I think I'm gonna get this installed...

http://www.directed.com/security/viper/viper_esp.asp (the 700 ESP)

I wanted to know if any of you guys had any experience with this. Also...the alarm place I'm dealing with recommends Alert Trac (http://www.alerttrac.com) for GPS tracking...I don't know if it's worth the $600 price tag and at least $6 a month...let's hear some opinions!

thanks,

--rO

When was the last time you saw anyone pay attention to a car alarm going off?? I think car alarms make you feel good, but thats about it.
I don't think car alarms really do any good at preventing car thefts, just make you feel better about blowing a wad of cash for something thats not going to stop a car thief if he really wants your car. The GPS is a good thing!!


Rocky

I couldn't agree with you more but what I like about this system is that it has ignition and starter kills...and if a thief does actually get to the brain all the wires are the same color so even if there is a way to distinguish which wires to cross you can't tell which is which. It also has a spare battery so simply disconnecting the battery won't stop the alarm.

Now what do you think?

I think if people can hack into the military's computers, a determined car thief can make any alarm childs play, Not trying to be a bummer, I just don't hold much stock in car alarms. I would never buy one for my Chevelle because I never have or leave my car in a position that someone might try to steal it.


Rocky

You see...that's one of the luxuries that I don't have...living in LA your car can get stolen at any time in any place.

--rO

I do think the ignition and starter kills are a good thing, good luck with it and I hope you never need to use it.


Rocky

thanks man...that makes 2 of us!

play it safe and take your steering wheel in with you at night

Remeber you can do other stuff as well. Install a hidden toggle switch going to the fuel pump, iginition or starter. Putting the swith under the seat makes and interesting hidding place.

Nothing is 100% But you can make it as hard a possible.

Later
Steve

I was thinking of putting a separate kill switch in but with the kill mechanisms already installed with this system will hold me off for a while. I think I'll install a fuel pump toggle as well as soon as I get an electric fuel pump smile.gif

I'm more concerned with opinions on whether or not I should get the GPS system. It'll cost me about $350 more than the alarm option and another $6 or $7 a month...forEVER!

I don't know what to do here...any help would be greatly appreciated.

--rO

what gaurantee does the gps system offer..if they offer $5000 if they dont recover your car then go for it

In a previous life I made a (very) good living installing mobile electronics. Car alarms were a specialty. (To be humble I had one client who was a diamond broker, and I was the only person certified by his insurance co. to install systems in his company's cars) The best teaching I ever received in a tech seminar was from a man who's spent 32 of his 60+ years behind bars, on bail, or on probation. He was a professional car thief. He was NEVER "caught in the act", but was fingered by someone rolling over on him copping a plea.

If a pro wants your car, it will be gone! End of Story!

I now install pro-audio systems, and access control / CCTV as well. We do a LOT of work for the MN Dept. of Corrections.

Locks keep semi-honest people out and not so honest people in. Nothing replaces mechanical or physical security. Not a single one of my clients will give up the giant deadbolts and hardened steel of a good locking system or a few miles of razor wire for electronics. Electronics are a convenience, an early warning, and labor saving item.

In my opinion a good vehicle security system should include the following items-
Physical Security:
Dead-bolt style or chain/cable hood lock
Locking type lug nuts
Steering wheel / brake lock ("Club" or similar)
OR
Removable steering wheel

Electronics:
GOOD basic alarm system with the following extras at a minimum:
Starter kill relay
Electric fuel pump kill relay (if equipped)
Hood & Trunk contacts
Fuel door contact
Gel Cell backup battery (for alarm circuits only)
Motion Detection
Shock/Impact detection
Parking light flash upon alarm - NOT headlights

The most important item above is the backup battery. (I can't give away too many secrets but here's one scenario)
Honestly, how many of us just "walk on by" a car at the mall with the alarm blaring?? Who's to say a semi-pro thief or joyrider isn't hanging around the corner. When it stops being noisy they'll set it off again, and again, and again until the battery's dead. FREE CAR!! The thug comes back with a buddy, some wire clippers (alarm's now cut) and jumper cables or a flatbed.

Find a good, and HONEST installer. One that won't sell your address and a schematic to a thug. Or install it yourself.

a car alarm will definitely stop the rookie thief thats just lookin to cruise around... but if someone wants your car bad enougth they will take it.......... i had my honda broken into 4 times already..... all within a year!!!!!!!!! finally got an alarm and things are quiet.. for now at least