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If the starter is not engaging--I'd suspect VATS problem first. Have you tryed another ign. key in the switch ? There are contacts inside the steering column which "read" the resistance of the "pellet" in the key. The pellet must be clean and the contacts must be clean. You don't have a "neutral safety switch" w/your manual tranny--you DO have a clutch switch as someone else mentioned.. There is also a starter relay behind the I/P or the starter itself may be bad. I'd suspect VATS first because that system has given enough problems that(also as someone else said) there is a aftermarket VATS bypass kit available Since the starter is not turning-- the "opti distributor" is not your problem. 
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A big THANK YOU to everyone for your comments on my recent post that my 1992 Corvette would not start.
Many of you suggested that it was the VATS (Vehicle Anti Theft System) and hat is exactly what it was.
I checked the OHMS reading from my keys, purchased the proper resistors, soldered them in-line, enclosed them in shrink tube, made the bypass per instructions and within minutes, the new connection was made and the car started right up.
It has been a great week!!!
This forum in incredible and has a lot of merit.
It is great to be a part of a group of people who share a common bond among Corvette owners.
I hope to be of assistance to others in the future.
With greatest appreciation.
Russ...
WEGOTYM (We got time)
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Lifetime Member
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Send PMModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22714
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Glad you got it taken care of! It sux when ya can't drive your Corvette!
Did ya happen to take any pics of the modification? If so, pleas feel free to share!
Did ya happen to take any pics of the modification? If so, pleas feel free to share!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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It is such a closed in space for trying to take photos that I didn't.
I will grab the web sites that had diagrams and post them.
They were quite valuable.
Thank you for your input.
Russ...
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Send PMHuron, OH - USA
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -
Every now and then, I have the same problem. When this happens to me, I just take the ignition key for a walk and get it about 2 blocks away from the car for 5 minutes. After this brief little exercise, the car starts right up
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Send PMHuron, OH - USA
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -
forgot to say, a good GM tech once told me the signal between the ignition key and the VATS can get hosed. When the key is moved 100+ yards from the car, the signal is broken. The VATS needs 5 minutes to exhaust its retries. Then when you return to the car, the VATS is refreshed and the signal is refreshed
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Thanks for the information.
I hope I never have to use it but will be ready if needed.
Russ...
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Send PMWarsaw, IN - USA
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 17
Vette(s): 1991 Coupe ACI ground effects,billet specialties wheel,flowmaster,k&n.
I was ready to sell my vette the first year that I got it. That vats thing would drive me nuts. Puy the bypass on and 3 years now and no trouble. Glad to hear you got yours fixed.
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L
[QUOTE=redvette89]forgot to say, a good GM tech once told me the signal between the ignition key and the VATS can get hosed. When the key is moved 100+ yards from the car, the signal is broken. The VATS needs 5 minutes to exhaust its retries. Then when you return to the car, the VATS is refreshed and the signal is refreshed[/QUOTE]
This isn't correct. The VATS doesn't work that way especially in the cars that didn't come with the proximity FOB. The VATS strictly works with the resistor in the key. And it doesn't take 5 minutes for the VATS to reset or "your tries" to run out.
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Send PMHuron, OH - USA
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -
Now I'm curious... when the car is "dead" and I get the key away from it for a short period of time, it starts right up. This happens to me anywhere from 1 to 3 times a year over the last 6 years. I'm not very knowledgable in electronics but know enough to recognize the key doesn't have anything more than a resisitor as you pointed out. I just know this quick step gets me going again. So technically, why does this work?
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in Forum: C4 Electrical, Body and Interior
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