In need of alarm recommendations

*Hartman* · 10-30-2003, 02:25 PM

Hey guys, I need an alarm on my truck, a decent one. I don't know a whole lot about the good/bad brands out there. I know Clifford's are decent, but I don't want to spend a fortune on it.

An alarm with remote start would be awesome too, but the thing is, I don't really want to spend more than $200-250 on it.

Any suggestions?

410Fortune · 10-30-2003, 04:41 PM

UNGO

best alarms I have ever used, they are trouble free, the remotes work forever, and they have great range. Price is decent too.

Stay away from no nmae brands. Stick with Viper, Ungo, Alpine, etc because you know their customer support will be there when you need it (ie a new remote, etc)

*Hartman* · 10-30-2003, 05:16 PM

I called a local audio place and they quoted me $399 installed for a Viper with remote start, he went thru the features but I don't remember them all. Seemed to be a decent alarm. Think that is a good price?

I'm looking at DEI, Viper, and Clifford alarms right now.

CarFreak146 · 10-30-2003, 05:17 PM

I have a python, its from the same company as the viper systems, and the wierd thing is, they are the same price, I haven't seen any differences between them.... wierd.

*X~FACTOR* · 10-30-2003, 05:17 PM

I have an Audiovox Prestige 2-way (lcd) pager with remote start. Lots of features. Some useful and some are not. I got it installed at the shop for $325. If you do the work yourself it might just make your max budget of $250. A better alarm system would be CompuStar 2-way pager but its probably a lot more $$$.

*rydinhigh* · 10-30-2003, 05:21 PM

I got my viper alarm with remote start installed for $350. I love it.

My girl has the ungo alarm with remote start and she loves it also.

*Hartman* · 10-30-2003, 05:35 PM

This is not something I want to tackle myself. I know it's a pain.

I'll probably just try to talk the audio shop down a few dollars.

410Fortune · 10-30-2003, 05:41 PM

actually if you are familiar with installing car audio, installing an alarm may not be beyond your means....

Basically you tap into many of the wires right at the underdash fuse panel, then into the parking lamps near the headlights, into the dome light, to the battery, and door locks, etc etc....

Not that difficult, but of course it is easier to have a shop do.

I ended up re-doing much of the wiring soundtrack did on my Ungo because they chose to use those cheapo plastic crimp into wire adapters and the connections were not up to my standards, so I soldered them. I also re-mounted the main control box so it would quit falling down near the gas pedal.......I also extended the remote anntennea wire up to a better location so the remotes would work from more angles and further away. To top it all off I installed my own Radio Shack greed LED in place of the Ungo red they drilled into my dash for a much cleaner look and custom install.....

But thats just me.

For $250 you can get a decent alarm, the remote start will cost a little more, though it is simply a wire to the ignition signal wire prior to the neautral safety......

*expo5.0* · 10-30-2003, 05:44 PM

dude you moved to laguna niguel! i didn't knwo where in cali you were going. you can give my x girlfriend a holler lol she's probably your neighbor

Fixxer · 11-01-2003, 02:45 AM

Went down and bought a Viper 650XV today. I can't get it installed till next friday tho.

I hate waiting... *twiddles his thumbs*

jssong · 11-01-2003, 09:35 AM

i have the viper 790xv and love it. im sure u will love it as well if you get it.

*Hokie* · 11-01-2003, 09:46 AM

While working for crutchfield, I did many installations and the Crime Guard 533i3 or the 743i3 were popular choices. I had the 533i3 in my old Acura. Installation really isn't too hard, just time consuming

hksfd3s · 11-04-2003, 02:22 AM

In all honesty an alarm is just a visual deterent. Its a flashing light.

My show car was stolen and it had three seperate alarms which included Hofco's anti carjacking device.

If a professional wants your car they'll just tow it. No alarm can prevent that. Who actually pays attention to alarms going off or even worse a car alarm going off with a car being towed?

Just get a decent mid level alarm so that joe shmoe can't steal your car.

Alpine, Ciffford and Viper all make real decent mid level alarms. I do know that Alpine are closed circut so even if they remove the alarm completly the car still won't start.

*X~FACTOR* · 11-04-2003, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by hksfd3s
If a professional wants your car they'll just tow it. No alarm can prevent that.

To combat this park your car head on and turn the wheels all the way to one side. At least there is no way to tow it from behind and they would have to move it back to tow it from the front. That's too much work for your average thief.

*NaplesBill* · 11-04-2003, 06:53 AM

Just a little FYI,

DEI makes the Viper, Python, Sidewinder and several others. They also bought Clifford about a year or so ago. All the DEI alarms use the same sensors and modules(for the most part). DEI also makes a 7" monitor that can be connected to the alarm system. It provides a Visual warning as well as letting you control your security settings and showing which zones may have been triggered.

hksfd3s · 11-04-2003, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by X~FACTOR
To combat this park your car head on and turn the wheels all the way to one side. At least there is no way to tow it from behind and they would have to move it back to tow it from the front. That's too much work for your average thief.

Agreed. That is for the average theif. But my show car was stolen cuz if they want it....well they want it.

Oh the theives were nice enough though. They left my club and alarms on the driverside floor for me

.

Pheonixx77 · 11-04-2003, 04:03 PM

MY 2C on alarm systems. i personally dont like them, they go off for stupid reasons (cry wolf theroy) and honestly if someone wants in your truck they WILL get in. sure the alarm will go off but how many times have u seen someones car flashing lights and honking horn etc...and nobody really notices? most people nowadays dont really bother with a car alarm going off.
EDT: if someone tres to tow your truck away most alarns shut off at 30-45 degrees, when the vehicle is tilted up.

10-30-2003, 02:25 PM	#1
Hartman Elite Explorer Indianapolis, IN 1996 5.0 Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 8,444 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	In need of alarm recommendations Hey guys, I need an alarm on my truck, a decent one. I don't know a whole lot about the good/bad brands out there. I know Clifford's are decent, but I don't want to spend a fortune on it. An alarm with remote start would be awesome too, but the thing is, I don't really want to spend more than $200-250 on it. Any suggestions? __________________ 1996 Explorer 5.0 V8 - TT/shackles, 31" BFG A/T - Registry thread 2005 Mustang GT - Sonic Blue

10-30-2003, 04:41 PM	#2
410Fortune ELITE BRONCO2ERER Crawlorado B2 Mod Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 22,099 Vehicle Specs	UNGO best alarms I have ever used, they are trouble free, the remotes work forever, and they have great range. Price is decent too. Stay away from no nmae brands. Stick with Viper, Ungo, Alpine, etc because you know their customer support will be there when you need it (ie a new remote, etc) __________________ 96 Explorer daily driver build-1996 XLT 5.0L AWD to 4x4 conversion complete on 33's 88 BII 5.0L conversion - BII 5.0l drivetrain thread My Bronco II - 1988 Bronco II 4x4 V8 on 35's - registry and updates Wifes 07 FJ build - 2007 FJ cruiser locked and lifted

10-30-2003, 05:16 PM	#3
Hartman Elite Explorer Indianapolis, IN 1996 5.0 Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 8,444 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I called a local audio place and they quoted me $399 installed for a Viper with remote start, he went thru the features but I don't remember them all. Seemed to be a decent alarm. Think that is a good price? I'm looking at DEI, Viper, and Clifford alarms right now. __________________ 1996 Explorer 5.0 V8 - TT/shackles, 31" BFG A/T - Registry thread 2005 Mustang GT - Sonic Blue

10-30-2003, 05:17 PM	#4
CarFreak146 Wannabe Elite Explorer Shawnee, Kansas '94 Explorer XLT Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 806 Vehicle Specs	I have a python, its from the same company as the viper systems, and the wierd thing is, they are the same price, I haven't seen any differences between them.... wierd. __________________ Ryan RIP:: '94 Explorer Leaf Sprung SAS... Full Width HPD44/9"; 5.38s, Locked F/R; 38.5/14.50x15 TSL SXs; C4/Twin-Sticked Dana 20, all Mall Rated '92 Ranger... 4wd, 2.3, 5spd, Explorer Buckets and Console, 2" Lift, 31's, Flat Black... WAAAAAYYYYY too slow!

10-30-2003, 05:21 PM	#6
rydinhigh Boost Junky East Hartford, CT 1999 EB 5.0L V8 Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 1,944 Vehicle Specs	I got my viper alarm with remote start installed for $350. I love it. My girl has the ungo alarm with remote start and she loves it also. __________________ Supercharged 1999 Ford Explorer EB 5.0L v8 Supercharger is for sale check out http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1039257#post1039257

10-30-2003, 05:17 PM	#5
X~FACTOR Name is Ray Valley Stream, Long Island '97 XLT 4-dr SOHC Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 6,729 Vehicle Specs	I have an Audiovox Prestige 2-way (lcd) pager with remote start. Lots of features. Some useful and some are not. I got it installed at the shop for $325. If you do the work yourself it might just make your max budget of $250. A better alarm system would be CompuStar 2-way pager but its probably a lot more $$$.

10-30-2003, 05:35 PM	#7
Hartman Elite Explorer Indianapolis, IN 1996 5.0 Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 8,444 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	This is not something I want to tackle myself. I know it's a pain. I'll probably just try to talk the audio shop down a few dollars. __________________ 1996 Explorer 5.0 V8 - TT/shackles, 31" BFG A/T - Registry thread 2005 Mustang GT - Sonic Blue

10-30-2003, 05:41 PM	#8
410Fortune ELITE BRONCO2ERER Crawlorado B2 Mod Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 22,099 Vehicle Specs	actually if you are familiar with installing car audio, installing an alarm may not be beyond your means.... Basically you tap into many of the wires right at the underdash fuse panel, then into the parking lamps near the headlights, into the dome light, to the battery, and door locks, etc etc.... Not that difficult, but of course it is easier to have a shop do. I ended up re-doing much of the wiring soundtrack did on my Ungo because they chose to use those cheapo plastic crimp into wire adapters and the connections were not up to my standards, so I soldered them. I also re-mounted the main control box so it would quit falling down near the gas pedal.......I also extended the remote anntennea wire up to a better location so the remotes would work from more angles and further away. To top it all off I installed my own Radio Shack greed LED in place of the Ungo red they drilled into my dash for a much cleaner look and custom install..... But thats just me. For $250 you can get a decent alarm, the remote start will cost a little more, though it is simply a wire to the ignition signal wire prior to the neautral safety...... __________________ 96 Explorer daily driver build-1996 XLT 5.0L AWD to 4x4 conversion complete on 33's 88 BII 5.0L conversion - BII 5.0l drivetrain thread My Bronco II - 1988 Bronco II 4x4 V8 on 35's - registry and updates Wifes 07 FJ build - 2007 FJ cruiser locked and lifted

10-30-2003, 05:44 PM	#9
expo5.0 Elite Explorer Red Wing, MN 1996 xlt Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 7,306 Vehicle Specs	dude you moved to laguna niguel! i didn't knwo where in cali you were going. you can give my x girlfriend a holler lol she's probably your neighbor __________________ C43 ///AMG 390/440 @ wheels + tasteful show ICE and cosmetics Explorer Roadster- 5.0, bags, all one-off body, hasn't moved in 3 years- parting out. Tahoe and G35x daily drivers- stockish Specialized S-works and p2, Giant Trance X, Marin Pine Mountain

11-01-2003, 02:45 AM	#10
Fixxer Wannabe Elite Explorer Alberta '92 XLT Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 142 Vehicle Specs	Went down and bought a Viper 650XV today. I can't get it installed till next friday tho. I hate waiting... twiddles his thumbs

11-01-2003, 09:35 AM	#11
jssong Wannabe Elite Explorer . 09 Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 2,354 Vehicle Specs	i have the viper 790xv and love it. im sure u will love it as well if you get it.

11-01-2003, 09:46 AM	#12
Hokie Hokius Maximus Denver, CO '04 Jeep Grand Cherokee Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 5,634 Vehicle Specs	While working for crutchfield, I did many installations and the Crime Guard 533i3 or the 743i3 were popular choices. I had the 533i3 in my old Acura. Installation really isn't too hard, just time consuming __________________ Brett I get payed to sell and play with Cummins engines My old '98 MTNR - 5.0 V8 4x4 My old '99 Sport

11-04-2003, 02:22 AM	#13
hksfd3s Wannabe Elite Explorer Los Angeles, CA 1997 XLT V8 Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 28 Vehicle Specs	In all honesty an alarm is just a visual deterent. Its a flashing light. My show car was stolen and it had three seperate alarms which included Hofco's anti carjacking device. If a professional wants your car they'll just tow it. No alarm can prevent that. Who actually pays attention to alarms going off or even worse a car alarm going off with a car being towed? Just get a decent mid level alarm so that joe shmoe can't steal your car. Alpine, Ciffford and Viper all make real decent mid level alarms. I do know that Alpine are closed circut so even if they remove the alarm completly the car still won't start.

11-04-2003, 06:53 AM	#15
NaplesBill Elite Explorer Naples, FL '03 Explorer XLT NBX Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 489 Vehicle Specs	Just a little FYI, DEI makes the Viper, Python, Sidewinder and several others. They also bought Clifford about a year or so ago. All the DEI alarms use the same sensors and modules(for the most part). DEI also makes a 7" monitor that can be connected to the alarm system. It provides a Visual warning as well as letting you control your security settings and showing which zones may have been triggered. __________________ no roof racks, 20" Cobra Rs with 275/45/20 rubber, Eclipse AVN2454, JL 1000/1 and 300/4, MB Quart PSD 216 6.5" components in front, JL Audio XR650CSi 6.5" Coaxials in rear, 2 JL 12W7 12" Subs, GF 1.6" drop, Clear corners, JBA Headers, JBA 3" Exhaust and SCT XCalibrator'd PCM

11-04-2003, 04:03 PM	#17
Pheonixx77 Wannabe Elite Explorer NY 02 sport trac Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 583 Vehicle Specs	MY 2C on alarm systems. i personally dont like them, they go off for stupid reasons (cry wolf theroy) and honestly if someone wants in your truck they WILL get in. sure the alarm will go off but how many times have u seen someones car flashing lights and honking horn etc...and nobody really notices? most people nowadays dont really bother with a car alarm going off. EDT: if someone tres to tow your truck away most alarns shut off at 30-45 degrees, when the vehicle is tilted up. __________________