I am not sure where the best place to post this question is so I thought I would start here. I am looking for advice on a top of the line remote starter with 2-way function and security as well. Any input would be great. Are they manageable for a DIY job? Thanks

 

I have always liked the viper 771xv, its not TOP of the line but it gets the job done with remote start, and security, but personally i would recommend any viper system if your going to get it.

As for installation, its definitely NOT a simple task, normally takes me about 3 to 4 hours to install one depending on the vehicle. All connections need to be SOLDERED. If you go to a BBY or CCity, installation is included in the price they charge for the alarm, I'm not sure about your local shops. Make sure your installer at a BBY or CCity is MECP certified, dont get some jackass that doesn't know anything... Big box stores have some of the best installers, and some of the worst.

 

check out www.kcautosound.com they will "prewire" it for you and have very detailed instructions with picks of your model truck showing were every wire is. i have the code ca671 which is probably the most popular alarm on this site but there are now higher up models with better range and other stuff

 

I'm with him. www.kcautosound.com all the way. Owner of the CA671 myself and love it. A huge plus to the system is the ability to work using the keypad on the side of your door to disarm the alarm in case you want to leave your keys in the truck. Plus with Travis's instructions its so easy a cave man can do it....lol


"I used www.kcautosound.com for my F150"

 

Than ks for the input. Azmidget91 Quick question on your F150...what type of headlights do you have ad grill? Looks very nice and I am making a few other mods as well. Thanks again for the quick replies!

 

Sonjackster, I hate to talk against anything KC sells but I am NO FAN of any Code alarm. Its from the same people that make Jensen. Quality has declined terribly in recent years.

Instead, look into Compustar, Compustar Pro, or any DEI (Python, Viper, Clifford, etc.)

Do the homework on your installer first. Ask for pics of their alarm installs and what his/her record is. Have them do something simple first, like a radio. See if you feel they are professional enough to handle your vehicle. Expect that he/she, hides the brain, make all harnesses appear factory, etc. If not, try elsewhere.

 

Travis sells Compustar and many other brands of systems.

 

Umm... You sure about that?

I know I was very much under the opposite impression.

 

I know he does. I purchased a Compustar 2W900FMR from him about 4 months ago an installed it on my niece's Chevy Cobalt.

Here's a list of the systems available to him from an email he sent.

Astra
Autopage
Avital by DEI
Code Alarm
Compustar
Crimestopper
Excaliber by Omega
Galaxy
Hornet by DEI
K-9 by Omega
Mars by Omega
Prestige by Audiovox
Ready Remote
Scytek
Ungo by Clarion
Valet by DEI
Warlock by Metra

 

Thats all I needed to hear. TRAVIS anyone?

 

Can someone explain to me how Travis pre-wires the systems for you? I am not looking for a step by step, I just can't wrap my head around how a person "pre-wires" anything without the vehicle on hand, to attach it to!? The only scenario I can imagine, is that he sends a "T" harness to simply plug into your vehicle, but having installed a CA-530 in the past, I can't see that working out, either. How is a factory unit different from Travis' pre-wired one?

 

Yeah- its on his FAQ's on his website (www.kcautosound.com) Here is the direct link to how he prewires.
http://www.kcautosound.com/faq.php?q_id=1

 

With this guy's pre-wired set up, how hard is it to install once you get it? I'm pretty mechanically stupid but I don't want to buy one and have to pay another couple hundred dollars for an install job.

Or......is it worth it to have pro's install it. All I want is a remote start; no alarm.

 

Thanks! I missed that when I looked at the website.