Remote Start.... Opinions Please

Upon finding out that there is no such thing as factory remote start for grand prix's prior to 2003 I decided to start looking into aftermarket units. I want a unit that will incorperate my current keyless entry and factory alarm. Before you post your opinions please read my full post. After doing a search, I found this unit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Remote-Start-Add-on-For-Your-Keyless-Entry-or-OEM-Alarm_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33724QQihZ005QQit emZ150188816083QQtcZphoto

It looks like once installed you push the lock button twice on your OEM keypad to start your car. Knowing the range of the factory remotes is pretty bad, I found an item from www.bypasskit.com that once installed boosts the range of the factory remotes that I can add later if I'm not impressed.

Next to avoid slicing into factory wires. Bulldogsecurity.com offers a T-harness that claims to cut installation time in half. 2000-2003 gp's require the GM-1 T-harness.

And finally the installation requires interface number 791 (provided by bulldogsecurity.com) and an extra programmed ignition key in order to bypass the PK3 system.

Purchasing the parts throgh the cheapest sources (ebay) This installation should be possible for just under 200.00. What do you guys think? Please dont tell me about all those aftermarket two way remotes that are so great. I want to retain OEM remotes and not add an extra for remote start.

Well you should see my PM to your question. No, the Bypasskit item will not work on your car. That's for the newer GM platform like the G6. I would not recomend that unit you see on ebay either. It's an old Omega unit. See those 8 silver pins on the one side of the brain? That's the main harness for power and such. Those are known for getting real hot and melting. Nothing makes you want to drive your car more than smelling burnt plastic!!!

Again, an add on remote starter usually sucks because of range. I know you told me range really isn't a factor. If it isn't then just go out and start it with the key then. It's much nicer to be able to RS your car at the end of a movie or as you are leaving a store too, not just from the back of your home.

For $200 to do it yourself and waste a weekend to install it to me wouldn't be worth it. In my shop a very nice Compustar Pro 1wshs remote start with Fortin's GM bypass, 2 remotes, up to 1/2 mile range and lifetime warranty would run about $285 + tax. < that extra $85 would be well worth it.

yeah your right. Where is your shop? HA HA

I'm in NW Ohio.

Gas for me to reach your shop would cost more than just having a quality electronics shop install it nearby. But thankyou for your valuable info!!!!!!!!!

No problem just hope you can find what you are looking for.