Viper Alarm System

Hey everyone, I checked the other similar threads and didnt really find what I was looking for so I am starting this one.

My current living situation does not allow me to have my VX securely parked in a garage. I live on an increasingly busy corner and often dream that my VX will be gone when I wake up. I have had several people come to the door wanting to buy my VX... who knows if someone won't take my no for an answer.

I'm currently looking at purchasing the Viper Smart Start alarm system which allows me to see whats going on with my VX at all times via iphone. I am hesitant taking it somewhere to have it installed as I have had shops (who are "specialists" in car alarm installations) in the past completely botch my wiring system in other vehicles.

Is the wiring in the VX pretty simple... or do I have reasons to worry about taking it somewhere.

Oh and has anyone used an antibreak film for their windows... VX or not?

Thanks VX Fam!

can i make a suggestion for you, as I worked in that field of expertise for a while?

Dont waste your money on the 'smart start' crap. spend more money on the base alarm and get the one with 2 way paging with a 1-mile range.
2 reasons-
1. it takes anywhere from 1-5 minutes for the alarm to communicate with the phone, therefore by the time you are paged, the people are long gone with your car, or have already broken in and gotten what they were looking for.
2. the all-in-one smart start system comes with the brain (computer of the system) of one of the lower end models that doesnt have as many actual security features.

spend more money and get a 'glass break sensor' and 2 mini-piezo sirens put in. One siren goes under the dash and the other goes towards the back of the car on the inside. These sirens are specifically designed to give people an instant migrane, so anyone who gets into your car doesnt want to waste their time trying to steal your car.
The glass break sensor is used for 'intelligent' criminals who know that if they hit the window with a brick, the alarm goes off. If they hit the window with a spark plug, it doesnt have enough force to set off the alarm, but the glass break sensor will catch the pitch of the glass breaking and make the alarm go off.
for the alarm, ask for a viper 5704. its really the best one mile range alarm with a pager. The reason you dont want the 5904 is because it has a color LCD screen that kills your remote's battery in about 2 weeks. The 5704 lasts about 1-2 months without having to charge the remote.

just my $.02, but thats what i learned. On the install side, the VX is really quite simple electrically, concerning the ignition system. Any decent install bay you go to should have great insurance to cover any damages done to your vehicle. To be honest, all bays have damages from time to time, it just happens. But just inspect your car prior and post install, i personally would ask the installer to do a walk through with you and discuss any damages in the area he will be working (he should only need to work under the dash, on the drivers side door, and under the hood a little) Prior to install discuss where everything is going to be located that he will need to mount. (he will have to mount the antenna, LED, Valet switch, glass break sensor, and extra sirens)

+1

I had the same system, minus the extra sensors and such. But the Viper system was amazing. I would definitely put one in another vehicle.

Thanks guys. That's what I needed to know. PB... I'll be taking your advice.

I have a CompuSTAR and have been very happy with it for many years. Just another brand to consider.