I only have one set of keys for my Camaro. I went to the dealer and they wanted $36 for a replacement VATS key. I said no thanks, and stopped into ACE Hardware next. They want $26 for a replacement VATS key. I completely eliminated my VATS 2 years ago, but the guy at ACE says the grooves are different and he can't cut a non-VATS key for me because it won't fit. Is this correct? Is there not a cheaper solution for the thousands of us that have eliminated or bypassed VATS?

(Not sure if this fits into this Electronics forum or if I should have put it in Interior.)

 

Maybe he means your chipped key wont fit into the key grinding machine?

 

He made it out like one of the grooves for passkey keys was different from non-passkey keys. I found this photo to show what I think he was talking about. I'm going to stop at a locksmith this afternoon and will hopefully get a key that won't cost me as much as these pellet keys do.
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...act=mrc&uact=8

 

not to sound rude but how much are you trying to save? Just looking here for my 88 non vats its 16.99 for keys...

Just wait till you have to buy a key for these damn new cars. Multiple Benjamins...

 

Why do you need another key or keys? Just curious.

 

You mean you have a single set Ignition/Door?

 

The keys for the Vat style ignition is longer than the std. gm key. the groves should be the same.

 

Well I guess the ACE guy scared me for no reason with the groove thing. I went to the locksmith and he knew exactly what to do. Here's the key he sold me. It works just fine and only cost me $3.
ilco P1098 B62

To answer the other questions...
Ghettobird52, it's a fair question, and not rude at all. I'd say that $17 for a non-VATS key is high. The dealer only charges $3.60 for those types of keys, my local one just didn't have any in stock to try to match up. When I went to the one that did, I got stuck with an idiot behind the counter that refused to think outside of the box to help me out.
rbrackett I only have one set of keys, so if I ever lost them I'd likely have been screwed into buying an unnecessary $36 key. I just wanted to have a cheap spare set in case I need it later.
hdavis2005, I can see what you're talking about, it's definitely longer. This key he sold is identical, just not punched out in the middle for a resistor. With the resistor not there, it's easy to see the extra length.

 

Sorry i was looking at keys with new ignition tumbler as well. Almost 10 years ago (wow time flies...) i broke off my key in the ignition. Had to replace it, seems like price has stayed about the same on it.

But yeah i have spares for both door and ignition.

 

Glad you got t straight.