Is it possible to keep the VATS in an Engine swap. I know in my 91 GTA and my buddies 95 LT1 our key blanks are the same just the resistor chip in the shaft of the key is different. So if you got the key to your new engine could you not have new set of keys made up with new engines resistors but your ignition locks key pattern. Only reason i ask is cause Fbodies without VATS are in the top 15 vehicles stolen every year in my area. And if i were to swap engines ever i think id want to do the little extra work to always wake up to my car in the driveway. Also just wondering what years have the resistor chip in the keyshaft approach.

 

yeah its possible if its wired up if you use the 4th gen vats, i don't know about the thirdgen vats.

The easiest way would be to swap over the steering column from the LT1 parts car and wire up the 4th gen "vats box".

Another way would be to get a blank key with the correct resistor value and have it cut to match your key in your thirdgen steering column. You would also use the 4th gen "vats box".

Car alarms aren't too expensive either, if you install them yourself.

 

Use a VATS bypass module and wire it in a handy place with a connector. When your leaving the car somewhere sketchy just unplug the module and take it with you. The modules are small... as in alarm fob small and they are only $40 bucks

 

I thought the Starter is still protected by the original 3rd gen VATS despite a disabled VATS in the Engines PCM?

 

I dont know how the 3 gen VATS works either but i wouldn't use it as I have seen many many posts from others having issues with it. The LS1 VATS cuts fuel and is simple yet effective.

 

so i can swap in a 94-95 lt1 and leave the pcm stock... get this box for 40$ and the engine will run in my car??? where do i purchase said box?

 

this is correct.


you do not have to disconnect vats.. you do not have to swap vats.


if you wish to do nothing, you can disable it in the PCM, and it still works as a starter disable.

if you wish to use it to your full advantage, you just have to connect the ONE vats signal wire that used to go to your stock ECM, to the new PCM.

 

I'm planning swapping a TBI engine for one with TPI, I could do the same and keep my keys?

Also, anybody know more about this, just for the heck of it?

 

Yeah, I'll send you a PM...