Looking into adding VATS to my 88 camaro with an Lo3. So far I have a complete column with the keys and a matching module but need the wiring diagram so I know where to tap into existing harness to make it functional. As for reprograming the chip, that shouldn't be a problem because I have the equipment to do so already. Did a search but there not to much on adding VATs just alot about removing it. Thanks in advance,

z28redline

 

Z28

I'm cutting up a 89 camaro dash harness that has vats, it has everything but a decoder box, I can sell you all the related vats stuff from the harness if you want

 

That sounds great. Drop me a email dan@blackbirdindustries.com and we will talk about the details. I'll need all the VATS connectors for sure.

z28redline

 

I seem to recall that trickle down Corvette protection being new in the later 3rd gens. I luckily own an 89 with the resister pellet system.
I had the column recently rebuilt too. It's interesting to hear of a retrofit being done.

Bill

 

Vats can be a pita really don't know why you would want it if you don't already have it. Most look to remove because of problems it causes. But good luck anyway let us know how it turns out.

 

Ah, I just figured out the pita definition! hahaha
Sorry, not too bright.
Anyway, I would also point out the steel pedal lock they used to infomercial on TV was spotted here on an auto parts store shelf, would REALLY be a great advance against theft.

These things are mightly impressive
Bill

 

My VATS prevents my car from starting on a daily basis, and it's getting to be a long 3 minutes. You can obviously see on my key the pellet is all worn down, but it's like $18 to get a new one made.

 

The keys can be spendy, I agree, but I haven't had much of any problem with mine. I think using the Club as I do (got mine from the Goodwill dirt cheap!) works as well, but it's up to each owner in the end... cost was always a factor for me, so having it standard was nice.
Bill

 

if you are woried about theft there are a thousand better ways then vats.

1. unplug the coil wire and take it with you.
2.get a battery shutoff. not a switch but an actual key like device. stock car drivers install them because code says they need a fastway to disconect electrical.
3.pull the ECM fuse when you get out of the car. it won't start without it (at least my 86 won't)
4.club.
5.removeable "race style" steering wheel. can't move the car w/o that.
6. well hiddenswitch in the clutch sensor wire. until the switch is flipped the car thinks the clutch is not depressed. will not start (or on the park sensor for you auto guys)
7.well no more ideas are coming to me but i bet a search would yeld alot of good ones.

most of these ideas (like the fuse and coil wire) are easy fixes for a thief. but most people trying to steal a car won't bother trying to find the sollution to a problem. they will move on.

 

I appreciate all of the replys but none of you have answered the question I had asked. I did a search to find this information and all I get is posts like this, other peoples opinions of what they think you should do instead of adding VATs. I understand were you guys are coming from but I've made my discision and did not ask for opinions on how to keep my car from being stolen. So on that positive note, does anyone know how to do this?
Thanks,
z28redline

 

Hello z28redline,
Since you already have most of the parts you need, I will e-mail you the schematics for the VATS system from an 89 camaro. You will also need a computer chip with the VATS enabled in it for it all to work.

P.S. You now have e-mail!!!!!!!!!!!

 

How about putting in a switch that interrupts power to the fuel pump? Then hide the switch somewhere cool.

 

That would work. Many aftermarket alarms have starter disable and/or fuel pump disable and/or ignition disable. I'd pick that route before installing VATS.

I've bypassed a few VATS systems, never installed one. Nothing but trouble, even in a brand new car. One car had less than 20K on it and less than a year old.

 

What kinds of problems on your new car? I had only one event where the key itself didn't register. According to data I read, this system cut theft rates in Corvettes and subsequently insurance. Another thing I noted on my Caddy is GM Goodwrench stickers claiming a security system installed, but not to my knowledge. If the thief is garden variety, they won't know either...like dummy flashing lights to deter

Bill

 

Was the key cyl on a friends 99 Camaro SS back in 00.
New keys were almost $50 which didn't solve the problem. Since his spare key didn't work I didn't think a new key would help. All keys measured fine with a multimeter too.
Dealer wanted 500+ to fix it. I offered to swap the cyl. but he didn't want to do it. I installed a 15 cent resistor. Good riddens vats.

 

No sign of life when you turned the key? I had my column repaired but can't recall the specific fault though I got a key blank marked with the resistance number and no pellet. I still wonder about the cost of getting it made, but have since misplaced it. Originally had two sets, but over time, things get lost, in my case, due to stupidity
Bill

 

z28redline. sorry to hijack your thread with useless segustions. i always read about all the problems people have with vats.... anyway good luck. i hope your project turns out as nice as stock.

305q_ta86. yes, there are thousands of methods. i listed six of them. we could get a nine page post going and never coiver all of the cool places to put switches and cool things to switch.

 

Security light came on and the car would intermitenty crank after the 4 minutes or so were up. Sometimes it would take half an hour to get it started.

 

No worries. I got the information I needed from the Trickster.

z28redline

 

Hey z28redline can you forward me that wiring info to as I am putting VATS in my 94 s-10 i got the ecm vats module key but the wiring is up to me
jeffvanbeek@cogeco.ca Thanks if you send me some info.

 

Wanna get real elaborate... I use a relay tied to the Main power circuit of the ECM, the input to which is directly tied to ground.. the Other output tied to various common circuits that all come on when you try to punch the ignition.. Apply power without shutting this down first, Blows numerous Fuses.. Making it impossible to by-pass unless you know where the wiring is..

* Im Crafty sometimes..* but that dont defeat he willing. Towtrucks can be stolen too.. ;( = one missing iroc....

 

z28redline.. glad to see someone with some common sense.

a nice simple theft deterrent system that doesn't require any user intervention..

im sure Trickster helped ya out with the schematics, hes always great about that


the starter bypass is the easiest part to add, but if you still need help with it, post here or shoot me a PM with any specific questions you have... i never had a 88, so i don't have the info for the ECM, but i can help you do the starter disable.


everyone else:
lets see ya remember to hit a switch every time you leave and enter the car... oh, and tell everyone who ever has to start it (don't say "no one but me drives it.."..)...
oh and don't forget to hide the fact you're doing it every time.



the only people that have consistent problems with VATS (or anything else for that matter) are the people who haven't taken the time to learn how it works and fix it. or find someone else to fix it if you arnt ambitious.

its annoying to see THE most effective theft prevention system given to us by GM constantly bashed........ because of owners ignorance.


its a resistor in a key. when the resistor is there, it grounds the starter relay and signals the ECM... it cant get much simpler. if you cant troubleshoot a electrical system that simple, its time you learn.

 

i would straight up call you a idiot if i didnt know you were lying...

 

z28redline,

I don't know what else you may need, but I have just taken out my 305 out of my 91. It had the lo3 and VATS system. I'm going carb so none of it is needed. I'll be pulling the ECM and etc. I'll get rid of it for peanuts and shipping if you are interested. Email me davidshera@yahoo.com

 

heres a tip.

pull the ECM
take every "extra" wire underhood out......





but your car wont start if you pull the VATS fuse.


VATS starter disable is still being a good theft prevention device... id just leave it in there.

 

z28redline

have you recieved the vays stuff ??????????

 

All the crap you guys are suggesting still doesn't work as nicely as the VATS... Not to mention always having to hit a switch or pop your hood and take a wire and all that other crap...



I'll stick with my VATS

18$ for a key every 15 years is no big deal when compared to the ease of hopping out of my car and tapping a button real quick to know I am relatively safe.

I'd rather fix the VATS problems as they come along... The system isn't that complicated at all.

 

Jproz1167, I got the wiring. Looks great. Thanks for labeling it all. The system is very basic once you have it all lying in front of you. Once I figure out how I want to run my wiring I don't think it will take me more then a weekend to put it in. I'll keep you posted.

z28redline