I had some issues with turning my key yesterday in my 93 Camaro (M5 trans) and in a fit of momentary rage, busted the plastic tabs on it. So I suppose I need to replace it. Do I have to get the cylinder from the dealer since it has the pass-key system?

 

Yep, definitely a dealer item. However, when you get it, it comes with a key with no pellet in it. I got mine and then had to pay $25 more to get a new key cut. Shoebox shows the part number as 26033387.

 

So if the key comes with no pellet, then won't I need to wire in resistors to disable VATS?

 

If you want to disable VATS then just hard wire in a resistor. But if you want to keep VATS like I did, then you need a new key cut for the new cylinder with the pellet resistance value that your EBTCM recognises.

 

The reason it comes with no pellet is so you have a key that is cut right for your new lock. It's only used so you can purchase a blank key with the right pellet and have it cut.

You could always talk to a locksmith about replacing the top of your lock. It's not hard to do. Consittereing the lock assy from the dealer is $100 and a new key is like $25 more for just one key, it might be worth it. You also need to find out what is jamming in your column or it will happen again.

Re'

 

Carquest part # US-160L w/manual trans...... No pellet..... Cost around 45.00...

 

It's like $50 or so from Schlep Boys. You can most likely get it from Advance, AutoZone, Kragen, ect for about the same. If you want to keep the VATS, you will have to have a new key cut (the new cylinder will come with a "code" key that has the key pattern required for the new cylinder) with the correct resistor value. I got key blanks on E-Bay for about $10 each (it has been a while since i bought them) and had the local True Value cut the keys. You can also get blanks at most locksmiths or the dealer - just bring a BIG jar of Vasaline for the dealer....
The alternative, if you don't care about the VATS, is to put a resistor in the circut and have a standard key cut.