Roll call for those who have an aftermarket alarm on your RX-8... Can't be Lojack though.. Hawaii dont got it. I just want to hear what kind of alarm you got and your experiences with it..

Anyone?

 

I have the DEI Responder alarm. I love it and so far have no problems with it. Only problem is that it's a little bit more then usual alarms.

 

clifford g5. very expensive, but they say its the best. so far so good. www.clifford.com

 

cool thanks for some info.. so how did the install go.. did your installer have a hard time with the car being so new and all. And what happens to you current keyfob system? Is it still installed and you carry two fobs... ? Not sure..

 

it comes with a replacement remote, they gave me 2 of them so you dont really have to carry the original.

 

Compustar ( http://www.compustar.org ) SS with remote start.

Two way alarm system with all the trimmings. Little over a half-mile range, in practicality. If you want windows or sunroof, you'll need to do this: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=18120 .

Aside from that, the install went in clean, with no problems. I love it.

Replaces factory fobs.

 

Thanks.. how much was the window motor that you needed to put in?

Anyone else? There has to be more guys out there with aftermarket (non lojack) alarms?? No? Maybe I'm wrong...

 

The window motor had to be OEM Ford/Mazda. The part number specified Mazda RX-8 ONLY. Errrr! So, I went through Trussville for $65, shipped.

Btw, my buddy has a DEI Viper 791 XV WITH GPS locator on his RX-8 (shwing!) and the yearly services package. If he wants, he can make a phone call and remote start his car or unlock it from anywhere he wants. It uses traditional AMPS cell service, so coverage is pretty impressive.

Oh, he just nudged me and said that the GPS is a completely separate system that can be added on to any alarm system that can take +/- DEI-style actuator inputs (just about anything out there...except Compustar).

Just a note. The Matrix Responder RSX 3.5 is pretty much a re-packaged Viper 791XV. They are both VERY nice.

Good luck!

 

Wow, that's cool... wonder how much that Viper cost..

I was thinking of trying the Compustar, but not sure how much it'll run me. I think we only have one dealer that installs them. The range is what caught my eye.

We'll see....

 

So, does that mean that if the car is stolen or carjacked, he can also call it up and have the alarm shut the car down?

---jps

 

Both the Viper 791XV and the Matrix RSX 3.5 are around $500 (installed price at most Best Buy or Circuit City type places). DEI's new warranty plans now include the big chain stores for LIFETIME warranty!

Wow, shut the car down. That would be cool! Likely DOT laws would prohibit such a device, due to safety issues (imagine the car seizing on the highway!).

However, in the event of a car-jacking, since the key is probably with the alarm fob it would likely take priority anyway.

On the other hand, the GPS tracks anytime the car is on, so if the car is stolen, it can be tracked (even better than LoJack) to the thieves' hideout.
...even remote started there, to freak them out and mess with their heads!

 

Oh, I did forget to mention that all of these systems, the Compustar AWSS, Viper 791XV, and Matrix RSX 3.5 all have remote start, as well. Big bonus. With the cold weather we've got in Virginia right now, it is really awesome!

 

No, it is not illegal. There have been setups like that which have been available for years.

And you don't have it just kill the engine by switching off the ignition or anything. That would be as much of a risk to your property and others. There are several ways to do it, but one way would be to cut out the ignition so that the engine stutters and loses significant power, but doesn't seize or anything. The car will gradually slow, and eventually the carjacker will give up, stop, and get out. Once the car stops, the system will then shut the engine off. This took some design work and integration for each car, though.

The RX8 with the electronically controlled throttle is perfect for this. All you would have to do is setup a relay between the gas pedal and the ECU. If I'm not mistaken, it's a relatively simple thing to mimic the gas pedal settings. In normal operation, you have the ECU connected to the gas pedal. When you want to shut the car down, you throw the relay, which then connects the ECU to a simple circuit that mimics the gas pedal in the "off" position (the reading when your foot is completely off the gas). The carjacker can floor the pedal all he wants, but the car will basically come to a controlled stop (or nothing more than a very very slow crawl).

---jps

 

Well, I've been in the auto security business for 10 years now and I'll tell you the most importnat thing you need to know- DEI is the best- hands down.

DEI manufactures Viper, Python, Sidewinder, Automate, and now Clifford and Avital. The Viper 791xv is the best security system on the market right now, however, as mentioned in a previous thread, the 791xv comes with remote start. Most RX8's are 6 speeds and shouldn't be equipped with remote start for obvious reasons. Any shop that would install a remote start on a standard shift vehicle is one that you should be leery of.

My advice for any RX8 owner is to have a Viper 690xv installed. It's the same system as a 791xv, without the remote start.

By the way, Compustar systems are crap. DEI is king of auto security and they are the worldwide leader in market share... hands down.

Believe or not Aduiovox is number 2 and they actually make some quality systems as well.

Just some advice...

 

Hmm.. Makes me think twice about Compustar..