Car alarm self-install?????????

[knuke]

I'm in the market for a car alarm, with remote start for my 04 se2. Looking at the Viper 791 or Clifford Matrix 3.5, they seem virtually the same. I would like some feed back from those that have these systems and if you did a self install. I believe that I can buy one online and self install and save mucho dinero. DEI the mfg for both systems says professional install, but I would like the feed back from the peanut gallery. I am resistant to having a stranger work on my car. Also any recommendations between the escort 8500 x50 and the Valentine 1 1.8 version with pop? Looking for non-bias feed back. Seems that the V1 has better rear detection and laser detection but it also triggers more false alarms. Thanks in advance.

[ponchonutty]

Those 2 models are the same. There are a few more DEI brands that share the same thing. You can also find the Valet line that's the same too but only has one year warranty. Of course, if you buy any of this online the warranty wouldn't matter.

Unless you have an extensive knowlege of vehicle electronics/remote start systems I strongly suggest having a professional shop do the work. The needed tools alone should be enough to keep you from wanting to do this install. You'll have to bypass the PK2 ignition system, bypass the entry alarm if equipped and use relays and resistors to get the doorlocks to work properly. You could look up the info at www.bulldogsecurity.com

Back to the alarms though, DEI had come out with a newer version that you are looking at. Instead of having the fragile LCD screen, they have LED lights that blink and beep. They are a little less expensive but work just as well.

[knuke]

Ponchonutty, Thanks for the reply, after reading others misfortunes I'm not going to run the risk of frying the computer. Do you know the model # that only uses the LEDS and not the LCD, is it the Viper 771xv? Has there been a large problem with the LCD screen?

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by knuke

Ponchonutty, Thanks for the reply, after reading others misfortunes I'm not going to run the risk of frying the computer. Do you know the model # that only uses the LEDS and not the LCD, is it the Viper 771xv? Has there been a large problem with the LCD screen?

No, I think it is the 571xp???? You'll have to ask your local rep. I sell the Python brand. Well, the LCD screens work well but they tend to crack.