, the odds ARE what they ARE. And if EVERY car that has such a product has experienced a failure of it, then it's highly unlikely that The Next One will fare any differently.
Even the factory system in these cars (VATS) is NOTORIOUS for failure.
My opinion and advice remains the same. Unless somebody deliberately wants to implant a TIME BOMB in their electrical system, these products should be avoided.
While I don't want to call into question the value / longevity / quality of YOUR particular product or installation as opposed to anyone else's, the odds ARE what they ARE. And if EVERY car that has such a product has experienced a failure of it, then it's highly unlikely that The Next One will fare any differently.
Even the factory system in these cars (VATS) is NOTORIOUS for failure.
My opinion and advice remains the same. Unless somebody deliberately wants to implant a TIME BOMB in their electrical system, these products should be avoided.
#16
Sponsor
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
Every single car I've ever seen with an aftermarket alarm more than about 5 yrs old, in my 40-odd years around this hobby, has had electrical problems. That's EVERY, with a capital V, with NO exceptions. They are compounded by the fact that those things are made in China and the make, model, etc. changes regularly, such that when one goes bad, it's all but impossible to repair or replace. Compound the lack of repair parts with the total absence of documentation, the non-standard part numbers printed on the parts. etc., and the damage invariably done to the car's wiring in the process of "installation", it should be OBVIOUS why they are a guaranteed source of unreliability, intermittents, and failure.
While I don't want to call into question the value / longevity / quality of YOUR particular product or installation as opposed to anyone else's, the odds ARE what they ARE. And if EVERY car that has such a product has experienced a failure of it, then it's highly unlikely that The Next One will fare any differently.
Even the factory system in these cars (VATS) is NOTORIOUS for failure.
My opinion and advice remains the same. Unless somebody deliberately wants to implant a TIME BOMB in their electrical system, these products should be avoided.
While I don't want to call into question the value / longevity / quality of YOUR particular product or installation as opposed to anyone else's, the odds ARE what they ARE. And if EVERY car that has such a product has experienced a failure of it, then it's highly unlikely that The Next One will fare any differently.
Even the factory system in these cars (VATS) is NOTORIOUS for failure.
My opinion and advice remains the same. Unless somebody deliberately wants to implant a TIME BOMB in their electrical system, these products should be avoided.
#17
COTM Editor
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,951
Likes: 0
Received 1,880 Likes
on
1,284 Posts
Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
If car is parked in an attached garage then a car alarm seems silly.
Obviously you don't really leave the car anywhere in public. I don't either. I'll never take my car to Wal-Mart. I do drive to work but it's rural with 8 foot fencing topped with wire, and security guards and cameras, and there are no neighbors. It's like having my own personal security detail watching my car all day. Even I can view the parking lot camera on my computer if I want.
Obviously you don't really leave the car anywhere in public. I don't either. I'll never take my car to Wal-Mart. I do drive to work but it's rural with 8 foot fencing topped with wire, and security guards and cameras, and there are no neighbors. It's like having my own personal security detail watching my car all day. Even I can view the parking lot camera on my computer if I want.
#18
Supreme Member
iTrader: (9)
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
You guys realize the OP was in 2014? Till KR81 woke this up. FWIW my very old clifford IPS alarm from 1989 (installed) still works great. The only part that has ever failed is the shock sensor. I too would like keyless entry, i got too used to it with my 99 s10.
#19
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,040
Received 427 Likes
on
306 Posts
Car: 1986 IROC Z
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Posi
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
Yes, and the same questions concerning electrical problems caused by modified (read, 'hacked-up') wiring and/or malfunctioning car alarms appear here daily. IMO, anyone considering installing one of these chinese troublemakers needs a warning.
I'm happy that your system is still functioning properly; yours seems to be the exception to the rule.
I'm happy that your system is still functioning properly; yours seems to be the exception to the rule.
#21
Supreme Member
iTrader: (58)
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
The first problem I ran into bringing my convertible out of hibernation was an alarm that wouldn't respond to the key fob. Ripped it out and moved on to the next problem. Some alarm features (keyless entry) are nice, but I'd hesitate to hack the wiring of an original car.
#22
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Meriden, CT 06450
Posts: 4,034
Received 517 Likes
on
431 Posts
Car: 84 TA orig. 305 LG4 "H" E4ME
Engine: 334 SBC - stroked 305 M4ME Q-Jet
Transmission: upgraded 700R4 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10bolt 4.10 Posi w Lakewood TA Bars
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
Does anyone even bother to look anymore when an alarm siren goes off?
Especially now with everyone's heads bent down tapping away on their smartphones.
What is really needed is an immobilizer (starter, ignition, or fuel) so that the car can't be driven, or driven very far.
Especially now with everyone's heads bent down tapping away on their smartphones.
What is really needed is an immobilizer (starter, ignition, or fuel) so that the car can't be driven, or driven very far.
#23
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: 212 is up in this Bit@#
Posts: 2,768
Received 741 Likes
on
567 Posts
Car: Resto-Mod 1987 IROC-Z Clone
Engine: Alky fed L92 Vortec Twin-Turbo 6.8L
Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
In Manhattan; NOBODY pays any mind towards Car-Alarms.
I would rather have a "Silent-Alarm" that activates and shuts down Spark, Injector-Pulse, Fuel-Pump, and Starter Circuits.
Let the Thief get fed-up trying to steal the Vehicle... and go home crying.
I would rather have a "Silent-Alarm" that activates and shuts down Spark, Injector-Pulse, Fuel-Pump, and Starter Circuits.
Let the Thief get fed-up trying to steal the Vehicle... and go home crying.
#24
Sponsor
Re: Thinking about an alarm system. Qs...
All of the alarms we sell have ignition disable.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post