kevlisa

Just got a 91 formula 350 and I only have 1 set of keys. How difficult is it to make a copy of the ignition key with the chip in it?

jkris53406

iTrader: (5)

Easy. Any locksmith should have the correct resistor keys and then just copy the key. All they have to do is make sure the key is the same resistance as yours.

kevlisa

Thank you. I remember when these came out it was state of the art technology, seemed a lot more complicated.

LiquidBlue

let us know what you find out. these keys havent been around for a good while now, I'd would not be surprised if the lock smith has to special order

Tuned Performance

iTrader: (92)

Measure resistance of pellet and then you can get blank uncut ones off eBay.

Neil350

iTrader: (1)

Jim is alluding to some thing that is a greater issue, so take heed, these keys haven't been in production since the early 2000s, they're not common anymore. Meaning its less likely you can just walk in to a dealer and a key cut like you used to be able to 10 years ago. I was in a similar situation and this what I did. Measure the resistance and match it to the pellet value on the posted chart, from there you will know the "Number," blank key to purchase. Don't bother with a dealer, I found they didn't have all the correct pellet values and were over priced for the few they had left. Go online and look for a Stratech branded key, these will have the correct GM logo. Next would be to have a lock smith if able or local dealer if able cut the Statech key blank to your factory. Some other things, the key is obviously cut to your ignition cylinder, if your ignition cylinder is worn, this is the time to replace it. The new ignition cylinder will come with a blank key, not a vats one, but you can take that with the Vats chip key and have new keys made.

kevlisa

Some great info here guys, thanks for the replies. Surprisingly the key isn’t too worn out, I think I can get away without replacing the lock cylinder. Looks like eBay is definitely the way to go, lots of blanks on there, not too expensive. I’ll report back when I get copies made.

kevlisa

Silly question...how do I measure the resistance? I'm using a tester but I can't get any reading at all. I'm 99% sure I'm doing it wrong.

Tuned Performance

iTrader: (92)

Ohm setting then the appropriate scale if applicable to meter

kevlisa

Pretty sure I figured it out. Thanks.

pirateofms

I actually just ordered two from a seller on Amazon, ETRZ-Direct , that looked like they had production dates from within the last couple of years. Someone's making them, it seems. $18/ea, while the local locksmith wanted $55/ea for the key.

kevlisa

I ordered an ignition key on ebay from the user onlinelocksmith. It arrived quickly and I had a local locksmith cut it. It worked perfectly. Made me feel good that I read and understood the chart for which VATS key to get. Sidenote, if anyone needs a VATS key in northern NJ, Schmitz Safe & Lock had a wide variety of different ones in stock, plus they have the machine that can tell which resistor your key has. He could order anything you need also.