I just picked up my second Firebird. The VIN decoding info says it is an 83 with X signifyiing it is a SE Trans AM but and only 10,000+ mmade but what made it "special"
It has PS, PB, PW, Power door Locks, A/C, a spoiler, rear window defrost.
It has the V6 engine. I thought all TA had V8s

I have looked and I cant seem to find a description of the SE model. can anyone help?

 

Well, its not a T/A. The S/E's carried the "X" VIN code, whereas the early T/A's had a "W" in its place. The 82-84 T/A's had the functional power bulge hood (except for the early 82 LG4 cars), fender air extractors, standard spoiler, and a small "GFX" package that consisted of small little flares in front of the front and rear wheelwells. The S/E was basically the more luxurious version of the Firebird, with the 15" N24 or N89 wheels available in 1983, viscount open headrest seats, "H" code 305 optional, upgraded two-tone interior, and I believe they were available with the level 3 "WS6" suspension package..(dont quote me on that, I have to check). They also had the smoked tail light lenses from the Trans Am as opposed to the standard red ones found on the base model Firebird. But anyway, it was just a fancier Firebird. Ill look through my stash and see if I can find the rest of my info. They are certainly not the most common car out there, nor are they valuable. But if its in good shape, they are pretty cool cars. Like I said, ya dont see too many of them.

 

Thanks for the info, it helps to understand what I have and where I am going with it. considering it only cost me $600 and it is a solid car (previous owner rebuilt floors) and the moter and tranny are in good shape I think I got a good deal. I am learning a lot. That is part of the fun.

I am having a lot of fun with my birds. Once I stabilize them I will prob have to play with them like my Road Runner!

Thanks again
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83 Firbird SE
6cyl stock
14" black and chrome American Racing rims

87 Trans AM
305
stock

74 Plymouth Road Runner
1970 340 cui
4speed manual tranny w/hurst shift kit
650 holley carb
Doug Thorley Headers
mini starter
303 valves, modified cam
adjustable air shocks in back
15X6 Cragar SS in front
15x10 Crager SS in back

 

Sounds like you got a smokin deal on that 83! I do happen to have a set of 15" N24 turbo-finned wheels off of a Firebird S/E in very nice condition if youre interested. Anyway, lets see some pics. I dig the S/E's. Good to see another Mopar guy here too. I have quite a few Mopars.

 

I had an 85 S/E at the same time as an 86 T/A. The two were very similar in many areas. The SE was kind of a step up from a Firebird and a step down from a T/A. A Firebird with the WS6 package or a T/A without the T-Tops.

 

I am the 2nd owner of my '83 SE. I got it 20 years ago come December.
As said the SE was an upgraded trim option.
Mine has/had;
+smoked taillight lenses
+LG4/305 (the only bad thing)
+4 wheel discs
+nice interior (locking bin at back of interior), pwr windows and locks, good upolustery, etc.
+15" finned Alum wheels (identical to the TA wheels of the time x-cept NO silly aero hub caps, that everyone had lost by '88)
+5 speed
+1 1/8" front sway bar
+quick steer option on steering

(Now; T-56, 383, 16" Centerlines, etc.)

I always liked the SE better than the TA because the lines were cleaner. Back in '86 it cost 1/2 to insure, also.

If it holds together, look into scoring a 4.3 V-6. That should be a sweet setup.
Good luck.