National Firebird and Trans Am Club Message Board

Technical Areas => Questions and Answers => 2nd generation cars (1970 1/2 to 1981) => Topic started by: 78bird on October 21, 2009, 04:05:50 PM

Title: could someone help me translate my vin number
Post by: 78bird on October 21, 2009, 04:05:50 PM: help please, thanks. 2w87z8n179901 its for a 1978 firebird,any help would be appreciated. ??? ???
Title: Re: could someone help me translate my vin number
Post by: 4SPEED on October 31, 2009, 07:25:07 AM: 1st digit - GM Division
2 = Pontiac

2nd digit - Series Number
S = Base Firebird
T = Esprit
U = Formula
W = Trans Am (75 - 81)

3rd and 4th digit - Body Type
87 = Sport Coupe

5th digit - Engine Code
A = 231 c.i.d, 2-bbl V6 (1978 - 80)
K = 403 c.i.d, 4-bbl V8 (1977 - 79)
L = 350 c.i.d, 4-bbl V8 (1978)
U = 305 c.i.d, 2-bbl V8 (1978)
Z = 400 c.i.d, 4-bbl V8 (1977 - 79)

6th digit - Model Year
8 = 1978

7th digit - Assembly Plant
N = Norwood, Ohio
L = Van Nuys, California

Last 6 digits - Production Number
100001/up

vin on the motor will match this vin
you need to get the PHS paper work for it , or find the build sheet.

you have a 1978 pontiac trans am , built in norwood Ohio. with the 400 motor.
I would need the block code from the from of the motor to see what type of motor you have.
1978
L78 Pontiac 400: YA, YU
W72 Pontiac 400: X7, WC
Olds 403: VA, VB, U2, U3

(http://www.78ta.com/gallery2/main.php/d/22197-1/400engineid1.jpg)