I lost track of the keys to my 89 RS, and I didn't have any backups yet because I had only recently bought the car. Getting a new set made could cost me around $200, the main obstacle being the VATS system, as Chevy's readers only go back to 1990 (so they would have to manually try every code which direly affects labor costs). So, here's the question: is there any trick to get around this system, or any way to find out the numer? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Yup.

See the attached link:

http://www.camaros.net/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=000716

Buy the 15 specified resistors, or a single potentiometer capable of being set to the 15 values specified. Disconnect the VATS wiring harness into the steering column and plug the resistors into the harness going to the VATS module, one at a time. Try to start the car, waiting the 4 minutes between each start. When you figure out which one you need either leave it installed, or have a new key made with that resistor in it.

Here's another link:

http://www.camaros.net/forum/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=002598

why not just get rid of the system altogether? i don't know what's involved, but you can get columns for 3rd gen F bodies dirt cheap in the boneyards.

Have any of you guys ever had a car stolen ??? If so you would NEVER want to disable an antitheft system, believe me :( Cinder, pay the dealer to get the correct key made, and make sure to get an extra.

there are other ways to prevent a car from being stolen, and a factory installed system is something the bad guys are gonna know how to get around. things like hidden kill switches and even silly stuff like a rev limiter that's not easily accessible that's set at 1000 rpm or something will probably stop more thieves than any vats system.

You can't remove the VATS without some major surgery. It's output to the ECM is a pulse width modulated voltage signal that can't be duplicated. Without this signal the ECM won't even attempt to start the car. Removing the VATS requires removal and replacement of the cars ECM with one from a car or year that didn't have VATS incorporated into it.

The trial and error method for figuring out which resistor you need will only cost you about 5 bucks and a couple of hours of time. Once you find the right resistor you can have a new key made with the correct resistor built into it for about 20 bucks at the GM dealer.