LS VATS Delete for LS Swaps
If your LS engine starts and immediately dies, the VATS security system in the ECU is likely preventing the engine from running. Midgard Industries offers mail-order VATS removal for Gen III LS PCMs so your engine swap can run properly.
- ✓ Fast turnaround
- ✓ Mail-order service
- ✓ P01 and P59 supported
What is LS VATS?
VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System) is a security feature built into many GM engine computers. Understanding how it works explains why so many LS swaps start and immediately stall.
What VATS Does to Your Engine
When the ECU does not see the correct signal from the original vehicle's security system, it will:
- Disable fuel injectors
- Shut off the engine after startup
- Prevent the engine from running
This is why many LS swaps will start and immediately stall. The engine fires briefly on residual fuel pressure, then the ECU cuts injector pulse and kills it.
LS PCM VATS Disable
Removing VATS from the ECU allows the engine to run normally in a swap vehicle. The LS PCM security delete is performed by editing the calibration file — no hardware modifications required.
Once the LS swap security delete is applied, the ECU no longer checks for the factory security signal and will allow the injectors to fire normally on every startup.
When You Need a VATS Delete
You will usually need LS VATS removal if your LS engine is installed in a vehicle that is not using the original GM security system. Basically any LS swap project.
Vintage & Classic Vehicles
- Classic trucks
- Muscle cars
- Hot rods and customs
- Pre-OBD chassis swaps
Performance & Race Builds
- Off-road vehicles
- Race cars and drag builds
- Track-only vehicles
- Dedicated race chassis
Custom & Swap Projects
- Engine swap projects
- Kit cars and replicas
- Marine LS conversions
- Any non-GM chassis build
Supported LS ECUs
This service supports Gen III LS PCMs. Both drive-by-cable and drive-by-wire systems are supported.
P01 PCM — Red / Blue Connectors
Used in 1999–2002 LS1/LS6 cars and trucks. One of the most common ECUs in LS swap builds. Widely supported by HP Tuners and PCM Hammer.
- P01 VATS removal via calibration file edit
- Drive-by-cable throttle body supported
- Mail-order tune file service available
P59 PCM — Green / Blue Connectors
Used in 2003–2007 LS1/LS2/LS6 applications. Expanded feature set over P01. The P59 VATS delete follows the same process and is fully supported.
- P59 VATS delete via calibration file edit
- Drive-by-wire and drive-by-cable supported
- Mail-order tune file service available
VATS Delete Service Pricing
Choose a standalone VATS removal or add full LS swap ECU setup to get your build ready to start and drive.
VATS Removal Only
Removes VATS security from the ECU so the engine will run normally in your swap vehicle.
- Disable VATS security system
- Allow engine to run normally
- P01 and P59 PCMs supported
- Same-day or next-day turnaround
Base Startup Tune
Full LS swap ECU startup setup. Includes VATS removal plus all additional configuration needed to get your swap started and running correctly.
- VATS removal
- Electric fan setup
- Transmission setup (4L60E / 4L80E)
- Injector size configuration
- MAP sensor setup
- Engine displacement set
- Disable unused emissions diagnostics
How the Service Works
The mail-order LS PCM VATS disable process is straightforward. Most jobs are returned same day or next day.
Send Your PCM or Tune File
Ship your PCM by mail or send your existing tune file electronically. If you have HP Tuners or can read the PCM with PCM Hammer, a file-only service is available.
Provide Your Build Info
Share your build details — engine, transmission, injector size, MAP sensor, rear gear ratio, and camshaft if aftermarket. This ensures the tune is built for your specific combination.
Receive Your Updated ECU File
Your ECU file will be updated and returned ready to run. Typical turnaround is same day or next day. Flash it to your PCM and start your engine.
What to Include With Your Order
- Vehicle (year, make, model)
- Engine (displacement, LS variant)
- Transmission type
- Injector size
- MAP sensor type (1-bar, 2-bar, 3-bar)
- Rear gear ratio
- Tire size
- Camshaft (if aftermarket)
Common LS Swap Problems We Fix
These are the most frequent issues that bring LS swap builders in for ECU setup and calibration work.
Engine Starts Then Dies
The most common LS swap symptom. The engine fires briefly and immediately shuts down. This is VATS cutting injector output because the ECU doesn't see the factory security signal.
No Injector Pulse / Injector Issues
No injector pulse can be caused by VATS, incorrect injector configuration, or a missing or mis-scaled MAP sensor. Incorrect injector setup causes poor idle and rough starting even after VATS is removed.
Transmission & Fan Problems
- Security light on after startup
- Transmission not shifting correctly
- Electric fans not turning on
- Nuisance fault codes from unused sensors
LS VATS Delete FAQ
Need help getting your LS swap running?
Midgard Industries provides LS ECU setup, LS swap startup calibration, and full tuning services for customers in Longview, Texas and remotely nationwide. Contact us today to get your project running.
Contact UsCharlie Moyer — Longview, Texas
LS swap tuning and EFI calibration specialist. All work is data-driven using real datalogs.
Related LS Swap Resources
More guides and tools to help you get your LS swap running correctly.
LS Swap ECU Setup
Complete guide to LS swap ECU configuration — VATS removal, injectors, MAP/MAF, fans, and transmission calibration.
Read GuideLS Injector Size Calculator
Estimate the correct injector size for your LS build based on horsepower, fuel type, and duty cycle.
Open CalculatorLS Swap Startup Checklist
Step-by-step checklist of everything to verify before cranking an LS swap engine for the first time.
View Checklist