The 1972 Nova was almost identical to its predecessor and only received minor changes to the trim. The boxy design of the Novas that came before it were exchanged for a more fluid, muscular design, and the “new” Nova was an instant hit.
The factory-installed big-block Nova had its last chance in 1970 and was replaced with small-block power for 1972. Despite the changes in engine size, the popularity of the Nova Super Sport didn’t dwindle as it did the year prior. The demand for Nova Super Sports gained momentum in 1972 as a total of 12,309 were built compared to 7,015 in 1971.
Rally and Super Sport options were carried over and midway through the year a sunroof option known as the “Ventura II Folding Sunroof” became available on the two door Chevy Nova and was installed on 6,822 Novas in 1972. The Torque Drive transmission was dropped from the list of options, and all horsepower ratings were now written as SAE net.
1972 Chevy Nova OEM Brochure
1972 Nova Model Options
Body Style & Model Options:
- Coupe
- 4-Door Sedan
Engine Options:
- L22 – Turbo-Thrift 250 | 250ci | 110hp L6
- L14 – Turbo-Fire 307 | 307ci | 130hp V8
- L65 – Turbo-Fire 350 | 350ci | 165hp V8
- L48 – Turbo-Fire 350 | 350ci | 200hp V8
Available Transmission:
- Powerglide
- 4-Speed Manual
- 3-Speed
- Turbo Hydra-Matic
Production Numbers:
- Nova: 349,733
- 2-Door Coupe: 0
- 2-Door Convertible: 0
- 2-Door Hatchback: 0
- 2-Door Sedan: 260,215
- 4-Door Sedan: 89,518
- 4-Door Wagon: 0
- Super Sport: 12,309
Dimensions & Capacities:
- Length: 189.4 in / 15.78 ft
- Width: 72.4 in / 6.03 ft
- Height:
- 2-Door Sedan: 52.5 in / 4.37 ft
- 4-Door Sedan: 53.8 in / 4.48 ft
- Wheelbase: 111 in / 9.25 ft
1972 Nova Engine Codes & Specs
Available Engine Specifications
|
Type |
Size |
Carb |
RPO |
Horsepower* |
Torque* |
Bore & Stroke (in.) |
Compression Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
L6 |
250ci |
1x1bbl |
L22 |
110 hp @ 3800 RPM |
185 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM |
3.875 x 3.53 | 8.5:1 |
|
V8 |
307ci |
1x2bbl |
L14 |
130 hp @ 4000 RPM |
230 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM |
3.875 x 3.25 | 8.5:1 |
|
V8 |
350ci |
1x2bbl |
L65 |
165 hp @ 4000 RPM |
280 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM |
4.000 x 3.48 | 8.5:1 |
|
V8 |
350ci |
1x4bbl |
L48 |
200 hp @ 4400 RPM |
300 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM |
4.000 x 3.48 | 8.5:1 |
* Net horsepower and torque figures are introduced
1972 Nova 6 Cylinder Engine Codes
| Code |
Size / Carb |
HP / RPO |
Transmission |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
250 |
||||
| CAL |
250 cid 1x1bbl |
110 hp L22 |
3-Speed Manual |
Taxi Equipment |
| CBA |
250 cid 1x1bbl |
110 hp L22 |
3-Speed Manual |
NB2 California Emissions |
| CBG |
250 cid 1x1bbl |
110 hp L22 |
3-Speed Manual |
– |
| CBJ |
250 cid 1x1bbl |
110 hp L22 |
Powerglide |
– |
| CBK |
250 cid 1x1bbl |
110 hp L22 |
Powerglide |
Taxi Equipment |
| CDL |
250 cid 1x1bbl |
110 hp L22 |
Powerglide |
A.I.R. |
| CDM |
250 cid 1x1bbl |
110 hp L22 |
3-Speed Manual |
A.I.R. |
| CSD |
250 cid 1x1bbl |
110 hp L22 |
Powerglide |
NB2 California Emissions |
1972 Nova 8 Cylinder Engine Codes
| Code |
Size / Carb |
HP / RPO |
Transmission |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
307 |
||||
| CAR |
307 cid 1x2bbl |
130 hp L14 |
Manual |
NB2 California Emissions |
| CAY |
307 cid 1x2bbl |
130 hp L14 |
Manual |
NB2 California Emissions |
| CAZ |
307 cid 1x2bbl |
130 hp L14 |
Powerglide |
NB2 California Emissions |
|
CKG |
307 cid 1x2bbl |
130 hp L14 |
3-Speed Manual |
– |
|
CMA |
307 cid 1x2bbl |
130 hp L14 |
TH350 |
NB2 California Emissions |
|
CTK |
307 cid 1x2bbl |
130 hp L14 |
TH350 |
– |
|
350 |
||||
| CDA |
350 cid 1x2bbl |
165 hp L65 |
Manual |
– |
| CDD |
350 cid 1x4bbl |
200 hp L48 |
TH350 |
NB2 California Emissions |
| CDG |
350 cid 1x4bbl |
200 hp L48 |
Manual |
NB2 California Emissions |
| CKA |
350 cid 1x2bbl |
165 hp L65 |
3-Speed Manual |
– |
| CKB |
350 cid 1x2bbl |
165 hp L65 |
TH350 |
– |
| CKD |
350 cid 1x4bbl |
200 hp L48 |
TH350 |
– |
| CKH |
350 cid 1x2bbl |
165 hp L65 |
Powerglide |
– |
| CKK |
350 cid 1x4bbl |
200 hp L48 |
4-Speed Manual |
– |
| CMD |
350 cid 1x2bbl |
165 hp L65 |
TH350 |
NB2 California Emissions |
| CRK |
350 cid 1x4bbl |
200 hp L48 |
TH350 |
A.I.R. |
| CRL |
350 cid 1x4bbl |
200 hp L48 |
Manual |
A.I.R. |
| CTL |
350 cid 1x2bbl |
165 hp L65 |
TH350 |
– |
Click here for further engine decoding information
1972 Nova Transmission Codes
|
Code |
Description |
Engines |
Assembly Plant |
|---|---|---|---|
|
R3 |
3-Speed |
L6, V8 |
S = Muncie |
|
WC |
4-Speed |
V8 |
P = Muncie |
|
RB |
Powerglide |
L6 |
C = Cleveland |
|
RK |
Powerglide |
V8 |
C = Cleveland |
|
SB |
TH350 |
V8 |
B = Cleveland | Y = Toledo |
Click here for further transmission decoding information
1972 Nova Rear Axle Codes
| Code | Axle Ratio |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GT |
3.36:1 |
Open |
| JB |
2.73:1 |
Open |
| JC |
3.08:1 |
Open |
| JE |
3.42:1 |
Open |
| JI |
3.08:1 |
Open |
| JK |
3.42:1 |
Open |
| JN |
2.73:1 |
Positraction |
| JQ |
3.08:1 |
Positraction |
| JS |
3.42:1 |
Positraction |
| JW |
3.08:1 |
Positraction |
| JY |
3.42:1 |
Positraction |
| PW |
2.73:1 |
Open |
| PX |
2.73:1 |
Positraction |
Click here for further rear axle decoding information
1972 Nova Factory Options
Regular Production Option (RPO)
| RPO | Description | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AK1 | Deluxe belts & harness front | 23,379 |
| A01 | Tinted Glass – all windows | 181,353 |
| A02 | Tinted Glass – windshield only | 869 |
| A51 | Front bucket seat – Strato type | 24,607 |
| B37 | Floor mats | 42,143 |
| B84 | Body side molding | 130,890 |
| B90 | Door and window frame molding | 44,799 |
| B93 | Door edge guards | 77,429 |
| C08 | Exterior soft trim roof cover | 62,411 |
| C50 | Rear window defroster | 18,657 |
| C60 | Air Conditioning – deluxe | 117,273 |
| D33 | Outside mirror – remote control | 36,155 |
| D55 | Front compartment floor console | 16,311 |
| F40 | Special heavy duty front & rear suspension | 43,682 |
| F41 | Special performance front & rear suspension | 3,456 |
| G80 | Rear axle – Positraction | 13,767 |
| JL2 | Disc brakes front | 42,974 |
| J50 | Vacuum power brake equipment | 70,283 |
| L22 | L6 engine – 250 | 139,769 |
| L48 | V8 engine – 350 | 12,309 |
| L65 | V8 engine – 350 2-bbl | 68,252 |
| M11 | 3-speed Floor shift transmission control | 29,974 |
| M15 | 3-speed manual transmission | 51,140 |
| M20 | 4-speed manual transmission | 5,840 |
| M35 | Powerglide transmission | 140,912 |
| M38 | 3-speed automatic transmission – TH350 | 151,841 |
| NK2 | Deluxe steering wheel | 1,310 |
| NK4 | Sport steering wheel | 11,231 |
| N40 | Power steering | 300,265 |
| PK8 | E78-14/B tires – whitewall | 259,013 |
| PL3 | E78-14/B tires – whitewalls – 2X2 | 39,833 |
| PM2 | E70-14 belted white letter | 14,320 |
| P01 | Wheel trim cover | 161,702 |
| P02 | Deluxe wheel trim cover | 704 |
| P06 | Wheel trim ring | 39,245 |
| T60 | Heavy duty battery | 12,460 |
| U17 | Front compartment console instrument cluster | 4,130 |
| U35 | Electric clock | 15,649 |
| U63 | Radio – AM push button | 301,744 |
| U69 | Radio – AM/FM push button | 12,183 |
| U76 | Windshield antenna | 396,206 |
| U80 | Auxiliary speaker | 33,843 |
| V01 | Heavy duty radiator | 12,866 |
| V30 | Front & rear bumper guards | 17,881 |
| WV1 | White skyroof | 1,050 |
| WV2 | Black skyroof | 3,075 |
| WV4 | Blue skyroof | 164 |
| WV5 | Pewter skyroof | 202 |
| WV7 | Covert skyroof | 1,424 |
| WV9 | Tan skyroof | 353 |
| YD1 | Axle for trailering | 524 |
| YF1 | Rally package | 33,319 |
| YF5 | California assembly line emission test | 30,261 |
| YH8 | Green skyroof | 554 |
| ZJ1 | Custom interior package | 48,554 |
| ZJ2 | Custom exterior package | 13,136 |
| ZJ3 | Interior convenience package | 53,587 |
| ZJ5 | Exterior decor package | 94,432 |
| ZJ7 | Special wheel, hub cap and trim ring (Rally wheel) | 54,568 |
| ZJ9 | Auxiliary lighting group | 13,634 |
| Z26 | Super Sport | 12,309 |
| 751 | Interior trim – black vinyl | 76,338 |
| 753 | Interior trim – black vinyl | 19,481 |
| 760 | Interior trim – dark green vinyl | 31,182 |
| 763 | Interior trim – vinyl | 56,939 |
| 764 | Interior trim – vinyl | 12,626 |
| 956 | Color combination two-tone | 6,301 |
1972 Nova Cowl Tag Information
1972 Nova Example Cowl Tag & Breakdown
The Cowl Trim Tag, located on the cowl area identifies significant information about your car.
Click here for further cowl tag decoding information
Line 1: Year, GM Division, Model & Body, Assembly Plant, Sequence Number
|
Year |
GM Division |
Model Series |
Body Code |
Assembly Plant |
Sequence Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
72 = 1972 |
1 = Chevrolet |
13 = Nova, L6 |
27 = 2-Door Sedan |
LOS = Van Nuys, CA |
Starts at 100001 |
|
14 = Nova, V8 |
69 = 4-Door Sedan |
NOR = Norwood, OH |
|||
|
WRN = Willow Run, MI |
Line 2: Trim and Paint
|
Interior Trim |
Seat Type |
Exterior Paint (Lower/Upper) |
|---|---|---|
|
750 = Black Cloth Bench (Standard) |
A51 = Bucket Seats |
11 = Antique White |
|
751 = Black Vinyl Bench or Buckets (Standard) |
A52 = Bench Seat |
14 = Pewter Silver |
|
752 = Black Cloth Bench (Custom) |
24 = Ascot Blue |
|
|
753 = Black Vinyl Bench or Buckets (Custom) |
26 = Mulsanne Blue |
|
|
754 = Black Vinyl Buckets |
36 = Spring Green |
|
|
756 = Dark Blue Cloth Bench (Standard) |
43 = Gulf Green |
|
|
757 = Dark Blue Vinyl Bench (Custom) |
48 = Sequoia Green |
|
|
759 = Dark Green Cloth Bench (Standard) |
50 = Covert Tan |
|
|
760 = Dark Green Vinyl Bench (Standard) |
53 = Placer Gold |
|
|
761 = Dark Green Cloth Bench (Custom) |
56 = Cream Yellow |
|
|
763 = Light Covert Vinyl Bench (Standard) |
57 = Golden Brown |
|
|
764 = Light Covert Vinyl Bench (Custom) |
63 = Mohave Gold |
|
|
765 = Light Covert Cloth Bench (Standard) |
65 = Orange Flame |
|
|
766 = Medium Tan Vinyl Buckets |
68 = Midnight Bronze |
|
|
767 = White Vinyl Buckets |
75 = Cranberry Red |
|
|
A = White Vinyl Roof |
||
|
B = Black Vinyl Roof |
||
|
D = Medium Blue Vinyl Roof |
||
|
G = Medium Green Vinyl Roof |
||
|
T = Light Covert Tan Vinyl Roof |
Line 3: Build Month and Week
|
Month |
Week |
|---|---|
|
01 = January |
A = First Week |
|
02 = February |
B = Second Week |
|
03 = March |
C = Third Week |
|
04 = April |
D = Fourth Week |
|
05 = May |
E = Fifth Week |
|
06 = June |
|
|
07 = July |
|
|
08 = August |
|
|
09 = September |
|
|
10 = October |
|
|
11 = November |
|
|
12 = December |
Disclaimer
The numbers have been compiled from many sources to make these pages as correct as possible. There is no guarantee that the numbers are complete or accurate, therefore, we cannot accept any liability or responsibility for damages incurred from the use of this information.
