has anyone had any success installing a remote start on a manual volvo(specifically a '90 240) ? I've heard some horror stories about people driving them through garages, etc. because they were left in gear when the starter kicked in. I know an awesome custom installer who'd try it, but he's a bit hesitant- he wants at least 2 failsafes. anyone have any ideas?

Do yourself a favour and purchase a good quality system like the compustar. They have models specifically designed for manual transmission vehicles. ( I have installed about 300 of these into manuals). How it works is it must see the footbrake then the parkbrake and keep running, when you close your door the system will arm and shutdown the engine. The theory being that if the vehicle is violated when the system is armed the alarm will shut the engine off. The only problem would be if the windows were open and someone engaged the shifter.(A proximity sensor would solve that problem also).
Good Luck
Ray (22yrs installing)
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keep the R's up!

"Do yourself a favour and purchase a good quality system like the compustar. They
have models specifically designed for manual transmission vehicles. ( I have
installed about 300 of these into manuals). How it works is it must see the
footbrake then the parkbrake and keep running, when you close your door the
system will arm and shutdown the engine. The theory being that if the vehicle is
violated when the system is armed the alarm will shut the engine off. The only
problem would be if the windows were open and someone engaged the shifter.(A
proximity sensor would solve that problem also).
Good Luck
Ray (22yrs installing)"

I'm a bit lost- the autostart has to recognize the footbrake and the parking break- does that mean I have to be in the car depressing the footbreak for it to autostart? or does the door have to be open? what is a proximity sensor? sorry these are probably stupid questions- but I'm definitely interested. eveyone else has told me not to do it.

I wouldn't do it. Is it really worth the effort and expense? And why would you want to leave the car in neutral when parked? I would say the danger aspects greatly outweigh the bonuses. Best of luck, though, if you figure out a safe way to do it.

Nate Gundy
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'86 240DL sedan, 260K miles, M46, K cam, 25/23mm sways, 260 front and wagon rear springs; http://valvespringcompressor.weblogs.us/

Why risk killing somebody?

This is probably not a great idea.

When you park the car, you should really put the car in gear. You should never park with the car in Neutral.

I don't know anyway that the car could automatically put it self in Neutral before starting it self, which I think is the only way you could safely pull something like this off.

If you do figure something out on how to do this, I'd be really interested in knowing what you end up doing. Keep us posted.
--
If you listen to the radio in Portland, OR, you may know me as "Portland's Favorite Soul Brother!"