rdwalljr

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.

hcbph

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.

PatternDayTrader

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.

s carter

Would I refrain from a C-4 just because of the VAT's NO as many have already stated the big Issue is house keeping, Dirty Abused keys & Contacts. Before 1987 we were having a bit of a Failure Rate of Vat's But a change was made and with that the Failures dropped off to the point of a none issue. If you give the Key a wipe once in a while and Don't jam keys that are covered with Grease, Dirt or Wet and your good to go, and as mentioned there are some ways of Fooling the system if not totally by pass or outright change the normal wear parts.

TA

Not even remotely a concern

bosshog8

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...2314-vats.html

If you eliminated every car with a potential issue, you would be left walking.

aklim

Of course it is a serious concern. But for the low price of $50, and you know we can't do this all day, we will send you not one but two units. Next 50 callers get a set of Ginsu knives thrown in. All you pay is shipping and handling.

billschroeder5842

Aklim, sure that is all well and good, but what I'm really interested in is who lined up to be the spokes model?

THAT is how you move the product!

aklim

If I had my way, it would be Scarlett Johansson or Kaley Couco

billschroeder5842

Good selection. I'm afraid that Hot Rod Roy would want Bea Arthur.

aklim

Oh hell no. This is not a zombie party.

rdwalljr

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.

pacoW

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.

rdwalljr

Thanks! Real good gouge!

thurman_merman

It's easy to bypass the system of you want to go that route. Theft is a minor concern but a real theif would probably know a way around it anyway.

aklim

Yes it is but why screw with it till something happens. It might happen or it might never happen.

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

ChumpVette

18 years of ownership. Never a single problem related to VATS.

thurman_merman

It was acting up for me. It was probably just the key but I didn't want to worry about it anymore.