I just swapped in a TPI unit from a 91 Transam 350 into my 1992 RS that had TBI and VATS. When I was done, I cranked the car over and it turns over but it won't start. I believe it's timing related but that's a whole separate issue. If this was a VATS issue, would the engine even turn over at all? I've heard some people say that if it's a VATS issue then you wouldn't even hear the engine click. Absolutely nothing will happen. Is this true?

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/vats.shtml


fuel pump priming? could be fuel problem

 

This would happen in certain instances if the following conditions applied.

1. VATS control module failure.
2. ECM failure.

When you swapped the engines over, did you also replace the computer e-prom chip?

 

The fuel pump is definitley priming. I can hear it whine for a few seconds then shuts off.

 

I only swapped in the intake system not the whole engine. It was a 350 TPI system that went on a 305 TBI engine. The PROM came with the 7730 ECM.

 

Didn't you also have to change some wiring in areas like the injectors, Throttle position sensor and some of your other sensors. Just a thought!! When you say the chip came with the computer, I take you also swapped out the whole computer.

 

The TPI system came with the wiring harness and ECM with PROM. I swapped everything out. I had to wire in a few things like fuel pump relay and coolant fan relay stuff but everything else was straight forward.

 

It turns over, it's not VATS.

Yes, when VATS goes out, your car will not even turn over. Had that happened to mine.