So I finally came to the conclusion VATS had to go.
I have been talking with Tuned Performance about some of the problems I've been having.( He is a member and sponsor here)


In the end this is what was done.

A 1992 EPROM
A total VATS removal within that EPROM.
A slightly higher TCC lock up.
A speed limiter delete.

Here are some photos on how easy it is to take out and install a EPROM with a few "nice" features added and have VATS removed and be done with your VATS problems.

First remove the top panel under the passenger side leg compartment.
Then remove the two screws holding the ECM in place.
Slowly swing the ECM to the front and lower it with wires at the top.
(Some might need to remove a small black plastic box to get enough room to do this.)
Gently remove the small cover and gently pull out the larger black chip.
You might need to slowly/gently use a flat head screw driver to get it started.

Remove and replace with the new chip.

That all there is to that.

Installation is reverse......

Jumping the VATS starter enable relay is necessary and that process is covered in reply # 3
I even pulled the VATS fuse. It is not needed any more.

He's really easy to deal with and has helped me tremendously.

Just send him a PM.

 

Tuned Performance

 

Here's the relay bypass.

I don't have a photo of my bypass but found this.
The Enable Relay is located in the drivers side kick panel.

I could have spliced the two wires together but wanted to leave the connecter intact. So I
remove the relay and jumped the connector in a similar manner using the two large outside wires.

I would definitely spend some time making sure the connections were solid . I even used a zip tie around the connector and jumper and then everything was taped over.

At this point I even removed the VATS fuse.

 

Ron, Thanks again. I have a email out to them. I wish I would have found this post earlier today.

 

I have a lot confidence in Tuned Performance, because of the help I have received from him here.

Having him send me a custom EPROM with VATS removed and some extra goodies worked out great !

I much prefer an aftermarket alarm system and a simple kill switch than fighting with VATS.

 

Speaking of car alarms,
I just pull the ECM/ Fuelpump fuse under the hood. Cheap and free.

 

Nice.

 

........

 

I hope this information will help by showing this "very" simple way to remove VATS and make changes to enhance the EPROM.

 

I don't have that problem with my '83 w/Q-jet.

BUT... I know a lot of guys that have this problem. That's why I vote.... Yes !

Rod

83ZZZ28

 

Bump

 

My 84 doesn't have this problem either.

+1 to Ron for getting this fixed though because of all the issues I see cropping up on here about the EVIL VATS!!

 

tuned performance you say, sounds like good info to have around,

 

I know this is a year old thread, I've been looking for a chip. Does Tuned Performance still offer this service, and use this site. I sent a message and email I didn't know the best way to get in contact with him so I tried both.

 

Does he answer you? i need him too..

 

No I haven't heard anything back yet.

 

I've messaged as well, but no reply. Anyone have a number to reach him at?
Thanks,
Adam

 

Does anyone know someone that make the same job??

 

I had some issues with the VATS system. For about 2 weeks the car started sometime, but sometimes I had to wait 10-15 minutes before it started up.
The keys I have was nothing wrong with.

So I did try this way to remove the relay and put the cable between those 2.
It started up just fine and I do not see any problem so far with it.

 

As far as Tuned Performance is concerned I have not seen him around for a while.

 

I see you did edit your post, but to clarify one thing. I also open up the relay and pushed it together and I could crank the starter, but could not start the car, due no fuel delivered. When I did remove the relay and made the bypass I also got fuel. Al other is stock on the car. So yes this bypass the VATS system and with that I think its just bad design. It make the VATS useless and nothing you should trust like an anti theft system. You need a better system. I will install a self made alarm and anti theft system.

 

Yes I did edit my post because sometimes I get a head of myself.
I re read what I wrote and don't care for its wording or leading in a direction I don't want to go.
I really should read what I wrote twice before hitting "Submit Reply"


I will tell you this. When a VATS Module starts going bad it will do things the way it wants, when it wants and behave in a very strange manner and its all “intermittent”.It will drive a man crazy and I can testify to that.
Tuned Performance"IS" the man and in my book always will be. The list of the contributions he has made to this forum is very long.


Trying to find someone that offered his services at a reasonable rate will be hard to do.


I prefer a "slightly modified" aftermarket alarm system with a kill switch when replacing VATS.
Even if your VATS system is working, I still suggest an aftermarket alarm system because of the features VATS "does not" have.


Slightly modified would be =
Extra siren in the cab under the dash somewhere.
Battery back up
placing the main module somewhere other than the kick panel.


With that and a kill switch the only way it can be stolen is buy towing/haling it somehow.

 

I know what you mean. Sometimes you want to move back in time and redo something you wrote.. lol.

Still working now and I really dont know why. It should work like you sad, but strange it also give fuel. But I would like to remove all stuff or even remove the whole computer and replace it with something better. But I think I need to learn how to hack it first and re program the PROM. 3:e firebird I had( have 2 now) and there is always something strange going on that I have no clue why. With a better computer that could give more information I would have better way to make them go better. would cost less and take less time.
About a alarm system they often sucks and you can often build one that is a lot better yourself with little effort.

 

Hi all

I may be able to help - if anyone is still in touch with Tuned Performance?

I have a 1991 base Firebird 3.1l. VATS was pretty bad, so having tried to get new keys cut, I made a permanent resistor pack and plugged it into the connector in the steering column to bypass the key altogether. This did the job at that level.

I still occasionally find my car refuses to start (no power to fuel pump I believe from listening to it) so the module is bad. So far every time I've waited 10 minutes and it works again like nothing happened - but now this is my daily car it's not OK to routinely risk not being able to start for 10 mins - and this could mask another problem growing worse.

I could easily burn an EPROM, I have the tools and more importantly I'm part of my local hackspace with plenty of massively overqualified electronics engineers I can ask to assist if anything is outside my experience.

What I need is the updated EPROM image to burn to the chip. Does anyone have this, or if Tuned Performance are no longer in this game, can anybody ask them very nicely if they'd provide this please? Happy to respect any licences or restrictions - I primarily want to fix my car, and am happy to 'give back' by providing a fix. I am based in the UK but willing to post anywhere for expenses only.

If there are already internet resources for creating the EPROM image for our vehicles - please do point me to them!

Cheers
Alex

 

Send him a PM, he posts on here frequently

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/member.php?u=138103