Thatcham-approved immobilisers

[Bill4553]

I seem to be posting new topics to this forum on a pretty regular basis at the minute... Sorry for tying-up everyone's time!

Does anyone know if the standard factory-fitted immobilisers on C4s are Thatcham approved? It seems to be a requirement of some insurance companies that an approved immobiliser be fitted, otherwise you are not covered for theft. Alternatively, are there any easy parts that can be removed (eg. rotor arm) that would prevent it being driven-off by someone??

Thanks

Bill

[vetteheadracer]

Hi Bill,

Er, "Rotor Arm" you don't know much about Corvette C4's do you? If you can find the "Distributor" on the car in less than 20 minutes let alone get it out of the car in less than 4 hours you deserve a prize!

The word "Opti-spark" or "that effing thing that is full of water and causing my car to drive erratically" will soon be part of your vocabulary

Simple answer on the "Thatcham" alarms is use an insurer that is happy with the factory fitted one and doesn't require an additional alarm. Try Adrian Flux Insurance, they don't usually require one.

[Bill4553]

Yes, i was being slightly facetious about the rotor arm now that everything is computer controlled etc. I guess that there are no similar tricks with these 'modern' engines?

Thanks for the thoughts on the immobiliser - This was just a requirement of my current insurer if I transferred my policy to a new vehicle.

Regards

Bill

[c4koh]

Bill,

The VATS (vehicle anti-theft system, I believe) system on the C4 needs a matching key and resistance chip; reading through the schematics, this will disable all sorts of things.

However, as was already said, there are a number of insurance companies who know what they're talking about, and understand "what's what" from the American vehicles... They'll likely not request a Thatcham alarm, and be a darn sight cheaper too.

Try MCEdwards in addition to Adrian Flux: I'm fully comp on my ZR1 for 7500 miles, including commuting, for under £384, and that's with 6 points too

[LuS1fer]

Flux wanted a Thatcham immobiliser on my Z06. I told them to get stuffed as no-one was screwing with my wiring. MCE are good and although I eventually went with Hill House, I doubt they'd be interested now.

Try Headley Insurance who are now starting to do some good deals on American stuff. I have my '98 Z28 with them and they beat everyone else.

James Veevers 01420-594242