I just bought an 89 iroc project. The car has no ignition key and I was wondering what are my options here. Cheapest methode is prefered. How can i find what key i need??? Dealers dont know for anything older than a 90. Also i have a dummy key that goes into the ignition but wont turn once it is in. Should the dummy key be able to turn the ignition without the chip in the key but not crank the motor over??

 

The "dummy" key should turn the switch without the resistor, it just won't start the car. If switch won't turn, you don't have the right dummy key.

You can get a new lock cylinder and install (not too expensive) - "rent" a steering wheel puller from Autozone).

This link:

http://www.12vp.com/info_resistors.htm

has the 15 resistor possibilities. You'd have to get each of the resistors and try them one by one under the column to get the right one. See this tech article on where to try resistors:

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

When you get the right one, then you can 1) just solder it in and forget VATS, or 2) get a new key at ACE Hardware for $20.00 - just get them a dummy key, and tell them which resistor from the above list it is - don't tell them it's a 1.5K resistor, tell them it's key number 6 (the sixth one in that list). Then, with a digital multimeter to make sure (BEFORE THEY CUT THE KEY), measure the resistance on that key they have, and it should match. If it matches, THEN have them cut the key to match your working "dummy" key, if it doesn't, try the other keys they have until you find a pellet key that matches the resistor that worked. The resistors should be at Radio Shack for cheap.

 

Couldnt you just bypass vats at the starter relay? Im new to this, but I bought a 92 project car and finally go engine in and started wiring. WEll it has VATS and key wouldnt engage starter. i spliced the yellow and green wires together from the starter relay. Do a search on it, should be better directions out there. Now it starts with the key.

I do not have an ECM in mine, not sure if that matters.

 

The VATS also tells the ECM the pulse the injectors, so if you just bypass the VATS for the starter relay, you engine will crank, but not start for lack of fuel.