82 – 85 Pontiac Trans Am MR MSE Package

Q: What is a MR MSE Trans Am?

A: These cars were created from ’82 – ’85 by Dennis Mecham, of DKM Macho T/A fame. He started Mecham Racing Inc. (MR) located in Glendale AZ and Tacoma WA. MSE stoof for Motor Sports Edition. The ’82 models were a two tone paint scheme (split just below the doors at the rocker panel) with several colors combos to choose from. The ’83, ’84, and ’85 models were painted similar to the 1984 15th Anniversary Trans Am with a two tone paint scheme split at the bodyline or middle of the doors. MSEs got a full width front spoiler, a low resistance "aerotail" rear spoiler, and emblems proclaiming it a Mecham Racing Machine. On the sail panels behind the doors are either MSE emblems or a big olive branch-wreathed letters MR, with Mecham Racing, USA, and SCCA champions underneath. There may be additional numbers/emblems on the drivers side headlight door, fenders, rear spoiler, or rear bumper depending on the year. MSEs also got special MR centercaps and a MR hood emblem. 500 were built in ’82, 150 in ’83, 50 in ’84, and only a few in ’85.

The stock 305 ci engine got a recurved distributor, advanced timing, and a rebuilt performance carb all good for about 25 HP. All cars came with a "Git Kit" in the rear hatch area which included a 600 Holley carb, aluminum intake manifold, Mallory distributor, Coil spark plug wires, Champion spark plugs, low restriction air cleaner, Tri-Y headers, and Y-pipe. Some cars were came fitted with a non-EGR Edelbrock intake manifold, Tri-Y headers, Doug Nash 5-speed, and a rebuilt Q-Jet or Holley 600 carb. Some even received an entire engine transplant that included a 440 horsepower 406 ci Chevy small block with various available performance combos, including a twin turbo for export use.

All MSEs came with the WS6 performance package from the factory, but a "Tallon Suspension" was optional with stiffer springs, urethane sway bar bushings, additional front cross member, Koni adjustable shocks, rear droop limiter straps, Firestone tires on Modern Wheel 15" x 7" alloys or special "Diamond-spoke" alloy rims. This suspension was capable of .90 to .95g on the skidpad. Inside included a "Duesenberg-like" leather-wrapped steering wheel (with MR insert), Motorola sound system, 160+ MPH speedometer, 8000+ RPM tach (both with MR Logos), Recaro seats, and dash or console plaque.