Just got a 89RS that had been taken apart, it has the vats module but no key, is there any way to tell the value of the key by the vin and or the serial number from the vats module? Thanks in advance.

 

there are 2 ways to get this figured out that I know of, 1) take it to GM have them hook it up to their computer all it does is have all 12 (I think) resistance values, they plug it in and use a key to start it, if it doesn't work they wait 5 min (thats how long the vats will shut down the computer till it allows you to restart so someone cant steal it) then they try again when they get back to it. However they charge you the shop rate for however long it says its supposed to take, so for instance first try they get it charge you an hour but if it takes more than that they might charge you the extra time.
2) go buy a new vats computer get the key cut or rekeyed with any vats resistor in it, the first time you start the car on the new vats computer it automatically burns in the restance rating and thats what you will use from then on.
there is actually a 3rd way but you need the list of all the resistance ratings and a little electronic skills, I made a circuit that bypassed the vats system by always having the resistance there so I could use it in my car. I htink I spent about $15 at radio shack for a ton of resistors and a board then spent about 2 hours wiring them all together and try it, if it didnt work then I went to the next one. When I finally got the correct one (about 7-8th try) I soldered it to the circuit board. With this way you can hide a switch somewhere that can turn it on or off so if someone did have the keys and you turned off the switch (left the circuit open) then they wouldnt ever be able to start it.
Hope all this rambling on helps, if not email me and I can go into more (or not) or if I am incorrect then someone can correct me.

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'87 Monte Carlo SS,with '89 IROC 350,700 trans, blew up 3.73 posi stuck with crappy 2.73's neeed gears! hooker headers, flowmaster 2 1/2" exhaust true dualls, recently installed a set of alum vette heads 58cc, new cam for a paxton, recently installed paxton, OMG need a posi bad. Found a guy who can build me a ford 9" (yep sorry guys) for less than 500 then comes all the goodies such as disk brakes so on and so on, will it ever end?? I hope not!!

 

WOW. That circuit idea is good. When I switched to a carb, I just found the tan/white stripe wire and connected it to the purple wire going to the "crank" post on the starter. Everything is good now.



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Joshua Johnston
1991 Z-28


350, T-5, K&N, Ported Vortec heads, Edelbrock RPM, Holley 750 D.P., HEI, 11.07:1 CR, Comp Cams Roller-.510"/.520"-282*/288* dur., Shorty Headers, Dual 2.5 Exhaust,Dynomax Bullet Mufflers, T&R Motorsports custom air intake

 

Monte,

You are correct about getting a new vats module. However DO NOT start the car immediatly. Turn the key to the on position for three seconds and then turn it off. This allows the code to burn in. If you start the car immediatly it could scramble a code into the new maodule and make non functional.

This is per the instructions and the tech and the local GM dealership.

Phil

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89 IROC 5.0 TBI
Soon to be a 5.0 TPI, with a disk rear.