Steve VanS

iTrader: (1)

Hi Guys:

We're building and almost done with swapping an LS1 into a BMW E30. We are keeping the VATS, and have an output module for sending the VATS to the PCM. We'd like to put in an additional cut-off switch for those times we don't want to remove the VATS module.

So, where's a good place for a kill switch:

The coil side of the fuel pump relay?
The coil side of the starter relay?
The power or ground or output wire of the VATS module?
Some other place??

See our swap at:


Thanks Garret & Steve almost done......
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=699289

LS240sx

iTrader: (12)

The starter would be the best since it hard to access and hard to get a strong enough 12V source to it. That is if the break is on the feed wire.

darkhorizon

The starter would be the worst place to put it, you can easily just crawl under and jump it with a screw driver. Spark would be the best place, I would go to the PCM power or the ignition power coils.

I didnt know they had a "vats delete" for passkey 3+. Where did you get yours from?

01WS6/tamu

iTrader: (37)

Cut power to the ignition coils they will have to screw with to much stuff to justify the time in stealing it. If you are using an external module for the vats do yourself a favor and tune it out. If it's the module I am thinking of all it does is mimic the vats signal and is not actually a reliable form of theft protection.

LS240sx

iTrader: (12)

As I said if the cut was before power reached the starter. I understand power at the starter would make it easy to start.

Brismo7

iTrader: (3)

install a switch that will cut power to the fuel pump. No Gas, No Go....

Just hide the switch well


Steve

blacksi

iTrader: (3)

What would you do with the 4 gage or what ever it is wire that powers directly to the starter that they could use to jump with?

That's what I've done. Except I use a magnetic reed switch that you can hide behind/under the panels/carpet. Then instead of pushing a button you swipe a magnet over the switch.

LS240sx

iTrader: (12)

Are you asking what to use to make the break? Im confused by the comment.

I would just use an Isolator switch and hide it under the car near the battery.

blacksi

iTrader: (3)

I am basically saying your idea isn't the best/easiest route. Why try to cut power to something that draws that kind of current. When you have so many other low votage wires that can be easily switched. The idea is to have a small switch that cant be seen. You also have to take into account that you will have to use this switch often. So, you want it to be a smooth invisible motion that deactivates the disabeling or the switch would be spotted. With a little push who needs a starter anyways?

The other advantage of a fuel cut at least in my honda (haven't done one on my ls1 yet) is that there is enough fuel pressure to power the car for a short time. This may get it out into the street or out of a parking spot before it dies. Then the car will stand out more and make the thief more nervous. Theoretically. I have thought about this quite a bit but luckily none of it has been tested. Going to knock on wood now.

blacksi

iTrader: (3)

Oh and to answer the posters question. The best place for a hidden kill switch is where no one else can find it.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

Just put a switch somewhere to interupt the PCM's +12v ING and if the PCM doesn't have power.. no go !

ghettocruiser

iTrader: (17)

I have a mag. reed switch on the 86 I just bought. It requires you to place the little tag JUST right. Or else the car will do nothing. No crank...no nothing. If you are off by just a tiny bit, the switch will not trigger. Also, I tried to trick it with pen magnets. Tried using two at once, tried a big magnet...nothing. Couldnt get it to work. Works really well.

I think Im going to upgrade to the racetronix fuel pump harness...and when I do, Im also going to install a manual switch to kill fuel pump power. That wont get used all the time. Only when I feel its needed.

I tried using the vats bypass module as a security device. Its just not the best solution.

Here is my key tag...And there is NO visual evidence of the receptor. Its hidden behind the dash plastic in an odd, but convenient place. But thats all Im going to say about that At first it was sort of a pain to unhook the tag, place it, then put it back on my keychain. But Ive since become accustomed to it, and I dont even think about it now. And if I ever loose both of my tags, I know how to manually disable it. Takes some work, but Ide never be stranded.




J.

86 Silverado LS1

iTrader: (2)

Just hide the switch under a set of work gloves. Lazy azz thieves will never touch them!

Steve VanS

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the replies. I think the reed switch is the ***** -- absolutely no way to figure it out if you don't know what/where it is. I decided to put my switch on the coil-side of the main relay: No PCM, no fuel pump, no key start to the starter.

67rsss

iTrader: (4)

For added security at car shows, replace a few fuses with blown ones. We have several dissable techniques on our car, but even after shutting off the fuel pump with a hidden switch, and the ignition wire to the starter with a fake connector, we like to also replace the fuel pump fuse with a bad one. An extra layer of security to delay a resourcefull thief. It is much easier to trust your fellow man if you have made it harder for him to be untrustworthy...

terryr

I saw an idea where you run a ground wire from a fused wire to ground. It is normally Off. For security you flick it On. Then if they try to run the car, the fuse grounds and blows. To start it they have to search the fuses and replace it.
Just remember to switch it off before starting.

hotrod51

iTrader: (1)

If you want to "hide in plain sight" use an existing switch to enable your security devise. Such as, park lights, or some other accessory before the car will start.

slow

iTrader: (7)

hook up the seatbelt ground so it grounds a relay that allows the pcm or starter to be enabled.

Most theives will not think about buckling up, and it is something that you can do automatically and not worry about anybody seeing the switch.