ahofam123

Since my truck was broken into last month in the school's parking lot, I am hesitant to drive the Porsche again until I have an alarm. I am wondering what kind of alarms do you guys have? Also, what kinds of things should I look for, how much should I spend, and where should I get one. I am leaning towards the Viper system but the price is a little steep. Also is there any reason why I should let a proffessional install it instead of myself?

bpp944

If your into toy's, check out the Clifford "Matrix" alarm system. It looks pretty sweet. I saw one at Best Buy for $496.00

<a href="http://www.clifford.com/products/cp_responder.htm" target="_blank">Cliffor Matrix car alarm</a>

SamGrant951

ive got a clifford intelliguard g4. i love it, but i only have it to keep people from actually trying to steal anything. if they really want it, they could still get it, but it would be loud and draw attn.
i would get it profesionally installed, find a good guy though, not just some best buy employee.
good luck.

IceShark

If you have a "Professional" install it make sure they are in fact professional. The way some of these guys tap in and run wires can be a real shocker. And don't let them drill or cut unsealed holes into your fuse/relay box. If you get water in that it can be a corrosion nightmare.

After the install if your battery starts to drain down in a couple days of sitting unused you know something went wrong with the alarm install.

Oh, and you better have a spare set of ignition keys. Many of the alarms have a voltage sensor. If you disconnect your battery the alarm thinks the car is being stolen and locks the doors. Just great if your key is in the ignition and the windows are rolled up. Don't ask why I mention this.

JLeake

A great value is the K-9 Mundial. I am installing mine this weekend, but this is very similar to an older K-9 alarm I had on my Z. I like it because there are all sorts of programmable options so I can have it behave exactly how I want. Plus it only has 3 buttons. (Lock, unlock, hatch release). I picked one up on ebay (new) for $36 ($50 including shipping and an extra relay). I don't see the point in spending a lot of money on an alarm because if someone really wants to break in they will. I'm mainly using it for the keyless entry. The alarm is a side benefit. If you are more concerned about theft of your car (as opposed to it's contents) then you should wire up a hidden fuel pump kill switch.

My wife has a Viper and it really is the same in functionality as the K-9. She had hers proffesionally installed for a total cost of something like $300. This was back in the day before we were married. I can do just as good of a job myself and will be out $50. Your skills may differ...only you can make that call.

ahofam123

Thanks for the responses thus far. I know that a dedicated thief would be able to get pass any alarm, but I just want a reasonably priced alarm that will make it harder for them. I know that I will not let a local Best Buys or Circuit City guy install it as I know that I can do a better job than them. I have installed a basic alarm in my brother's sentra and have done some wiring in the Jag. I am just wondering if the Professional will be able to do something better than I can do or offer some kind of warranty. Are the multi hundred dollar ones with several detectors more effective than the cheaper fifty dollar ones in a real world environment?

alengyel

sounds like you on the right track. be careful how you tap into the sunroof if you get one with a option to close or vent the sunroof. my sunroof has not worked properly since the install.

oh, and i love your choice in vehicles.....

ahofam123

Thanks, the e-type is a great car. With tons of low end power and classic body lines what more could you ask for? I just hope that as the 944 grows older it doesn't become as tempermental as the Jag. I know that D. Autry used to own a XKE and a XK120, I just wonder how many other Rennlisters have had the pleasure of driving such cars.

mouse

I have a clifford matrix II, it's been great so far. I would shy away from getting a cheapo alarm. There's 3 people that park in my parking lot here at work with cheap alarms, and my car sets them off almost daily because it's so loud!

JLeake

Mouse- You can adjust the sensitivity on the shock sensor...even with cheap alarms.

ahofam123

I was just checking out Ebay for some alarms and found some nice ones with LCD screens for around $150. I remember that someone a while back asked about such an alarm. Do these alarms look good?

<a href="http://www.stores.ebay.com/id=19700137" target="_blank">http://www.stores.ebay.com/id=19700137</a>

triscadek

After mine was broken into I decided that when I get one it's going to have a proximity sensor, just so that it will make some noise before a window gets broken.

Also on the later models there are door lock ***** with flashing LED's when the alarm is on, going to add those too.

gleamingred944

The first thing I did after having the best mechanic in town go over my car was to get an alarm installed. The local recommendation was for Clifford Matrix - $300 Cdn (US$200) installed. If this unit is professionally installed, most insurance companies here give a 10% discount, but not if it's a do-it-yourself. Paid for itself in 2 years in dollars, a lot sooner than that in peace of mind.

ahofam123

thanks, I'll look into the Clifford Matrix