I thought s/e and trans ams were different and my car is listed as such,what gives?

 

It's an error in the VIN decoder.

1G2AX = S/E as opposed to the T/A which was W and the base Firebird which was S.

 

Its a confusing matter, but from 1982 thru 1986 there were 3 basic models:
Base Firebird
S/E
Trans AM.

As noted above, the Firebird was distinguished in the VIN by an "S", the S/E an "X" and Trans AM "W" If you look at the cowl tag on the radiator support you will see your car actually started life as a "Base Firebird" as it went down the line it got the options and parts that made it into a "S/E" or Special Edition. Some places refer to the S/E as a Special Edition Trans AM, but I am not sure if that is entirely correct.

The Trans AM was available with the HO and Crossfire engines, where I do not belive the S/E was. I believe the top engine for the S/E was the LG4 Vin code "H" engine. (Low output V8)

Actually the S/E is the most rare, or unusual of the normal Firebird models offered. Bot hthe T/A and Base outsold them the years they were offered. About 50,000 total production for the 82-86 years offered.

The S/E was marketed as a luxury model, whereas the T/A was more of a Sport model or performance model, however I blieve you could order almost any of the options for an S/E that were availble for the T/A exept for the afore mentioned Engine.

There are other people here that would know more, but I hope that helps.

John

 

The rear window wiper has saved my *** a few times reversing in the rain.Im not sure but I think s/e came with ws6 or ws7?

 

early years WS6 & WS7 were the same except the WS7 was rear drum brakes...

John

 

I got the rear drums

 

I got all the options... Loaded 89 formy
The fact is, SE is a one up trim level in the economy Third gen tier. It isn't, in fact, a rare collectible, unless you mod it yourself, maybe.
Judging from the Pontiac video comp I bought and refer to time and again, the S/E is featured quite a bit as are 2nd gen Birds as they were marketed at the time, the appointments and avail options are the real factors in seperating the models (GTA being the more appointed TA, and expensive), trim aludes [sp?]to interior and exterior. The GM sales videos refer repeatedly to enthusiests who in all likelyhood would prefer to sacrifice creature comforts for lightweight cars, adding to performance. Luxury items add to the over all slowness of the car, and it is likely 'tuned down' as far as factory drivetrain specs.
I'm speaking over the whole of the time period rather then specifics
Bill

 

rare or not as long as the girls dig it

 

Well, to sum up, in opinion, all Firebirds will be collectible now as GM has nixed the idea of resurrecting the screaming chicken. Talk is though that 2007 will bring a new Camaro to Chevrolet. I'll be moving to the Vette though, I have to admit that's the one Chevrolet I really, really like. Just too costly for my blood though.
I did consider a late 80s GTA, they are splendid automobiles
I'm not raggin on ya though, the Third Gens need respect. They don't seem to get enough.
Bill

 

I agree ,sometimes I see someone in a third gen bird and I compliment them but usually I get the impression they dont realize what they have because they dont care,nice third gen or beat up one,I even appreciate the ones I see at junkyards!

 

I got on a 'though' kick there, sorry, stupid me.
I couldn't edit the dang thing either.
Suffice to say, I had a cool car and couldn't get 'chicks', I doubt it's the car....too much hehehe

I agree it's easy to pass by a common enough car, but time will shine favorably. I have an eye for art I think and these cars have always grabbed my eye. Just looking at the side view of the third vs. second gen Birds (I'm extremely biased as a Bird owner/fanatic) that the 3rd gen Firebirds look as natural as anything with their top chopped off as a convertible. There are the few custom 2nd gen DTs but they don't look too natural to me. It stands out, but hard to say if Buick's GN or the Poncho Fiero may be the more saught after 80s future collectors
Bill

 

poncho fiero? tell me more...........

 

The last of the Pontiac Fieros are somewhat prized, even now, because of GM's finally getting something good going and washing their hands of it. In this regard they stay behind the 8 ball instead of in front of it like Chrysler appears to be doing with it's new lineup, however, with Cadillac's Escalade success cobbing up a GMC Denali basically, it's a bit surprizing to even have guessed a Cadillac truck would be a success

 

I spell fun "S/E with 4 on the floor"

 

I started with a manual trans Plymouth Horizon for my first car. I just like the ease of an auto tranny and GM Turbo Hydro is quite efficient in operation...you can race with 'em

 

The 82' Trans Am & S/E both had the same level II suspension in standard form.

In the corners they handled about the same, The T/A was a little lighter but on the street the average driver would not notice the difference.

Level III or WS6 optional on both, My S/E is a sleeper with all available performance/handling options except the cease fire fuel infected V8 only available on the T/A.

82knightrider,

do you have the 30mm front/12mm rear sway bars?
or are they 32/21?

 

82 ws6, Thats a part of the car I havnt learned to much about yet.Do I need to get under there with a ruler or is there an easier way to find out the measurements on my sway bar and stuff?Let me know what I need to do to get those #s and Ill post them.

 

Go to Harbor Freight, and buy a cheap caliber to measure them!
That's what I did, and put it in my tool box for junk yard hunting!
Or, get a paper one that wraps around to measure! You can get these from alot of suspension parts places.
The cheap plastic one I got was around a buck or so.

Good luck,

George

 

thanks for the advice on the measuring tip
Its been raining cats and dogs here in SoCal so I did not get a chance to measure the sway bars today,hopefully tomorrow I will get a chance to measure them

Rich