PBS-I vs. PBS-II vs. iKey Premier: Which Keyless Ignition System Is Right for Your Build?

Choosing the Right Keyless Ignition Starts with Your Vehicle, Not the Technology

When you are standing in the garage looking at a bare chassis or a survivor classic, the decision about which ignition system to install shouldn't be based on which box has the flashiest graphics. It should be based on the specific electrical architecture of the vehicle and the experience you want to have every time you open the door.

Too often, the aftermarket world treats keyless ignition systems as a one-size-fits-all gadget. That is a mistake. A system designed for a 1965 Mustang with manual locks and windows is fundamentally different from a system needed for a 2020 custom build with shaved door handles and a power trunk lift.

At Digital Guard Dawg, we don’t push everyone toward the most expensive unit. We push builders toward the right unit. The goal of this keyless ignition comparison is to strip away the marketing noise and look at the engineering reality. We want to help you understand the differences between our three core systems—PBS-I, PBS-II, and iKey Premier—so you can match the hardware to your build’s specific requirements. Whether you are looking for simple push button start options or a complete passive entry overhaul, the choice starts with understanding your car's needs.

What All Digital Guard Dawg Keyless Ignition Systems Have in Common

Before diving into the differences, it is crucial to understand the engineering baseline that every Digital Guard Dawg keyless ignition shares. We do not have a "budget" line with compromised quality. Whether you choose the PBS-I, PBS-II, or iKey Premier, the core ignition technology is identical.

Every system we build utilizes advanced RFID push button start technology with Dual Frequency / Dual Encryption (DFDE). This provides over 6 billion rolling codes, making the signal virtually impossible to grab or replicate. Every system is built in the USA on 4oz copper circuit boards with onboard 60A high-current relays. This eliminates the need for failure-prone external relay wiring that plagues cheaper alternatives.

All our systems feature heavy-duty power connectors with 12-gauge bus-grade wiring designed to match the high-current demands of classic automotive ignition switches. They all include emergency backup cards to ensure you are never stranded if you lose a fob. When you choose any of our professional ignition systems, you are getting MECP-certified technical support and FCC-certificated hardware. The differences we are about to discuss are about functionality and control, not quality or reliability.

Why Vehicle Age and Electrical Layout Matter More Than You Think

The biggest factor in choosing the right system is the existing electrical layout of your vehicle. Push button start classic cars—typically those built before 1998—operate on a very different logic than modern vehicles. They rely on high-current switching directly at the ignition barrel. They don't have body control modules (BCMs) to manage door locks or window regulators.

If you are working on a pre-1998 keyless ignition install, you have to ask yourself: "What else do I need this system to do?" If the car has manual crank windows and manual door locks, you don't need a system with five programmable accessory outputs. You need robust ignition control. Conversely, if you have added power actuators for locks or a trunk release solenoid, you need a system that can manage those high-current loads without adding a nest of separate relays.

Ignition wiring considerations are the first step in avoiding buyer's remorse. Buying a system that does too little means adding extra modules later. Buying a system that does too much means paying for wires you'll just tape off and hide under the dash.

PBS-I: The Right Choice for Clean, No-Accessory Classic Builds

The PBS-I is our foundational system. It was designed specifically for pre-1998 classic, custom, and hot rod vehicles that do not require remote accessory control. In the PBS-I vs PBS-II conversation, the distinction is simple: Do you have power door locks? If the answer is no, the PBS-I is likely your best path.

This system is the definition of "do one thing and do it perfectly." It provides a professional-grade PBS-I keyless ignition experience that fully emulates a traditional keyed ignition switch—Accessory, On, and Start. It handles the heavy lifting of cranking a high-compression engine through its internal 60A relays, keeping your engine bay clean and your wiring harness simple.

For builders who want push button start without power locks, this is the gold standard. It offers the same start button options (including genuine OEM buttons) and the same robust RFID security as our more complex systems, but without the extra wiring harness for accessory outputs.

Who PBS-I Is Designed For

The PBS-I is designed for the purist and the traditionalist. It is for the owner of a '69 Camaro who wants to get rid of the keys but keep the manual door locks. It is for the T-Bucket builder who needs a reliable, waterproof classic car push button start but has zero creature comforts to control.

It is also the ideal choice for race cars or track-day vehicles where simplicity and weight reduction are priorities. By eliminating the mechanical ignition tumbler and replacing it with solid-state electronics, you remove a common failure point. The keyless ignition older vehicles require must be rugged, and the PBS-I delivers exactly that without any unnecessary complications.

When PBS-I Is the Smartest Option

The PBS-I is the smartest option when your build philosophy is "less is more." If you are building a period-correct hot rod and want the security of RFID ignition classic builds without modernizing the rest of the car, this is your system.

It is also the smart choice for budget-conscious builds where the focus is on mechanical reliability rather than luxury features. Because it shares the same high-quality construction as our flagship models—same copper boards, same connectors—you aren't sacrificing durability to save money. You are simply choosing a simple push button start system that matches the simplicity of your vehicle's features.

PBS-II: Built for Vehicles with Power Locks, Windows, and Trunk Control

If your pre-1998 vehicle has evolved beyond manual controls, the PBS-I will leave you wanting more. This is where the PBS-II enters the picture. It is built on the exact same robust foundation as the PBS-I but expands the capabilities to include comprehensive accessory management.

The PBS-II keyless ignition is designed for classics, customs, and hot rods that are equipped with power accessories. This includes power door locks, shaved door poppers, power windows, and trunk release solenoids. The core difference is control. The PBS-II gives you the ability to manage these systems directly from your RFID key fob.

For a builder creating a resto-mod, the capability for push button start power doors is often non-negotiable. You don't want a keyless start system and a separate remote for your door locks. The PBS-II unifies these functions into a single system, streamlining the installation and the user experience. It brings RFID ignition with accessories control to platforms that never had it from the factory.

What PBS-II Adds Beyond Basic Push Button Start

The PBS-II adds five programmable output channels. These are not just simple triggers; they are capable of controlling the various solenoids and actuators found in modified cars. This transforms the system from a simple ignition replacement into a central body control unit.

With keyless ignition power accessories integration, you can unlock your doors and pop your trunk with the same fob you use to authorize the engine start. The system also includes internal MSD filtering circuitry. This is a critical addition for modified vehicles with high-energy ignition systems, which can create electrical noise that interferes with lesser electronics. The PBS-II is a true multi-output ignition system engineered to handle the complex electrical environment of a modified car.

Why PBS-II Is Ideal for Resto-Mods and Integrated Builds

Resto-mods are about blending classic style with modern functionality. The PBS-II is the perfect bridge for this application. It allows you to maintain the vintage dashboard aesthetic while adding the convenience of power locks and a trunk release.

For resto-mod keyless ignition projects, integration is key. Having one fob that does everything feels "finished." It feels like a production car. Whether you are building a pro-touring muscle car or a high-end custom truck, the ability to control shaved doors or power windows remotely elevates the build quality. The custom car push button start experience should feel seamless, and the PBS-II delivers that integration for vehicles with upgraded amenities.

iKey Premier: When You Want True OEM-Style Passive Keyless Go

At the top of the hierarchy sits the iKey Premier. While the PBS-I and PBS-II are fantastic systems, they still require you to press a button on the fob to unlock doors or authorize the system (unless in manual mode). The iKey Premier changes the interaction entirely. This system offers true "Passive Keyless Entry" (PKE), similar to what you find on a brand-new Mercedes or Corvette.

In an iKey Premier comparison, the defining feature is the "hands-free" experience. You simply approach the vehicle with the fob in your pocket. The system detects your presence, authorizes the ignition, and automatically unlocks the doors. When you park and walk away, it locks the doors and can even roll up the windows automatically.

This is the only product on the market that brings true OEM keyless go aftermarket functionality to any year vehicle. It fits everything from a 1960s classic to a current model daily driver. If you want the ultimate passive keyless entry system where you never have to touch a key or a fob again, the iKey Premier is the only choice.

What Sets iKey Premier Apart from Traditional Push Button Start Systems

The iKey Premier is more than just an ignition system; it is a comprehensive security and convenience suite. It includes a built-in full-feature alarm system with a 2-stage shock sensor, something the PBS series does not offer natively.

It also features advanced dual-antenna technology to ensure consistent range across large vehicles or metal-heavy classics. The fobs are 3-button units that can control up to six independent output channels, giving you massive flexibility for auxiliary controls like air suspension or lighting.

For luxury keyless ignition, the iKey Premier offers features like remote start capability (optional) and the ability to learn up to 4 fobs. It transforms the interaction from mechanical to magical. The hands-free keyless entry is a feature that, once you have it, you never want to live without.

Who iKey Premier Makes the Most Sense For

The iKey Premier makes the most sense for high-end builds where compromise is not an option. It is favored by top-tier builders like Ring Brothers and Revology because it matches the quality of their six-figure creations.

If you are building a vehicle that needs to feel thoroughly modern despite its vintage sheet metal, this is the system. It is also the best choice for daily drivers where convenience is paramount. For high-end keyless ignition requirements, where security, alarm functions, and passive entry are all mandatory, the iKey Premier consolidates everything into one sophisticated package. It is the definitive premium custom car ignition solution.

Side-by-Side Comparison: PBS-I vs. PBS-II vs. iKey Premier

To make the decision easier, here is a direct comparison of the key features across all three systems. This PBS-I vs PBS-II vs iKey Premier breakdown highlights the functional differences.

This keyless ignition comparison chart clearly shows the progression. The PBS-I is pure ignition. The PBS-II adds control. The iKey Premier adds automation and security depth.

Common Build Scenarios and the Right System for Each

Sometimes, seeing a scenario that matches your own project is the best way to decide. Here are a few common builds we see and the system we recommend for each.

Scenario A: The Weekend Cruiser
Vehicle: 1967 Mustang Fastback.
Mods: Mild engine build, stock interior, manual windows, manual locks.
Goal: Reliability and ditching the keys.
Recommendation: PBS-I. You don't need to pay for door lock outputs you won't use. The PBS-I gives you the robust starting power and the clean dash look without the extra complexity. It is the best keyless ignition for hot rods and simple classics.

Scenario B: The Resto-Mod Truck
Vehicle: 1955 F-100.
Mods: LS swap, power windows added, shaved door handles with poppers.
Goal: Clean look and remote entry.
Recommendation: PBS-II. You need to control those door poppers. The PBS-II handles the ignition and gives you the programmable outputs to pop the doors and roll down windows from the fob. It is the perfect push button start for custom builds with added electronics.

Scenario C: The Six-Figure Showstopper
Vehicle: 1969 Camaro Pro-Touring.
Mods: Everything custom. High-end leather, modern electronics, billet everything.
Goal: A car that feels like a brand-new luxury exotic.
Recommendation: iKey Premier. When you have invested this much, you want the "wow" factor of walking up and having the car unlock itself. The added alarm security protects the investment, and the chrome fobs match the premium feel of the build.

Avoiding Overkill — and Avoiding Regret

One of the most common mistakes in choosing the right keyless ignition is either buying too little or buying too much. We see customers buy a PBS-I and then realize six months later they want to add power locks. Now they have to add a separate keyless entry module, which means another fob and another messy install.

Conversely, buying an iKey Premier for a bare-bones track car is often aftermarket ignition mistakes 101. You are paying for passive entry antennas and alarm sensors you might not install.

Be honest about the future of your build. If you plan to add power accessories later, step up to the PBS-II now. It’s cheaper to buy the capability upfront than to retrofit later. If you know you want alarm protection, don’t try to piece together a separate alarm and ignition; go straight for the iKey Premier. Avoiding regret comes from matching the system to the finished vision of the car, not just its current state.

Final Guidance: Match the System to the Build and You’ll Never Think About It Again

The best compliment we get is when a customer tells us they stopped thinking about their ignition system. It just works. It starts every time. It locks when it should. It feels natural.

That seamless experience only happens when you choose the best keyless ignition system for your specific application.

• Choose PBS-I for rugged simplicity and mechanical focus.

• Choose PBS-II for integrated control of power accessories.

• Choose iKey Premier for the ultimate hands-free, modern luxury experience.

All three Digital Guard Dawg systems are built with the same US-based manufacturing quality, the same engineering rigor, and the same trusted security that protects the President’s motorcade. You aren't choosing between "good, better, best" regarding quality; you are choosing the right tool for the job.

Explore Each System in Detail Before You Decide

Now that you have narrowed down which category fits your build, it’s time to dig into the specifics. Each system has unique installation details and customization options that can further tailor the experience to your needs.

• PBS-I Keyless Ignition: Dive deeper into the specs for simple classic builds.

• PBS-II Keyless Ignition: See how the programmable outputs can manage your custom accessories.

• iKey Premier System: Learn more about the passive entry technology and alarm features.

Take the time to get the right system now, and you’ll enjoy a flawless start for the life of your vehicle.