I am installing a "non-mazda dealer" remote start on my RX-8 automatic next week (1st week in January) . Mazda dealers wanted $600-800 to do it. I found a local (Long Island NY) car/audio shop that will install a "direct electronics model 561T and a 555 adapter for $240 complete. He said he will hide my valet key somewhere under the dash and use my existing remote key using the unlock button (you will have to hit it 3 times) for remote to start. Besides educating dealer about "cold start flooding issue" I can't see any other major problems - anyone out there think of any other potential issues (problems) with me having this installation done? BTW - Dealer has been in business over 25 years and is not concerned it is a rotory engine and would onlly install remote on an automatic.
thanks in advance

what car audio shop did you go to?

where are you located having your key in your car i can come steal it LOL *evil grin*

If I were evil and saw an RX-8 remote start, I'd know that there was a key there somewhere... be careful. You might want to buy another key, and saw off the head.

Not al remote starts require having a key in the car.
Can you purchase an immobilizer bypass for the RX-8?

last i knew the ignition needed the key's chip nearby from what i read anyway... i am by far not an expert on the 8 lol

You need the chip within about 2 feet of the keylock. If there was a bypass, the immobilizer would be useless. I've never heard of a bypass for the chip type (my Nissan Pathfinder also has this system). The immobilizer chip reader communicates directly into the ECU - no chip = no start, no fuel injection, no spark. -I- wouldn't do it, because the car would be much easier to steal, but to each his own.

If you replace the chip reader module, there is a complex reprogramming of the ECU required.

in the case where you take a key and cut off the head i would feel safe with that. how are they going to start the car without being able to instert anything into the ignition?

he said he would hide the valet key under the dash, wouldn't that mean no one could get to it unless they took the dash apart and it would still meet the chip requirment.

That's cool
do they have some like remote control ? I mean just like 007's z8 that key.. =D if they got i really want to install one.

when i had the audiovox w/ remote start installed, they cut open the plastic around the key and removed the chip. then used hot glue to mount it inside the steering column. now i use the valet key to start the car. no need to leave a key in your car.

when i had the audiovox w/ remote start installed, they cut open the plastic around the key and removed the chip. then used hot glue to mount it inside the steering column. now i use the valet key to start the car. no need to leave a key in your car.

I have the Clifford responder system in my Z w/remote start, and they did the same thing on my car...it just seemed weird to have to leave a fully functional key inside the car.
Definitely go with the DEI product, mine hasn't given me any trouble yet, and i've had it for over a year and a half.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/zthang/Cars%20and%20Bikes/333333.jpg

Tell your installer to cut off the head of the key as to only use the chip inside.

I myself just got a high end 2-way alarm installed on my 8 and it is the coolest thing, blue LED and all. (although I don't really care for remote start) I had an Clifford Matrix RS3 not long ago and I believe used the remote start less than 5 times, UNLESS you live somewhere cold and need the car to warm up then it might be useful.

Are all these with auto-starts in automatics? I can't imagine an auto-start in a manual car would be a safe thing to have?

usually for automatic, but can be installed in a manual. I think you have to park in neutral and the alarm installer has to bypass the clutch thingy... or so.

I have it installed on my manual...there is definitely a safety factor, but I was willing to take the risk. Usually if im unsure at all about whether the car is in neutral, i dont use it.

well....this looks like yet another area that I can "inform" I'm surprised that no one has said anything about doing a search yet, cause this isn't a new topic.

1. You can do a remote start on a manual, and it is real easy on the RX-8. Yes, you do need a clutch bybass. As for issues with being in gear, the RX-8 already has a nuetral switch, so it knows when the manual tranmission is in gear or not...so you just simply need to tie into this switch. (If not in nuetral, don't start...pretty simple!)

2. As for the immobilizer, this is easy to deal with. Its actually a combination of what everyone has mentioned. Directed electronics has a manual out that details the necessary parts. These include ordering a spare radio key ring (the ring around the ignition that picks up the unique ID of the immobilizer chip in the key) and either a spare key or the valet key. Cut the key, as other's have suggested! You don't need the full key, just the chip. Your installer can then locate the radio key ring and the chip anywhere they want...thus very hidden. Beyond the immobilizer, you've also added/replaced security at the starter level by using the directed electronics remote start. It disingages the starter for various reasons and won't start even with a the proper key, again for various reasons. (You can look at the directed electronics web site for more info)

Hope this helps!

You can check out my remote start now if you'd like....done on my MT. It's a smarty pants too! Among the various smarts of it are:
1. It won't start if the e-brake is not on
2. It won't start if it is in gear

These are the two primary checks. There are a list of other requirements, and reasons it will shut down and not restart (if it thinks its attempted theft)

Here's a video:
http://devoid.mine.nu/pictures/videos/20040826%20-%20RX-8/Remote%20Start.AVI