I'm buying this 1990 Camaro RS. The owners said it won't start cause of the security system in the car, Does that sound right? They said they went to the dealer and had a special key made but still nothing, maybe wrong code or chip. Is there a way to bypass the system?

 

I am thinking that only Pontiac and Cadilliac had the VATS system in 1990.

but to bypass this in my old Firebirds (late 80s early 90s), everytime I wanted to put a remote starter in the car I had to find out what the value was. to do this, I would find the value by measuring across the key, then I would put an equal valued resistor in series with the ignition wire. this would allow the car to start without the key. this was not good to do from an anti-theft problem but it was the only correct way to do it

as far as buying the car goes, if he's not willing ot figure out AND correct this problem, stay away from the car because if he is not fixing this, what else is he hiding?

 

See thats what I was thinking to, but I have a 350 motor to drop in it and he wants $300 for the car and its clean inside and out. So I was thinking thats a deal I can't pass up

 

Take SS's advice
Or check it out well. Does it have a title? Is it built from stolen parts? will you be able to register it?
A 90 should have that theft type key. Look at the ignition where you put the key in. If its flat, not curved inwards, then its the anti theft one. I have seen later vehicles have to be reset but I dont think that of the early ones.
You might try lookingup what resistor values are in the keys. I think there are 5 or 6 and then get the resisters with those values and try each one by bypassing it in the plug at the bottom of the column.

 

maybe beause the key has a chip on it? 91 had a chip in the key in order for them to start. possible?