I have always liked the early third gen firebird interior. I have an 88 firebird, and was wondering how difficult it would be to put in an early dash and center console. I assume they are fairly similar, since everything was modular in 80's GMs. Are there any differences that I should be aware of? Will the early gauges work with the newer computer? Were the options available in the later years also available in the early ones? I don't have anything super fancy, but I do have the power latch - I've considered eliminating that anyway. Any information would be helpful.
Thanks

 

You will need the entire dash, the dash base is not exactly the same. The connector of the newer computer is different too, I can't say for 1988 but for 1989 is different (I have an '84 T/A and an '89 parts car). But it shouldn't matter since the ECM is on a separate harness. As for the gauge cluster, the connector should be the same but I doubt the wiring is the same.
The speedometer is mechanical on 82-84, so you will need a way to convert this.
As for the center console, the mounting brackets might be in a different place.
The plastic panels on the bottom of the dash are nearly identical, same for the hush panels.
The dash pad is different too, but compatible.

So yeah, 82-84 are a quite a bit special in that area.