1982 MSE Trans Am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
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Car: 89 RS convertible, 82 MSE Trans Am
Engine: 305-305
1982 MSE Trans Am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
I just bought an 82 bird. Has mse badges on console, steering wheel, rear bumper, and driver side head light. My issue is that I can rebadge a civic as a viper. Any thing special I should look for?
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Car: 82 MSE/89 TTA/89 Formula/99 TA
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
82 MSE's were either painted white with the warpaint scheme or red. The numbered plate on the shift console will be 82-00xx or 82-00xxR (meaning red). It should have the mecham downforce spoiler, also suspension upgrades were on the white cars. Koni shocks, droop limiter straps. If it is a 4 speed, it should be the super T-10 tranny. Rims should be Modern Wheels (similar to turbo fins) 15" with mecham racing center caps. You could also call Dennis Mecham at Mecham Performance and talk to him. He could give you more details. When I bought mine, I called several times and he was very helpful.
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Car: 89 RS convertible, 82 MSE Trans Am
Engine: 305-305
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
Some pictures are here. The mobile upload thing stinks with photo bucket. I'm at work and school from 6am to 930 PM so when I get a chance. Ill use the computer.
http://s1062.photobucket.com/albums/t489/mycamaro89/
http://s1062.photobucket.com/albums/t489/mycamaro89/
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Car: 1982 Trans Am KITT Replica
Engine: LU5 305 CROSSFIRE
Transmission: TH-350
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3:23
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
Ya I looked at the pics and it does look like a MSE.Does it have a MSE # plate on the center console ?? If so can you post the # ??
Is your engine code H ??
And wasn't this car on craigslist or ebay ??
Dave
Is your engine code H ??
And wasn't this car on craigslist or ebay ??
Dave
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Car: 89 RS convertible, 82 MSE Trans Am
Engine: 305-305
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
The number is 82 00093
The engine code is h, but it has an 80 mph speedo . And no stripes.
The engine code is h, but it has an 80 mph speedo . And no stripes.
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Car: 1989 Firebird Fornula 350
Engine: 350 L98 / NOS
Transmission: 4sp Auto
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
1982 got a Auto or 4 Speed
My 1983 MSE has the L69 5 speed and the 160 MPH speedo with MR stickers on the face.
Car looks to be real.
The only way to be sure is paperwork for the car.
Also I think you can paid Dennis and he will look up in his files.
My 1983 MSE has the L69 5 speed and the 160 MPH speedo with MR stickers on the face.
Car looks to be real.
The only way to be sure is paperwork for the car.
Also I think you can paid Dennis and he will look up in his files.
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Car: 82 MSE/89 TTA/89 Formula/99 TA
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
If you have a stick, it should be Borg Warner Super T 10 tranny.
Did you get any documents with it or window sticker?
Did you get any documents with it or window sticker?
Last edited by kymmee; 03-16-2012 at 05:47 PM. Reason: Added pictures
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Car: 1982 Trans Am KITT Replica
Engine: LU5 305 CROSSFIRE
Transmission: TH-350
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3:23
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
Rare car man !!! I hope you plan to restore it.
I would DIE for a clean '82 MSE !!
Dave
I would DIE for a clean '82 MSE !!
Dave
Last edited by 3rdgenparts; 03-16-2012 at 08:33 PM.
#16
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Car: 1985 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
FWIW, I used to own a 79 Macho Z29 from Dennis.......I regret selling. Its was seriously fast and handled like a slot car.
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Car: 89 RS convertible, 82 MSE Trans Am
Engine: 305-305
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
I'm going to restore it. Or try any way. I know a lot of stuff is going to be impossible to find. I also need info about badging and location of stripes and the likes. So any body that has one and wants to help let me know!
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Car: 1985 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
Mecham put together some real nice cars, he seemed to do a very quality job.
#20
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Car: 89 RS convertible, 82 MSE Trans Am
Engine: 305-305
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
With it being an auto, which transmission is in it? Its too early for 700r4, what are the odds I lucked out and got a th350, and not a 200m?
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Car: 89 RS convertible, 82 MSE Trans Am
Engine: 305-305
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
Also, mechanically is it the same as a regular 82 bird? As far as brakes, filters, light mechanical stuff?
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Car: 82 MSE/89 TTA/89 Formula/99 TA
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
Parts come up from time to time, but not very often. The badging and emblems etc will be difficult. As for the correct resto, you could check with Dennis. Problem is, they didn't keep a lot of records on these, so most of the time if you ask him something, it is by memory recall only.
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Car: 89 RS convertible, 82 MSE Trans Am
Engine: 305-305
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
That stinks. I would like it to be as correct as possible, other wise its just another trans am.
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Car: 82 MSE/89 TTA/89 Formula/99 TA
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
Dont get discouraged. Be patient, there is a lot of info on the net. Pictures and stuff people have posted. This is a good site for starters.
http://www.firebirdgallery.com/dkmlot8.htm
Your car is far from "just another trans am". MSE's are unique and not well known. They were very advanced cars for their time.
http://www.firebirdgallery.com/dkmlot8.htm
Your car is far from "just another trans am". MSE's are unique and not well known. They were very advanced cars for their time.
Last edited by kymmee; 03-17-2012 at 08:56 PM.
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Car: 89 RS convertible, 82 MSE Trans Am
Engine: 305-305
Re: 1982 mse trans am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
Dont get discouraged. Be patient, there is a lot of info on the net. Pictures and stuff people have posted. This is a good site for starters.
http://www.firebirdgallery.com/dkmlot8.htm
Your car is far from "just another trans am". MSE's are unique and not well known. They were very advanced cars for their time.
http://www.firebirdgallery.com/dkmlot8.htm
Your car is far from "just another trans am". MSE's are unique and not well known. They were very advanced cars for their time.
#27
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Car: 89 RS convertible, 82 MSE Trans Am
Engine: 305-305
Re: 1982 MSE Trans Am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
Went to buy brakes today. Nobody seems to have rear pads for this thing. Also, occasionally when I shut her off, there is a bang.. ....any ideas? Also, should I put the build in this section or another one?
#28
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Car: 1982 trans am mr mse
Engine: 355
Re: 1982 MSE Trans Am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
I also have a 1982 mrmse trans am 82-0027R. Does any one know what these cars are worth? Thanks
#29
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
Re: 1982 MSE Trans Am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
IIRC, you could get a 400 with the MSE as an option.
John
John
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Car: 89 RS convertible, 82 MSE Trans Am
Engine: 305-305
Re: 1982 MSE Trans Am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
That would be nice, but I have the super car stomper, also known as the LG 4
#33
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Re: 1982 MSE Trans Am.. ...how to tell?! ?!
Looks legit to me.I'm betting the trans is TH200. Just look at the tailshaft housing. If it bolts to the trans body it's not a TH200 as they are all 1 piece. The MR tach and speedo were options. Do you also have a MSE badge on the map pocket? You will have strap limiters (cables) on the rear end if it has the suspension upgrades. Also if you pop off the upper strut caps you will see adjusters for the struts. And all poly bushings up front. If you don't see any of this you don't have the "talon" suspension. It was also optional on the MSE package. My red car got the full suspension treatment but no motor mods. A lot of the information floating around online is incorrect. Keep us posted.
Also....your front bumper cover is incorrect.
Also....your front bumper cover is incorrect.
Last edited by roadthrills; 12-07-2012 at 04:27 PM.
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