[greg-sls]

It looks like the VATS wiring in the photo. Like you say, since you bypassed it, those wires are now defunct. I'm thinking there are other wires that are not making contact inside the tumbler or column that could be your problem. I'm not positive, but the Starter Enable Relay (SER) is under the dash kind of above the gas pedal, but more towards column, if that makes sense. You should do a cranking test (key to start position) to see if the SER is getting juice on one of the primary leads. If nothing, then you have a problem in the tumbler. The good news is you've torn it down so you are nearly there for the replacement, if need be. If the SER gets juice, then the next fault along the way could be the NSS (neutral safety switch). Finally, it could be the starter. BTW, do you get accessories to work in the "on" position?