jebia

My greatest fear with "Drive Block" is that it prevents me from driving my own vehicle. I've hate having to double click the remote after the car has set for a while (self arming feature).

"Drive Block" also (from reading some of the posts), seems to be prone to having problems.

Is this factory alarm system any better than an aftermarket system (Viper, etc).

Is "Drive Block" it as easy to disable (by a thief), as any other Alarm system?

Anybody out there have their "Drive Block" vehicle stolen?

Thanks in Advance.

mike cap

Jon,

I don't know how effective the 'Drive Block' system is. You can search the posts and see what they guys have said. I believe that most think it is a very good theft deterrent system, but with annoying operating quirks.

My reason for posting is to address your comment on the 'double-click'. My car spends nearly all of the time un-locked, with the key out of the ignition. The 'Drive-Block' self-arms, but when I get in the car, all I do is put the key in the ignition, turn it to the 'start' position and simultaneously press the (rubber covered) remote arm-disarm button on the key fob. This over-rides the 'Drive-Block' and the car starts.

It is a little awkward to push the arm-disarm button and turn the key to start at the same time. Easier to do with two hands, actually. However, this procedure is easier and less annoying then getting yourself and passenger(s) in the car, closing the doors, arming and then disarming the system.

I'm not sure where I learned this procedure - I think it may be in the ops manual or someone on this board told me about it.

Hope this is of some help.

Mike Cap
1997 C2
Arena Red

Robin 993DX

Jon,

The Porsche factory drive block is as good and better than any aftermarket alarm system in anti-theft functions. Most aftermarket alarm system only disable the starter which means you still can start the car by push starting it (if it is a manual transmission car).

The Porsche drive block disable the DME, so you can't start the car no matter what.

The only chance your car can be stolen is if they towed it.

Unless I was the one stealing it. (There is couple of ways)

mike cap

Robin,

Could you send me a private email with the "couple of ways". I would love a free Speed Yellow TT.....

Mike Cap
1997 C2
Arena Red

Robin 993DX

LOL!

Mike, I can tell you verbally, but will not put that in writing in case it get into the wrong hands....

DJF1

SInce we are on the subject...I have to replace my Clifford alarm that came with the car and I have looked at several options. What are your experiences with aftermarket alarms and any recommendations?

RJT

I have "drive block" and so far have had no problems at all.
After market alarms...... I had Hofco alarms on three previous Porsches and consider them one of the very best. At Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories, we installed hundreds over the years. Check out <a href="http://www.hofcoalarms.com." target="_blank">www.hofcoalarms.com.</a> I have no affiliation with Hofco and am retired from BHMA.
Cheers to All, Robert

jebia

Thanks for the info guys.

Robin,
I feel a little better knowing the "drive block" interrupts the DMS (and isn't just a starter interlock).

Mike, Thanks for the tip on starting.

mike cap

Jon,

You're welcome. Of course, Robin is the true source of all 993 wisdom. Armed with his help, I am now searching for a Speed Yellow TT to requisition....

Mike Cap
1997 C2
Arena Red

ruffy

mike,
imho i think a good deterent... or at least a start is to try locking the car

i've been looking at the system mercedes has for its latest lineup of cars... the keycard technology.
it seems the manufacturer was outsourced by mercedes and the same entry system can also be installed aftermarket.
for what its worth... it'll be a nice trackday tool.. esp if you find yourself having to arm and disarm between breaks...
also the porsche factory key sucks b@#$... i broke three of them already... and they dont come cheap <img border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" title="" src="graemlins/cussing.gif" />
just my .02
i cant say for sure if it'll work with the factory system?? but it'll be cool to have the car unlock by proximity... and of course the formula car start button hidden away cleverly... hows that for a project? <img border="0" alt="[blabla]" title="" src="graemlins/a_smil17.gif" />

Tim Ashfield

The best recommendation I can give for Drive Block came from my insurance company. Most UK insurers want a 993 fitted with a Thatcham category 1 system or even Tracker - my insurer obviously knows about Porsche and were quite happy to insure the car with just the standard Drive Block system at a lower premium than the rest!

Tracker would get you a bigger dicount.

Best to all.

Randall G.

FWIW, the 993 engine in my 964 is a theft recovery. Even spoke with the detective that made the recovery, while verifying its legitimacy prior to purchase. That said, for all I know, the original owner left the door unlocked with the engine running while running a short errand, and the thief simply jumped in and drove off, as opposed to the drive-block being defeated. Or, the thief might have put the car ('97) on a flatbed. Dunno'.

Pete Lech

"My greatest fear with "Drive Block" is that it prevents me from driving my own vehicle. I've hate having to double click the remote after the car has set for a while (self arming feature)."

It took a while for me to learn this, but it is really very simple:

Insert key
Turn ignition on
Press remote button once
Turn the key to the start position and voila!

It is not necessary to do things simultaneously, whcih can be a bit difficult with the separate remote and key.