I really should stay on task and off Ebag

[slazzaro]

As already said by other, the gold aluminum shocks are the right ones for the mid, being the platinum an aftermarket replacement, only the SE had those shocks in the box.
Anyway if you have in mind to run the car I suggest you to replace the front platinum with a couple of gold shocks; if you don't have them I can ship a pair to you for cheap since I have 2 or 3 sets.
The platinum shocks are so nice... but I've never been able to make them work!

[Brandon G]

Ahhh, thanks for the info! Are the bare chassis and aluminum towers the only obvious signs that it is a turbo? I actually have a patch cut for the sunroof, we'll see how installation goes.

I forgot white wheels came with it. SE had the chrome ones. Maybe the SE came with universals too? Not too sure on that though.

[highwayracer]

For the short wheel base cars, there were 2 versions:

Optima Mid
silver chassis
silver shock towers
gold shocks
dog bones
tie rods
white wheels
planetary differentials

Turbo Optima Mid SE
bronze chassis
black shock towers (fiberglass composite...not exactly graphite)
platnium shocks....I've always got mine to work
universals swing shafts
turn buckles
silver wheels
ball differentials

Regards,
highwayracer

[RedScampi]

I don't know if you guys have catalogs in your heads or what, but your knowledge never ceases to amaze. I have learned a ton from this site, more than any other! Thanks everyone for the replies!