Hello all,

This is my first TPI, It came off of a 89' 305 Firebird, w/OD tranny.
Question-This system had VATS, the car I am installing this on doesn't.(85 Monte SS). I have read about using inline resistors to make the computer think that the VATS is working, which I was going to do. But after a little reading I saw "TPIS" referred to in a post as a company that makes "performance parts" for the TPI. I remember seeing "TPIS" on my throtle body cover. So on a hunch I open the computer and there is a JET chip in it. #'s are (part #18812) & carb EO#D-234-2, does anyone know if this chip has the VATS disabled or not.

I plan on starting to burn my own proms sometime, but for now I just want this thing to run.

Thanks for all your help.
Chris

 

not sure about vats being enabled, but that chip is for an '88 which would be different than an '89. '88's had the ninth injector and vats was an option. '89 deleted the ninth injector and vats was standard iirc.

If it does have the Vats enabled, you would still need the vats module and hook up a resistor of the correct value to the module. The module disables the starter relay (easy enough to bypass), but it also sends a 30Hz square wave to the ecm to enable injectors.

 

Cooper,

your right, I forgot about the Cold Start injector. So its an 88'. There was still VATS on this year I assume?

Thanks
Chris

 

where would the VATS module be located on an 88', what kind of harness does it have. There is a f-body salvage yard down the street from, I am sure I can pick up whatever I need there.

 

some '88's had vats iirc but not all. The module is located behind the IP cluster and to the right of the steering column a little bit, not the most fun thing in the world to get to but not the worst either. (For some reason I'm thinking mine was yellow but I can't remember for sure) It has two connectors, connctor A has pnk/blk, dk blu, dk grn, gry, wht/blk wires and connector B has blk/wht, ppl/yell, and orange wires. I got that from the print for an '89 but colors should be close. If at all possible, if you get one from a junk yard see if you can get a key for the car it came out of and measure the resistance of the pellet in the key with an ohmmeter. Once modules are taught the first time they cannot be changed. If the key isn't available there's 15 possible resistances it can be and you'll just have to try each one until you find the right one (and you'll have to wait several minutes between tries too).

 

IIRC and my info was correct, the only cars to get the vats in '88 were the GTA's. Not sure of the rest of the chicken line. Camaro line did not get it till '89.

 

The VATS enable/disable is a single parameter or what is know as a 'switch' on the chip.
I'm pretty sure someone on here would set that for you.

No need to jump thru hoops over that little ol thing.

It probably wouldn't be kewl to ask for free 'tuning' but that's not really tuning.

 

Easiest thing would be to have an '89 chip burned with Vat's disabled...this way you eliminate the 9th injector.

But in reality, VAT's is a good thing...in fact if it were not for VAT's, I wouldn't have my car right now.

Rookie thieves....

 

I think I am going to try to install the VATS into my newly TPI'ed vehicle. Couldn't I install a 165 from an 87' and be done with it though??

 

I believe it was the later GTA's in 88 since my friends early 88 GTA doesn't have vats.

 

I am not sure if the system I have came from a GTA or not. I know it was an 88 Firebird, but that is all I know about the system. I am going to have to do some research on how to check to see where I should have power under the hood with the ignition on.

Thanks for the help guys.
Chris

 

Well I have finally finished the wiring, I have a check engine light, I have power at the fuel pump relay for the couple seconds to build pressure. I also have power at the injectors. Does this mean that VATS has been disabled in the jet chip that I have. I still dont have the fuel tank so I cant start the car, but it seems that everything is working. Right????

Chris