Home

Models, Books, and Shirts
Gifts For The Car Guy!
Share
Car Movies
Trans Am Parts
Car Television
FAQ
Links
Search Trans Am on Ebay
Magazines
About my '78 T/A
Books That I have Read
Rare Pontiacs
Tips & How To
Old Car Ads
Web Surfers Cars
Car Posters
Where to Buy/Sell your T/A
Gallery
Old Trader Ads
Other websites that I have created
Site map
My Photographs

 

Numbers Decoding

Vin 1970-1980

Division/Make Carline/Series Body Type Engine  Model Year Plant Sequence Number

2

W

8

7

Z

8

L

xxxxx

*1 *2 *3 *4 *5 *6 *7 *7
 

*1 Division

Code Division/Make
1 Chevrolet
2 Pontiac
3 Oldsmobile
4 Buick
5 GMC Truck
6 Cadillac
7 GM of Canada
0 GM Overseas


*2 Series

Code Series
S Firebird
T Firebird Esprit
U Firebird Formula
W Firebird Trans Am

*3 Body Type

Code Body Type
87 2 door Hardtop

*4 Engine

 
Code Engine Displacement Source
A V-6 231ci Buick
W,Y V-8 301 Pontiac
U,G,H V-8 305 Chevrolet
L,R,X V-8 350 Chevrolet
X V-8 350 Chevrolet
Z V-8 400 Pontiac
K V-8 403 Oldsmobile

*5 Year 
Code Year
6 1976
7 1977
8 1978
9 1979
A 1980
B 1981

 

*7 Plant
Code Plant
N Norwood, OH
L Van Nuys, CA

*8 Sequential Number
Code Number
000001 First produced that year
999999 Last produced that year

The 1970 and 1971 uses "28" instead of "W" to indicate a Trans Am. The
1970 and 1971 does not have an engine code in the VIN. The 1972 through
1974 use a "V" to indicate Trans Am. The 1975 through 1981 use "W" for
the Trans Am. The 1979 uses "X" for the Trans Am 10th Anniversary
Edition. The 1980 uses "X" for the Trans Am Indianapolis 500 Pace Car
and the 1981 uses "X" for the Daytona 500 Pace Car/Recaro Edition.

The 1970 and 1971 used sequence numbers 100001 through 600000 for V-8
equipped cars and 600001 through 999999 for 6 cylinder cars. The 1972,
1975 and 1976 sequence numbers are 500001 and up. All other years use
100001 and up.

 

© 1998-2010

78blackbird@thepontiactransampage.com
Feel free to drop me a note. * I am looking for some good articles for the third and fourth gen birds. If you have any that you would like to see on this site send them to me and I will post them on my site.     

  • The information in here is just an outline.
  • The author claims no responsibility for the info contained in these pages. 
  • If unsure of any tip or modification seek a professional for the job.
  • In some states this may violate pollution laws
  • Check with your state on the laws.
  • Not affiliated with Pontiac or General Motors