Eliminate VATS in OBD1

[ddahlgren]

I was looking at the software to tune my OBD1 car this spring and the VATS disable is in there as a choice either have it work as intended or turn it off. It would be simple to read the original chip turn off VATS and burn a new one withought it active until all the parts are aquired or a safty net to plug it in if the Syatems dies wheile on a trip. I would assume an OBD2 ECM could be reflashed as well without it.. I would think they generally add features rather than take them away.. If not VATS in OBDII at least the current anti theft device.. I do know there is support to 96 cars...

Dave

 

[topless82vette]

I was looking at the software to tune my OBD1 car this spring and the VATS disable is in there as a choice either have it work as intended or turn it off. It would be simple to read the original chip turn off VATS and burn a new one withought it active until all the parts are aquired or a safty net to plug it in if the Syatems dies wheile on a trip. I would assume an OBD2 ECM could be reflashed as well without it.. I would think they generally add features rather than take them away.. If not VATS in OBDII at least the current anti theft device.. I do know there is support to 96 cars...

Dave

That will only allow fuel and injectors to work is all. vats will still lockout starter enable till it see's the right resistance. You will have to bypass your starter enable relay as well.

 

[ddahlgren]

I know that but moving 2 wires fixes that real quick.. Just wire it like it is 1970 again.. What bothers me is there are plenty of reported problems with the vats system and it offers no real security though I have no idea how deeply buried the vats header is to start jumping things.. My personal issue if that is the right term is everything that makes my car more secure is an identical problem for me if it fails and i need to be somewhere an air port pick up one of the kids a date etc. I am personally looking for reliability and a restored car that drives like the original and feels like it in every way with none of the down sides a plus for me. Being in the automotive aftermarket electronics biz I get very suspicious of 17 year old non surface mount parts and would like to keep those to a minimum and still have the car feel the same..
Dave

 

[topless82vette]

only problem vats is usually accustomed to is lack of maintenance. I replace my tumbler and key every maybe 2 years and it has never given me a trouble. I also have vats on my 1997 camaro 3 tumblers and same thing no problems.

Its not as easy of a system to get around as you think, especially when it goes into a sleep mode when the wrong resistance is read by the decoder box.

ask people who claim problems, do you change the tumbler set periodically and I bet there answer is never and then ask why. Surely it's because I don't want to spend the 100.00 bucks for the tumbler and key. whats a 100.00 bucks break down to every 2 years.

 

[ddahlgren]

You have reenforced my distrust of the system. I would be on my 9th set of keys and locks.. It is like the Low tire pressure sensors held on with a hose clamp. Another poorly thought out system. Mine will be leaving in a couple of weeks they are well documented to fall apart with occasional disasterious results. From what I can see the C4 is a great sports car that a couple too many young electronics guys added bells and whistles that did not increase performance or functionality. I would rather they spent the R&D dollars on a stiffer chassis and larger brakes The 4+3 transmission from what I have read a last ditch effort to get through emissions with an untested part that went through several modifications before going with the 6 speed and a real transmission that was well thought out. I have come to the realization that for me the ideal C4 would be a 94 to 96 six speed with no options other than possibly suspension ones. Standard radio power nothing other than what you are forced to have in the base model. I am willing to bet if I deoption a C4 I can cut 400 lbs off the car and have it still pass all laws EPA etc.. Think how much more agile and responsive a 2800 lb c4 would be. I think I might be more of a minimalist than the average Corvette owner, Being in the racing biz for over 30 years can do that LOL..
Dave
Dave

 

[gmjunkie]

The biggest problems I found with the vats system is people carry there keys around with 15 others and ware the edges on the pellet,lent gets in the tumbler contacts from there pocket or women get the slimy hand cream on the pellet and it won't get a good connection!!

 

[zee_oh_six]

I finally grew tired of the unpredictable intermittent starting of my 87 due to the VATS, so I plugged in the $25 "bypass kit" from Mid America. No more problems!

 

[vetteoz]

"Just wire it like it is 1970 again."

As you say ; disable the VATS on the chip for piece of mind and wire in your own disable switch like the old days. Cut the wire between the relay and the fuel pump and it will never start.
You are only slowing a thief down so they will steal something else; if they really want your car that will use a flat bed.