mdw - Actually, I did have a question for you.

Doesn't DEI market the "Virtual Clutch" for their alarms for stick-shifts?

My bud with the Viper? It's a 6-speed. To engage the Virtual Clutch, he has to pull his handbrake, clear his stick, and press a button, while the engine is running. That puts it in the mode to remote start.

I'll have to hit him up about it, too...

 

I would like to learn more about the "virtual clutch". I'm looking for a highend alarm/remote start system that is manual tranny friendly,

 

For those who know about Compustar.. Do you think $799 is worth it for the SS? That's what I'm being quoted. No remote start or window rollers.. (was told I'd need extra module). So basically I think it's just the remote..

It's that or a Viper 690vx at about $499..

 

will the Viper 791XV roll your windows up/down like the clifford g5 does?

 

Ya, but they say you need a special module.. in other words, more $.

 

PHA - Regarding the Virtual Clutch, there are many "home-brew" methods to do it. Most alarm shops won't due to liability reasons. I saw that you visited the other Compustar thread. You can call my installer, Rollin Thunder at 804-232-7867 . Just be careful of how it's done. I've heard horror stories and my buddy with an EVO VIII screwed up his tranny, because he did his wrong.

Hmmm. RX-Nut, most shops around here install the Compustar 2WSS-AS (AS=Alarm + remote Start) for about $799. If they want that much for just the 2WSS-A, they're rippin you a hundred bucks, at least. Both places (relatively) near me will do it for about $800, installed, full system.

PMac - RX-Nut is correct on the additional module and bucks. Even the G5 Avantguard needs the "SmartWindows" module. Don't forget, though that no matter which window module you get, you'll need to buy a passenger side window motor to replace the driver's side motor, as the Mazda driver's motor itself takes the Auto-down impulse. Bypassing does not work consistently (trust me, we tried for hours). OEM motor is about $65 from Trussville Mazda. Smartwindows module or the Viper module (both from DEI) run about $75 or so (range: $30-$100).

If you don't need the added range and aren't paranoid about security (I live in Northern Virginia, home of the digital RF scanner/hacker), the Viper 791XV, the Matrix RSX 3.5, or the AvantGuard G5 all have the same key features that the Compustar does for about $300 less. You can even get these at your Best Buy and Circuit City stores.

Another alarm that you may want take a look at is the Audioxov APS-996. Same features too and the build is very sturdy. Our Mazda dealer, Rosenthal, only recommends the Audiovox 996. Many "toy" channels, too.

Check out: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...light=audiovox .

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the tip.. I'm in Hawaii, so I'm used to the higher prices.. Unfortunately, there's only one main shop here that is the authorized Compustar installer.. all the others get their Compustars from them.. So it looks like I have only one choice if I want to go Compustar.. I'll call around and throw around prices, but I wanna be sure a good installer does it.

 

Thanks for the info huhsler. I'm still have question about whether the remote start option for a manual is worth the effort. It would really be nice to start my car on the really cold and hot days.

 

What is so special about Audioxov APS-996 that makes Rosenthal Mazda recommend this alarm system?

 

Simple answer: I have no idea.

Some people on this forum seem to like it. I've seen it in hand and seen it in action. It's good. The CPU case seems sturdier than similar models. Other than that, the features are exactly the same as any other.

...duhhhh...ya got me.

 

Audiovox stuff is actually pretty bullet proof. A division of Audiovox's product line is made for Car Dealership's interest. This line is called the "Pursuit" line. It's the same product as the Prestige line, just cosmetic differences. Audiovox has a good rep with Car Dealerships nationwide.

DEI followed Audiovox and developed its own line of equipment for dealership use/sales. It's called Automate.

 

Great info on alarms, guys. I'm looking into one now.

Is everyone's opinion that the factory alarm is worthless?

I looked at the Viper 690xv at Circuit City, but the guys weren't familiar with the car, so they said they couldn't do it. Best Buy has the Clifford Matrix 2 way 2.5x system that looks comparable. $400 installed. Is this a good option?

Thanks in advance.

 

First of all, don't let Best Buy or Circuit City touch that car. Take it to an experienced shop with veteran techs, not 18 year old kids. The Viper 690xv or the Clifford system are good systems, providing they're installed properly.

 

Viper 791xv with remote sunroof option is being installed as we speak, I will let you know the results when I get the car back.

 

ooh, remote sunroof.. any special modules required for that?

we await your results!

 

I am still researching the type of alarm/remote start system I should get. I'm having a problem finding a dealer that will even talk to me about installing on a manual, not even the Compustar folks in KC.

I'm at a lost here...Any thoughts

 

Hey Guys

I just started reading this thread. Someone acually tried to put compustar in my manual. It was a sad story. He ended up messing up my car. As the thread said, find someone you can trust. I went to someone who did it for a living, but wasnt up to date on cars. IT WAS CHEAP, 400 for the top model though, but you get what u pay for. He did my friends RSX and IS300. SO I thought he could do mine. He messed up the electronics in the car(Mazda said it was a missing fuse.)
On another note, im considering to get remote start, as it is cold in chicago. After reading this, i prob will get a DEI. I just meet person who owns a collision/auto place who has a good rep. I also would like to know how to wire the sunroof, BlueGrimRX8. And how much did you pay total? Thanks a lot.

TOm

 

I think I will have to go with a DEI system, I just need to make sure the installer can tie into the neutral switch. I have my work cut out for me.

 

anyone know exactly how to tie into the neutral switch or who could explain in detail. Thanks

 

Go to http://www.compustar.org and download the manual for a latest SS alarm. It has the procedures in there.

 

I just had a Clifford Matrix Responder 3.5 installed in my AT RX8. I am very happy with it so far. It has remote strart and it works fine most of the time the only problem is they hooked it up to the voltage sensor instead of the RPM because they couldn't find it. So sometimes when the voltage is low the alarm is not sure if the car is running or not. We are trying to get this problem resolved today so if anyone could help me locate the RPM wire I would really appreciate it.