I am about to purchase a viper 790XV alarm system. I know that they are capable of add ons and I was wondering which ones that you guys think are a must have??

1. Internal Piezo alarm
2. Proximity Sensor ($150 installed)
3. DIE Backup Battery

Im not too sure about the proximity sensor, not sure if it would matter having the t-tops or not...

 

for $150 installed? Wow. No wonder so many audio/alarm shops are in business. The unit can be had for $35 or less and doesn't take much to install / tune.

Anyway, I ran a 791XV in my Buick with the shock sensor, 508D (proximity sensor), and the 506T (microphone for glass breakage). I was considering some other things but never did it. Never had any breakins, so I can't tell you how well any of it worked, other than with my playing with it Never got around to finishing my own custom security system...

I will eventually install one of these (maybe without remote start - is that what 790XV is?) in my Camaro, it currently has some super low-end pile DEI... Anyway, to finally answer your question: depending on where your sensor is installed and if you take off your T-Tops enough, a proximity sensor would probably be a good idea. I would think twice (hell, not even consider it) at $150, though.

 

Backup battery is a must, that way you know your alarm is working at all times. The piezo siren is only necessary if someone actually gets inside the car. I would do the proximity sensor before a piezo because you can make the sensor go off if someone is too close to your car regardless of t-tops being on or off. Your alarm should come with a hood pin and a wire to connect to the trunk... make sure both of those get hooked up. If you have rims on your car you might want to get a tilt sensor (detects the angle of the car changing as it is being jacked up to steal your wheels and sets off the alarm). Other than that you could get a glass detection microphone in case someone breaks your glass but considering how easy it is to break into our cars w/t-tops I would AT LEAST get the backup battery and proximity sensor.

 

Def. get the 530T power window automation modual
I just put one in my car and I love it.

 

I've got 5 of the piezo sirens in my truck and some strobes. They may get in, but they will not be happy about being there.