I know its aggravating to see the same post more than once. However I noticed a lot of the posts only say the answer but not how they got to it.

I'm just trying to figure out what date my 1988 Firebird was made. I did my research on the VIN. I even tried my best at unlocking the sequence code.

So far this is what I've got:

1G2FS21E9JL261917

1=US Built
G=GM
2= Pontiac
FS= Firebird Convertable
2= 2 Door Hatchback
1= Manual Belts
E=5.0 V8
9= Check Digit
J=1988
L= Van Nuys
2= Firebird
61917= sequence code

Which means 527 F Bodies were made in 1988 after this one in 1988.

Can you tell me if this is right and how to find the exact date?

Thanks

 

look on the sticker in the driver's side door. It should have a month and year on it. the month on my sticker is illegible

 

My 89 iroc driver door sticker has a date of 9/88 and a sequence # of 07902. Your door sticker will have a production month and year on it. My guess, since you have a higher sequence # of 61917 for model year 88, I would guess somewhere around may or june of 88. Maybe july. Actual build date with a day would be on the build sheet, if its still in the car somewhere.

 

Just a correction. FS does not mean Firebird Convertible. FS was used for Firebird or Formula. FW was used for Trans Am or GTA.

As you have a 1988, nothing in the VIN will denote that it's a convertible (if it is) because Pontiac Firebird convertibles were converted aftermarket during that period. It wasn't until 1991 did the Pontiac Firebird convertibles have a digit in their VIN that denoted if the vehicle was a convertible as that's when Pontiac began to make it an official offering - despite the vehicle was still converted outside of the plant by ASC and not directly Pontiac.

If you order an invoice from GM Archives, you can get some

 

off-topic, your vin says its a 5.0, and your side profile says "soon to be V6" are you trying to swap in a v6? why?

 

Yes I am going to swap in a V6 for two main reasons. My husband needs my tranny for his engine swap which was also the main reason we got the car in the first place. Second reason is fuel economy.....gas is spensive.

If you happen to know anyone who wants the 5.0 send them my way. $600 or best offer with all assessories.

Also I need to find a engine harness from an 88 2.8. If you know where I can find one of those I'd be eternally grateful.

 

so basically find the build sheet or you're screwed......?

 

If you are seriously thinking of fuel economy, you will have more effort and money in a car converting it over than just buying another car, in honesty the late 90's had the best fuel economy... I have a friend that had a 98 Park Ave (non Super Charged) and he was getting 36Mpg highway going 80mph. no joke... For some reason the Mpg peaked in 1998, probably do to emissions requirements.

So, if you are bent on installing a more efficient engine, try to get a 97-99 3.8L for your car... you might have to modify the K-Member, but it would give you better performance And better mileage than any 3rd gen engine

John

 

Thats exactly why I'm swapping a 92 3.1 into her car instead of a 2.8. I already have the 3.1, and plus the engine was made for the car