Difference between 82 S/E and T/A
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: NPR Florida
Car: 82 Firebird S/E
Difference between 82 S/E and T/A
okay, i currently own an 82 S/E and my question is what are some of the performance differences between the the S/E's and the T/a's? is there more under the hood... or is it just different sized engines? this is also my first third gen, i want to learn more about third gens.. but i dont have any way besides the internet to learn more about cars 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,132
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From: Midwest
Car: '82 Recaro T/A, '71 Trans Am
Engine: 305CFI/455HO
Transmission: TH700R4/M22
Axle/Gears: 3.23/3.42
Re: Difference between 82 S/E and T/A
Depending on options there can be little to no difference performance wise.
Both came with Y99 "Level II" suspension standard and WS6/WS7 "Level III" optional.
The S/E came with the V6 engine standard and the Iron duke I4 and LG4 carb V8 optional. The T/A had the LG4 V8 standard and LU5 "Crossfire" fuel injected V8 optional.
So an S/E with the optional V8 engine is the same performance wise to a base T/A. The CrossFire engine is the only performance option that is exclusive to the T/A over the S/E.
The S/E was the luxury version of the Firebird. Its similar to the Esprit model during the '70-81 2nd generation. Deluxe interior and a few other minor luxury items were standard on the S/E but optional on the T/A.
Both came with Y99 "Level II" suspension standard and WS6/WS7 "Level III" optional.
The S/E came with the V6 engine standard and the Iron duke I4 and LG4 carb V8 optional. The T/A had the LG4 V8 standard and LU5 "Crossfire" fuel injected V8 optional.
So an S/E with the optional V8 engine is the same performance wise to a base T/A. The CrossFire engine is the only performance option that is exclusive to the T/A over the S/E.
The S/E was the luxury version of the Firebird. Its similar to the Esprit model during the '70-81 2nd generation. Deluxe interior and a few other minor luxury items were standard on the S/E but optional on the T/A.
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 626
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From: Seattle
Car: 1983 Trans Am
Engine: L69 5.0L HO
Transmission: Manual
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Difference between 82 S/E and T/A
From my mainpage
http://www.82firebird.com/
This is how Pontiac describes the difference
FIREBIRD TRANS AM
The Firebird Trans Am is targeted at the "pure performance" market, competing primarily against the Z28 as Pontiac's entry in the "macho" market. Pure Trans Am performance will be experienced with the 5.0L (4-Bbl.) V8 and 5.0L (EFI) V8 engines.
FIREBIRD S/E
Targeted at the "contemporary performance" market, the Firebird S/E model represents Pontiac's new premier Firebird. From an image standpoint, the S/E has a different emphasis than the Trans Am: sophisticated styling, luxurious interior, standard "import" features, a fuel-efficient powertrain, and superior handling. Equipped with the 2.8L (2-Bbl.) V6 engine and automatic transmission, the S/E has an EPA mileage estimate of 20 city and 32 highway. It is targeted to compete against imports like Celica Supra and Datsun 200SX and will probably appeal to a slightly more mature buyer than does the Trans Am.
http://www.82firebird.com/
This is how Pontiac describes the difference
FIREBIRD TRANS AM
The Firebird Trans Am is targeted at the "pure performance" market, competing primarily against the Z28 as Pontiac's entry in the "macho" market. Pure Trans Am performance will be experienced with the 5.0L (4-Bbl.) V8 and 5.0L (EFI) V8 engines.
FIREBIRD S/E
Targeted at the "contemporary performance" market, the Firebird S/E model represents Pontiac's new premier Firebird. From an image standpoint, the S/E has a different emphasis than the Trans Am: sophisticated styling, luxurious interior, standard "import" features, a fuel-efficient powertrain, and superior handling. Equipped with the 2.8L (2-Bbl.) V6 engine and automatic transmission, the S/E has an EPA mileage estimate of 20 city and 32 highway. It is targeted to compete against imports like Celica Supra and Datsun 200SX and will probably appeal to a slightly more mature buyer than does the Trans Am.
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