anybody ever installed cluster from 98 sse to a 98 se ? i work for a gm dealer, studied schematics, but need to know if its ever been done? also, did the center console ever have a cupholder in it ? ( floor shift model)

I believe that there is a plug that might be missing. I could be wrong though, as I haven't studied the SE cluster. The SSE and Ei used 2 plugs for information. Also, the compass on them was wired to a module in the rear, so that might need to be run as well.

And yes, there was a cup holder. It flipped out of the center console compartment. 75% of the car out there are no longer sportin' them as they've been broken off and tossed long ago.

Yes, the second wiring harness in the SSE/SSEi gauge cluster feeds the Driver Information Center. That displays results from the ECM (Check Engine, etc.), body wiring inputs such as door-ajar switches, and the Adaptive Lamp Monitor unit (taillight out warnings, etc.). All that supporting circuitry would need to be swapped in as well; the different gauge cluster is really just the tip of the iceberg here.