If my 1986 has power door locks, can I just buy a key fob remote and program it? or do I have to buy buy a kit like theVKE1000

I bought keyfobs from my local chev dealer for my '94. You could give him a try.

I believe the passive keyless entry system was not available until the 1993 model year.  I think your asking if a pke key fob from a later year would work on your car, but the answer would be no.  You are correct, you would need something like the kve 1000.  Here is a link with some installation tips:  http://www.batee.com/corvette/keylessentry/ .

Corveddie