Gentlemen,

As a sanity check, and before I embark on making some very costly mistakes, could I get verification ( from those who know for sure ) about the following points pertaining to 1996 LT4 CE electronics and the computer system:

[1] Stability control can be completely disabled EASILY. (Not just shut off, but completely DISABLED.)

[2] Likewise, the anti-locking brake system can be completely disabled EASILY. (Not just shut off.)

[3] The tire pressure sensing system (I think it has this.) can, similarly, be removed or completely disabled EASILY.

[4] The adjustable ride quality system may be completely disabled by simply replacing the shock absorbers, and physically removing the cables.

[5] Driver seat belt and seat may be replaced with harnesses without causing starting or drivability issues.

[6] Steering column lock mechanism may be disabled and removed without causing starting or drivability issues.

At this time, I am not looking for detailed, step-by-step processes - I can search here for those when the time comes. I just need to know which, if any, of these procedures will produce nightmares - and how big. Equally, I shall be happy to telephone anyone who needs to relay complicated or question-and-answer-type info.

We will appreciate ALL responses and opinions, but shall really value the consensus of those who have actually performed these disabling and removal processes.

As always, thanks for your help!
Ed LoPresti

 

Without getting into tearing electronics out or bypassing everything, disconnecting or otherwise mucking with your brake fluid level sensor should take care of these two and illuminate your service ASR & ABS lights.

 

If retaining stock engine management (ECM ) and CCM (BCM ) then you will need a VATS bypass module because the VATS required resistor pellet in the key is read by contacts in the ign switch
No VATS = no starter ( easily bypassed ) but also no injector pulse from ECM to fire injectors

 

Unlike the C5/6, all can be easily disabled without having any performance issues, you'll just have a few lights illuminated. Those are easily solved by removing the bulbs.

- You can disable ASR, ABS, etc by pulling the right connectors.
- TPS can be removed from the tires. Remove the module if you want to go the extra mile.
- The adjustable shocks, can be approached as you've said or more simply, just removed the shocks.
- Seat Belt can go although you'll get a seat belt warning on the dash
- Rodj mentioned VATS, that would be the most difficult.

 

Sinistrad, Rodj, and 96GS,

This is why I love this Forum - it's a Corvette Encyclopedia!

Rodj - Our plan is to retain the original ECM. Any thoughts about the cost and time to install the VATS Bypass Module? Are RELIABLE ones available used?

Thanks,
Ed

 

VATS bypass is a glorified resistor that mimics the ignition key value. Used to be about $30. Easy to install.

It's been awhile, but IIRC, installing the VATS bypass keeps the PCM "awake". As such, you'll have a higher current draw from the battery and you'll end up with a dead battery in a week to ten days unless you keep a charger on it.

 

FYI, stability control did not show up on the 'vette until 1998. No C4 had it.

I have not owned a car with ASR, but that would be the one I'd wonder about. The accelerator cable from the pedal goes into the Bosch box, not directly to the throttle. I wonder if you can just disable it, or if you'd need to buy a throttle cable from an L98 car (or similarly mod something up to work)?

If you are gonna go race-car on it, why not start with a '91 or earlier? More engine options available, no ASR, stiffer springs from the factory, 275's all around, cheaper to purchase.

And why would you disable ABS?

 

IIRC
On the later cars with the VATS integrated in the CCM ( not as a standalone module as with the earlier cars ) the resistor trick doesn't work because the CCM looks for a resistance change as the key is turned on?
You either program VATS out in the tune or install this module
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ss-module.html
which supplies the fuel enable signal direct to the ECM doing away with the VATS components altogether
Still have to rewire starter

 

I read somewhere that disabling the F45 shocks will limit the car to around 90mph.Not a 100% though.Removing the seats & belts won't cause any issues but a seat belt light on the dash.

 

True. My response was regarding the OP desire to remove the ignition switch/column lock. To do that, one just needs to replicate the key value

 

Not on '96s. Everytime I'm on the track I see in excess of 140mph and my F45 shocks are long gone

 

ASR is "OFF" by default and when it's in that position, ASR does nothing. As far as a throttle cable, an L98 cable and assembly should fit in terms of length. But it might be a good idea to use the gas pedal assembly from an L98 car to avoid having to mod the cable attachment. The LTx cables also were a part of the cruise control module so that system would either be removed or re-connected. Cable here may be different lengths and IIRC, the location and size of the CC unit is different.

But one of the things that ASR does when turned "ON" is to control ignition timing. The system will cause the ECM to retard ignition timing when the various ARS sensors (Lateral accelerometer and VSS sensors) detect a condition that will cause ASR to work. Removing that function will require a change to the ECM files.

From what the OP is asking, it sounds like he is building a race car.

It's easy to remove the factory belts but the seat belt light will stay on (just remove the bulb). The lap belt portion of a harness can use the same seat belt bolts. But no aftermarket harness is DOT approved and their use on the street will be illegal in most all states.

To completely disable the ABS, just pull the harness connector that goes to the module. The entire system can be removed, but it will require major changes to the steel hydraulic brake lines.

 

Ahh - now we are getting a little deeper into it. Thank you, one and all, for the more granular detail, anticipating my questions, and playing "what if"!

As many of you have guessed, when this comes about, it will be a track car. We are right at home managing changes to the chassis and suspension, but not so much the motor and electronics! We are hoping to walk a fine (theoretical) line between performance and reliability - where basic drive-train maintenance can still be performed by a Corvette garage, if necessary.

To answer a couple of the more common questions:
We are after the LT1, or preferrably the LT4 motor, because it provides more "delivered" power over the L98 = less tinkering.

We would not want a track car with commercial grade anti-lock brakes or stability control. Those activities are the job of a good driver, and we have seen too many instances where ABS (in particular) has not allowed the driver to adjust to something as simple as a deflating tire. In spirited driving on the road, such aids are fine; but on the track they can be dangerous.

So far it appears that simply disabling things is somewhat trivial, but actually removing these systems involves a whole other level of complexity.

I appreciate all the imput!
Ed

 

With the money saved going with an 88-89 you could get a nice intake for it. Just a thought! My '88 has been enjoyable to work on. ABS can be disabled by pulling the fuse. I actually removed the parts and redid the lines for weight savings.

 

It may be on a 96 but the default on my 92 is ASR on.

 

Default for the '96 is also on.