dads84vette

my dad recently got a 1984 vette that the ignition key has a chip on it, and after doing some research, i see they didnt come factory... was this even an option, or has someone messed with crap, we are boggled...

mazdaverx7

my 84 did not have the VATS system and chipped key.

darrylg

No chip key with my 84.

WVZR-1

I wouldn't say they've messed with "crap" but have changed the column for maybe "wear and tear" issues. The VATS wasn't added until '86MY. You could look on the column and there should be a yellow, green or red label with a 7 or 8 digit number on it. That would identify the year of the column. If you have issues with the lock cylinder you could replace the cylinder with the '84MY that would use just the basic key blank. If your column presently has a chipped key you'll need to use that blank regardless of resistance for "reach"!

Does the key actually go deeply enough into the cylinder so that you can't see the chip in the key? You could cut a non VATS on a VATS blank but not the other way.

dads84vette

Thats kinda what i was wondering, if they didnt use a vat key for show... Will be in the garage tonight workin on it... Ill check both key fitment and the column code. If they did swap the column, could they have feasibly integrated the vat system into this car?

WVZR-1

no !!!!

If you actually have a VATS blank when you insert it in a NON VATS cylinder there's a good bit of the key and head that sticks beyond the wings of the cylinder. I would have thought you would notice right off.

dads84vette

after looking things over last night, it appears that the column has been replaced. now the question is, could they have integrated the vat system in? if its not in use, we should be able to just put an oem ignition back in to get rid of the chip key...

Y-ME

No the column merely had wiring that goes to a vats control box in the dash.

WVZR-1

If it works why would you like to change it? Do you only have a single key?

84VetteMan205hp

i thought 84s had vats just not the chiped key

Keystring

No. They don't.

But you should have remembered that because you asked about it last year. Almost to the day.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ette-vats.html

dads84vette

yes, we only have 1 key...

WVZR-1

"84VetteMan205hp"

Oh to be young!!!! Did you ever check the message I posted for you to check in? I found you the "fix" for your CHMSL!

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...heck-here.html

WVZR-1

Just buy the least expensive VATS blank you can find. eBay should be less than $10 in your hand! You should be able to do that locally also.


Buying a cylinder would get you two keys also but it's quite easy to "bust-up" a $100 worth of parts accomplishing the change. A cylinder is probably $20.

PLRX

Yeah, my 84's key has the chip.

ch@0s

Mine does too.

1984crossfirefuelie

Where can I get one of these chips your bragging about? Does it give you 20-30 hp like the other chips?

Benny42

Go to a good locksmith, tell him you want a VATS test key cut to match the 1 good key you have. Its a long blank like a chipped key, but it has no chip (cheap too). Then you are good to go.

Y-ME

If it works, don't worry about it, keep driving.

84VetteMan205hp

lol thats funny i dont remember that. BUT doesnt 84 have something similar to vats