Key Blanks
#1
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Car: 1995 Formula; 1976 Trans Am
Engine: LT1; None
Transmission: T56; None
Key Blanks
Are GM dealers the only vendors from whom to purchase ignition key blanks for our thirdgens? I know these ignition keys have some type of security device on them, although I am not sure how it works. Anyway, I have only one ignition key, and it is in pretty rough shape. I want to have a few new ones made so I don't end up breaking the old one, and then being in trouble! Thanks for any help.
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Car: '91 bird '87 Z28 '86 T/A
Engine: LO3 LG4(ls1 in works) 350
Transmission: 700R in all
Axle/Gears: wimpy 10 bolts
as far as i know, yes. now if you wanted to you could bypass the VATS to where you could use generic key blanks at any key making location, but if you want to keep the system, then again yes you would only have the option of the dealership as far as i know.
#3
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Car: 86 T/A
Engine: HSR 355
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 posi
You'll see alot of people reccomending to bypass VATS due to them failing over the years- basically bypass it now rather than in some parking lot in the pouring rain.
Also, I see you're in Amherst, I'm out there during the weekdays at Umass.
Also, I see you're in Amherst, I'm out there during the weekdays at Umass.
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Car: 1995 Formula; 1976 Trans Am
Engine: LT1; None
Transmission: T56; None
Ok, good info on the blanks and on th advisability of bypassing the VATS (what's that stand for, anyway?). So, how simple is it to eliminate the VATS so I can use generic keys and not have to worry about being stranded in the rain?
Josh, what year are you at the Zoo? I got out of there with my BA back in '98.
Josh, what year are you at the Zoo? I got out of there with my BA back in '98.
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Car: 86 T/A
Engine: HSR 355
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 posi
Do a search to bypass VATS, alot will come up. I can't recall, but I believe you just need a single resistor (get a meter and read resistance between each tab of your key I suppose). Just search, haha. VATS is Vehicle Anti-Theft System.
It's my second year in Amherst and I hate it. Been trying to transfer for 2 semester now, something always comes up.
It's my second year in Amherst and I hate it. Been trying to transfer for 2 semester now, something always comes up.
#6
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Car: 1995 Formula; 1976 Trans Am
Engine: LT1; None
Transmission: T56; None
Damn, I gotta remember to use the search feature before I ask all my questions. I'll go check it right now.
I hate Amherst, too, but probably for different reasons than you. What's your main beef?
I hate Amherst, too, but probably for different reasons than you. What's your main beef?
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#9
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Car: 1995 Formula; 1976 Trans Am
Engine: LT1; None
Transmission: T56; None
There is a buttload of info in the search results about the VATS system. Doesn't sound like there is a super-simple way to bypass it...have to track down wires and measure the resistance of the chip in the key etc. etc. Maybe once I find a service manual and therefore have a wiring diagram, I'll feel better about tracing wires, but that stuff usually gives me headaches.
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z 1LE/ 89 IROC-Z T-Top
Engine: 305TPI/uh..also305TPI
Transmission: 5SPEED/auto
VATS
Very
Annoying
Tempermental
short-out
Very
Annoying
Tempermental
short-out
Last edited by jumpinjoe; 11-01-2005 at 01:17 PM.
#11
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Car: 1995 Formula; 1976 Trans Am
Engine: LT1; None
Transmission: T56; None
Well, went to the dealer after work and got one set of keys made. I wanted two or three, but when I found out that the blank for the ignition key cost $32, I decided to just get one set for now!
#13
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Car: 1989 GTA
Engine: 355 TPI
Transmission: 700R4 (w/ shift kit)
Axle/Gears: 3.27 (stock)
You can disable VATS in the PROM, but key blanks are cheaper than the burning equipment.
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Car: 86 T/A
Engine: HSR 355
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.77 posi
Originally posted by firebirdjosh
VATS is Vehicle Anti-Theft System.
VATS is Vehicle Anti-Theft System.
Originally posted by jimp2001
Vehicle
Anit-
Theft
System
VATS
Vehicle
Anit-
Theft
System
VATS
#16
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Car: FBODYS
Engine: ALWAYS 8'S
Transmission: ALWAYS MENTAL
Axle/Gears: RUSTY AND BRAND NEW
Wow. Lets see...make my car even easier to steal or spend $20 for a new vats key cut by code at profesional locksmith shop. You decide! I am a master locksmith by trade and see what happens to stolen cars columns quite often. Vats was installed in our cars to help us keep our car, our car.
#17
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Car: 1989 camaro
Engine: 305c.i.d...... FOR NOW
Transmission: 700R4.....FOR NOW
Axle/Gears: 3.42 moser posi
I can get the key blanks for our camaros. Just call the dealer, give them your vin # get the GM number for the key, and give it to me. Or give me your vin# and I have connects to a dealer here in Denver and I can get the number and see if I have the keys. 9 times out of 10 I do I got mine that way. then all you have to do is have them cut. If you are intrested Email me at irockid85@aol.com
Last edited by cherryred89; 11-07-2005 at 10:00 PM.
#18
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Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI LO3
Duno what is up with you guys in MA, but here in NY, extra ignition key is 18$, didnt do anything to my VATS, and I"ve never had a problem w/it. Its a 91 camaro, and i've had my car for 5 yrs. Take it to any professional key place. 18 diff types of "chips" (resistors) in the keys. They just match the resistance and cut the key. Took all of 5 min.
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Car: 1991 Z-28
Engine: 350
Transmission: TH700
You can get them at any locksmith. Mine was $20, from my understanding the "chip" in the keys are set differently. The locksmith I went to said my key was a 20, I'm guessing that was the resistance measured. He said some are set at 21 and 23. That's the only info I have.
Last edited by 91B2L; 11-09-2005 at 03:44 PM.
#20
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You can get the keyblanks from most locksmiths, or off e-bay (search for VATS Camaro or similar) then have it cut. You will need to know the # to order (1-15 depending on your pellets resistant).
Some interesting reading along with a table of the key #s
http://p214.ezboard.com/ftippersforu...picID=11.topic
Some interesting reading along with a table of the key #s
http://p214.ezboard.com/ftippersforu...picID=11.topic
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