https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...firerbird.html

That's the specific post, I posted it here as well realizing that perhaps the Electronics messages boards might not get as much traffic as this section.

I'll go ahead and post the question(s) here as well, I appreciate any consideration and knowledge you fine folks share with me.

Original Post:

I've been researching VATs all morning, and after having gotten a lot of good information from this site, you folks are extremely knowledgable and helpful. So, to that end, since I feel this question is a bit specific, I thought it best to go ahead and and ask directly.

My father is currently in possession of a '91 Firebird. He recently put in a column from an '85 Trans Am or similar F-Body (I believe, possibly '81?) and now, of course, cannot get the car to turn over from the ignition cylinder. He had a friend who was able to start the vehicle from the wiring harness directly, but he would prefer to get a key or have one made.

My question is, would a VATS Interrogator be a good choice in this situation, or would it be best to buy a chip (ECM or otherwise) to simply bypass the VATS system entirely?

And would the ignition cylinder have any effect on the outcome of the situation? I guess I mean, does it having been had from an earlier model F-Body change the situation to where a VATS Interrogator would be useless, assuming the cylinder and ECM are looking for different resistances (or whatever it may be that allows the vehicle to start successfully) or is that a non-issue?

I personally don't mind going the "chip" route to bypass VATS and get a bit more performance, but thought it best to get the opinions of the experts.

Thanks in advance.


EDIT: Found this website as I searched around, http://clksupplies.com/shop/product_...roducts_id=176 - in addition to the above questions, which I'd like to still get an answer for (can't hurt to get more performance outta the v6) would it be single or double sided keys I'd want, or would it make a difference?

 

The 85 columns aren't even setup for VATS, so you can use any standard key and cylinder to start the car. What you need to do to get the VATS system working again is take the original VATS key and tumbler from the 91 column, and just plug the two wire plug back in at the base of the column. You don't have to have the VATS cylinder in the column at all. Just shove the original key in it, plug it in under the steering column, and just tuck it up somewhere above the driver's side "hush" panel. I put an 85 column in my 89 RS, and that's how I made mine work. The actual key switch in my column is just a standard, non-VATS type. The VATS box doesn't care if the cylinder is in the column or not, as long as it's plugged in and the key is inserted.

 

I greatly appreciate your knowledge and insight my good sir. Question though, how does this change if he no longer has the original cylinder and key?

This helps me tremendously as once I get this information to my father, he's going to allow me to use the vehicle as my current one ('97 Kia Sportage EX) is having some issues, and it's preventing me from going out and getting a decent job. I can only walk/bike so far it seems, and there is no public transportation system here in Round Rock (right outside Austin) And being a competent certified computer technician, it's frustrating to say the least.

Most will find this next statement a practical heresy, but let it be known that I've loved F-Bodies all my life and will continue to do so, but here goes:

I regret always my ex getting the 2004 SRT-4. Now that was one fun ride. I'd chew up Mustang GTs like nothing. Current model Mustangs, perhaps not, but anything prior, even some "modded" (or so the owners claimed) never once got me.

LS-1's on the other hand, heh. Need I say more? LT-1's were hit or miss.

Once again, I greatly appreciate this. If for any reason anyone wants to add any additional information or more specifics, please, feel free.