BASE FIREBIRD
- This was the last year for the second generation Firebird
- In outward appearance, the 1981 looked similar to the 1980 models
- Base Firebird standard equipment included
- 231-cid V-6
- Three speed manual transmission
- Floor shift lever
- Shift console
- Power brakes
- Power steering
- P205/75R15 SBR black sidewall tires
- Black-out grille with argent accents
- Hubcaps with Pontiac crests
- Rosewood woodgrain instrument panel appliqué
- Optional engine: 265-cid V-8
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FIREBIRD ESPRIT
- The Esprit added
- automatic transmission
- full wheel covers
- wheel opening moldings
- wide rocker panel moldings
- body color sport mirrors
- remote-controlled left mirror
- Optional engine: 265-cid V-8
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FIREBIRD FORMULA
- The Formula had the standard 265-cid (4.3-liter) V-8
- It could have the turbocharged 301-cid V-8.
- The Turbocharged engine was now available in California
- The four-speed manual transmission was available with the four-barrel 305-cid V-8
- Standard power brakes now included a low-drag front caliper
- It also had
- automatic transmission
- P225/70R15 tires
- simulated twin hood air scoops
- body-color mirrors
- a rear deck spoiler
- Rally II wheels with trim rings.
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TRANS AM
- It had the 301-cid (4.9-liter) four-barrel V-8 with Electronic Spark Control
- Optional engine: turbocharged 301-cid V-8.
- The Turbocharged engine was now available in California
- The four-speed manual transmission was available with the four-barrel 305-cid V-8
- A new two-color bird decal for the hood and reflective bird decal for Trans Am's gas filler door was available
- It also included
- automatic transmission
- P225/70R15 tires
- black-accent grille and headlamp bezels
- wheel-opening air deflectors
- side-split tailpipe extension
- engine-tuned dash trim plate
- Rally gauges with tachometer
- "shaker" hood
- Rally II wheels
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| Pontiac introduced its new 17-symbol Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
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| It was located on the upper left surface of the instrument panel, visible through the windshield
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| Position | Character | Description
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| 1 | 1 | US built
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| 2 | G | General Motors product
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| 3 | 2 | Pontiac Motor Division vehicle
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| 4 | A | Manual seatbelts
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| 5 | S | Firebird
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| T | Esprit
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| V | Formula
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| W | Trans Am
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| X | Trans Am Turbo Special Edition
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| 6 & 7 | 87 | Body style number: two-door plainback special coupe
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| 8 | * | Engine type where * is replaced by the following
- A = 231-cid V6, 110-hp
- S = 265-cid V8, 120-hp
- W = 301-cid V8, 135-hp
- T = 301-cid V8, 200-hp
- H = 305-cid V8, 145-hp
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| 9 | ? | A check digit that calculates the characters in the serial number and gives it a single digit code and can be used to verify that the serial number is legitimate
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| 10 | B | The model year where B = 1981
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| 11 | _ | Manufacturing plant code
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| 12-17 | 100001 and up | Production sequence serial number
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| 265-cid two-barrel V-8 (Firebird) | $50
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| E/C 301-cid four-barrel V-8 (Firebird) | $215
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| Turbo 301-cid V-8 (Formula) | $652
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| Turbo 301-cid V-8 (Trans Am) | $437
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| 305-cid four-barrel V-8 (Firebird/Formula) | $75
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| 305-cid four-barrel V-8 (Trans Am) | $140 credit
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| Turbo-Hydramatic transmission | $349
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| Limited slip differential | $67
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| Power four-wheel disc brakes | $158
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| Super cooling radiator | $34 - $63
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| Heavy-duty alternator | $51
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| Engine block heater | $16
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| Heavy-duty battery | $22
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| Trans Am Special Edition | $735
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| Trans Am Special Edition with hatch roof | $1430
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| Formula appearance package | $200
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| Formula special performance package | $350 - 546
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| Trans Am special performance package | $350 - 546
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| Firebird custom trim | $45 - 164
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| Air conditiong | $560 - $625
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| Cruise control | $132 - $135
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| Power seat | $173
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| Power windows | $140 - $211
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| Hatch roof | $663 - $695
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