I know the S/E name was dropped in 87. Is there any distinguishing difference from S/E of 86 from the base birds of 87 up besides the TA hood minus the rear vents?

the vin #

It was kind of like the Formula and GTA replaced the S/E. The S/E was a "Special Edition Trans Am". In theory they were suposed to be a more luxuious version of the model lineup, where the T/A was more performance. In 87 the GTA was the up level Trans Am, and the Formula became the real performance model targeted at the Mustang GT.

Obviously this just scratches the surface, but it could also be looked at as if the S/E was disolved into the Base firebird, and the Formula and GTA were born.

Oddley enough I believe the GTA could be ordered pretty base, without many options in 1987.

John

Hey John not to be picky or anything but I would image the Formula's where targeted at the Mustang 5.0 LX and not the GT.

Just trying to keep you on your toes

Later, Garrett



Oh yes the Vin's were Obviously different

The S/E was NOT a Trans Am; it was the appearance / interior option for the base model Firebird. Somewhat analogous to the Berlinetta in the Camaro product line. Some of the performance-oriented options were available on it, but not all.

S/E was basically the same thing as the Esprit was for the 2nd-gen Firebirds. It was a "luxury" version of the Firebird for someone that wanted a nice ride and creature comforts in a sporty package. The deluxed interior and a majority of the power options where standard on S/E's whereas they were optional on base and Trans Ams. To make up for the loss of the Formula from 82-86 you could get most of the performance options that were available on Trans Ams.

Garrett,

Actually according to the 1987 Pontiac Dealer Album the Formula was a "tactical fighter designed to go one-on-one with the Mustang GT. Also figuring prominently in the street fight will be the Camaro LT, Dodge Daytona Turbo and Celica GT. Performance at an attractive price is the greatest consideration"

As for the SE and Trans Am comparison, Many sources call it a Special Edition Trans Am, although just ac accurately it s a Special Edition Firebird.

Some things to note are the S/E had the same Tailights as the T/A for the same model year. Also you could get most any option on the S/E as the T/A less the top engine offerings. The 85-86 S/E got the same Hood as the T/A less the rear side air extractors.

However the S/E got the bumpers and front fenders from the base Firebird.

John

John, Sorry

Looks Like it was me that wasn't on my toes. . Looks like those toes got stepped on.

Later, Garrett

The side pillar badge comes to mind, that and the hood are the two things to look for that stand out the most

The S/E cars were even able to get WS6 as an option. That sure makes it alot different that the base birds.

yea my se came with the ws6 and power every thing the motor was a 305 carberated...but it did also come with the t/a tailights...its an 86

Appearance wise, the 85 and 86 S/E's had unique:

T/A Taillights with a different center section with "PONTIAC" in the lower reflector strip.

T/A style hood without the rear/side vents.

Specific lower body decals and FIREBIRD SE badge on the lower door.

Specific GTA style sail panel birds.

Dont forget the 2-tone feature of the front dash.

Why give credit to the GTA for the sail panel birds, they first appeared on the Recaro Editions

Just giving ya a hard time Dan

True, I should call them Recaro style sail panel birds

I have the two tone dash in my 2nd 87 Formula...

John

Nothing special there. All Firebirds except Trans Ams got dashes and lower consoles that were color keyed to the interior color right from the beginning in 1982. Trans Ams were "blacked/grayed out"

GM may have thought they were marketing the Formula against the GT, but marketing people arent always that bright.

Agreed.

And why would anyone be shocked at the problems GM is having now? That very reason.

Lets face it, the Camaro and The firebird were poised against the Mustang. But in reality, GM should have put a V8 in the Chevette and put it against the Ford. The cars are both about the same size and weight, and quality from what I have seen.

The Camaro and Firebird are similar in class as the Mustang but not direct competition. The F-body is larger and therefore more expensive to produce. I think GM lost big time in the battle, its too bad too, maybe some time they will kick out the bean counters and let the engeneers

Aaargh, now you got me off on a tangent. darn you!



John