Is VATS making buying a C4 problematic?
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: St. Augustine, FL.
Is VATS making buying a C4 problematic?
New member looking at C4's. Reading about VATS problems and getting a bit anxious. Don't want to be left stranded. Just how big a problem is it? Should I just narrow my search to an 85 without the potential VATS issues? I like the L98 anyway. Thanks for the informed advice.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,429
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From: Minneapolis Mn
Most VATs issues IMO come back to either a dirty key or worn contacts in the ignition switch. It's an easy bypass if desired or replace the parts. You'd have the same issue with any GM vehicle from around that same time frame.
Is VATs a big deal - no. By the way a L98 is a good engine. Perfect - no but a good engine none-the-less.
Is VATs a big deal - no. By the way a L98 is a good engine. Perfect - no but a good engine none-the-less.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Lansing MI
Its a non issue.
The overwhelming majority of vats problems are centered around cars with tilt steering. Obviously the Corvette has tilt steering. Many people will tilt the column up to make it easy to get in the car, then back down once then are sitting in the seat. Over time, this motion will break the wiring at the lock cylinder and cause a no crank problem. Its easy to diagnose and easy to fix. Don't worry about it unless you know for sure your going to be tilting the column every time you get in or out of the car. Even then its still not a big deal.
The overwhelming majority of vats problems are centered around cars with tilt steering. Obviously the Corvette has tilt steering. Many people will tilt the column up to make it easy to get in the car, then back down once then are sitting in the seat. Over time, this motion will break the wiring at the lock cylinder and cause a no crank problem. Its easy to diagnose and easy to fix. Don't worry about it unless you know for sure your going to be tilting the column every time you get in or out of the car. Even then its still not a big deal.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
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From: New Port Richey FL
Its a non issue.
The overwhelming majority of vats problems are centered around cars with tilt steering. Obviously the Corvette has tilt steering. Many people will tilt the column up to make it easy to get in the car, then back down once then are sitting in the seat. Over time, this motion will break the wiring at the lock cylinder and cause a no crank problem. Its easy to diagnose and easy to fix. Don't worry about it unless you know for sure your going to be tilting the column every time you get in or out of the car. Even then its still not a big deal.
The overwhelming majority of vats problems are centered around cars with tilt steering. Obviously the Corvette has tilt steering. Many people will tilt the column up to make it easy to get in the car, then back down once then are sitting in the seat. Over time, this motion will break the wiring at the lock cylinder and cause a no crank problem. Its easy to diagnose and easy to fix. Don't worry about it unless you know for sure your going to be tilting the column every time you get in or out of the car. Even then its still not a big deal.
Last edited by s carter; Dec 8, 2017 at 11:33 PM.
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From: Pine Barrens New Jersey
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...2314-vats.html
If you eliminated every car with a potential issue, you would be left walking.
If you eliminated every car with a potential issue, you would be left walking.
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From: Hartford WI
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: St. Augustine, FL.
Thanks for all the good comments. This eases my mind a lot and broadens my search across the C4 spectrum. Lots of great cars out there to be had at a reasonable price. Thanks again.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: PA
New member looking at C4's. Reading about VATS problems and getting a bit anxious. Don't want to be left stranded. Just how big a problem is it? Should I just narrow my search to an 85 without the potential VATS issues? I like the L98 anyway. Thanks for the informed advice.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: St. Augustine, FL.
not an issue really, get some cheap insurance. Get the C4 you want. If it's a VATs car measure the resistance across the key. Once you have that number order the matching resistance key blank (15 different key blanks for VATs), ebay has 'em cheap. Have the key cut to match in a hardware store. Put the spare in your wallet, $20 insurance plan.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Hartford WI
A pro thief would probably either pass up on it or tow it away. Besides, IDK about you but I pay insurance to have peace of mind so I don't have to worry about these things. IF I am going to worry, I might as well keep the payment
