With the recent posts about C5 theft and break ins I am contemplating a more sophisticated security system for my C5. We already have a good thread about what type of equipment is the best. but I thought I would start some discussion about implementation.

I want something which will have features beyond what the stock system has.

• shock/vibration detectors which will set off the alarm if someone hits your car in the parking lot or smashes a window.
• radar sensors to set off the alarm if someone reaches in when the roof is off
• a paging remote system so that I get notification inside as soon as something happens, and the peace of mind of being able to tell without leaving bed that I did set the alarm for the night.
• hood open sensor, for some reason I don't think the C5 has one at all, you can open the hood, and disconnect the battery without even setting the alarm off if you know where to look for the cables. (if there is a trigger, someone correct me!)
• depending on the method, a battery backup to keep the alarm working, and to trigger it if the engine battery is disconnected.

many alarms including Viper appear to want professional installation in order to get your warrenty honored. This is something which I would prefer to do myself however because I'm the type of C5 owner (and an engineer) who wants to know exactly what was done to the car. what wire was used, what color, where taps were made, what wiring practices were employed...the only sure way to be sure the job is done right is to do yourself.

so those of you who have installed your own aftermarket alarm systems can you offer any advice to those who are thinking about it?
where is a secure place to put the alarm's "brains"
where did you mount your siren, and how did you get the wires to it?
where is a good place to fit shock sensors/radar sensors?
if you added a hood open sensor, how did you mount it and where?
how hard is it to tap into the stock door lock wiring and where is a good place to do it? some cars are easier than others, how difficult is this on a C5?
where did you run all your wires? where is a safe and secure place to get power?
is it possible to tie into the stock alarm so that they both arm and disarm together? or if not can you disable the stock alarm and use only the aftermarket one?

I've done an aftermarket alarm install before. its really not that hard to do. but it never hurts to have some idea where to mount things and how to do the installation, where to run wires, how to access different areas of the car, or any other tricks other owners have come up with.

hopefully with the recent bad news regarding the honor of the public near our C5's this info can help a few of us to protect them better, myself included!

 

 

I think the best protection is some good insurance. Just make sure the premiums are paid up and don't worry about it, because if a professsional wants your car, it's almost impossible to stop him unless you want to stay with it 24 hours a day.

 

In all honesty, there isn't a security system that can prevent break-ins, vandalism or theft. according to recent "damn kids" threads, even if you're in the car at the time of a given incident, the odds of getting anything but a great deal of annoyance are slim to none.

There is a security system with a linked camera. This MAY allow you to catch an offender in the act and if you can press charges, it would can provide identification. However, this again is also a passive system and won't prevent anything.

link:
http://sonicelectronix.com/item_7504...00+VS8000.html

The only way to prevent damage from unscrupulous persons is to park you car in a secure garage.

 

And not take it to the dealership!