Alarm, immobiliser and boot release

[SirSagalot]

Just in case anyone is contemplating replacing the immobiliser before the well publicised problems occur then I wanted to recommend Abacus Alarms (www.abacusalarms.co.uk). It's a plug and play system that takes less than 30 minutes to put in once the dash is off. I am not at all electrically competent beyond wiring a plug, but this system is very simple. The system comes with an option for a remote boot release. The cost of the system is less than half of what I was quoted to have professionally installed.The owner of Abacus couldn't be more helpful.

[SirSagalot]

davelittlewood said:

Do you need a certificate from a Professional for the installation to be accepted by Insurance companies? (my guess is yes)

Yes certificates are available. I was quoted £650 for Carl Baker to update the alarm. There is universal support for the quality of his work. As I gather the work is to replace the Alarm and Immobiliser units and none of the other wiring (literally plug and play) I thought I'd have a go and so I now have replaced the elderly immobiliser and have a new alarm and boot release operated by a button on the side of the two Silka keys.

[SirSagalot]

QBee said:

I paid £550 18 months ago to have mine updated by Carl at his then Hampshire home. Top job, but I had to spend an entire day 180 miles from home while he did the job. I was able to take some work with me and work in his kitchen, but it was a full 10 hour day, as he completely refreshes the alarm wiring. He now lives in France and works out of Dan Taylor's TVR pace in Kent.

I value Lev's opinion, and that Sagaris of his is stunning and I am sure wants for nothing. I hope he is enjoying his foray into RV8 land, but I suspect that if he says it's plug and play it really is. And decent quality too.

I am not an electrician, but am aware that many Chimaera owners are not over-blessed with spare funds. at least you now have a choice.

Thank you Anthony. The Sag is somewhat pampered and the Chimaera is work in progress but getting there. Your comments are much appreciated. Its just an option and I wanted to share my experience with fellow owners and enthusiasts, so as you say its a choice. Hope to see you soon.

[SirSagalot]

ChimpOnGas said:

This seems like an excellent option, my only concern is whether the plug and play nature means you're still left with the same TVR wiring errors that are the route cause of the problem in the first place.

I'd speculate there's a very good reason why Carl Baker takes almost a full day to fit a new system, and it's not because he's profiteering.

Carl is taking this long because he's correcting the way the TVR wired the system in the first place, which means he's not just plugging the new Meta units into the existing TVR wired multi-plugs.

The bottom line is if you're still passing all those starter solenoid amps the wrong way through that little switching relay inside the Meta unit it'll be sure to burn out like the original did.

Whats needed is a dedicated starter solenoid relay, I suspect if the switching side of this starter solenoid relay is energised by a low amp feed your new Meta unit will last a whole lot longer.

If you go with the plug & play kit from Abacus Alarms that's where David Beer's hot start kit may actually prove beneficial as it'll stop the damage BEFORE it takes place.

Thanks....I'll look into that.

[SirSagalot]

ukdj said:

Lev,

I have a brand new unused Modwise hot start kit sitting in the garage, yours if want it can help you fit it too if needed.

assume you 'll probably want to do it after you return from your hols.

Regards

Paul.

Thanks Paul. That's great and yes please. I will obviously reimburse the cost of the unit and beer tokens for the install guidance! It still amazes me on just how helpful TVR owners are. I've never bought a car and experienced such a great community spirit and bunch of people. As someone said, you buy a TVR and get 50 new friends for free. Cheers

[SirSagalot]

ChimpOnGas said:

It's because TVR's are chock full of character and are essentially flawed diamonds.

If we didn't stick together who would help us when things go wrong?

TVR ownership can be a test of your patience but it becomes an addiction, and for every addiction you'll always find a self help group.

The TVR self help group can be found right here here on PistonHeads and we welcome all new addicts

Supercharger or Turbo anyone

Well said Dave.