1972 Chevelle Restoration Information

The 1972 Chevelle was pretty much the same as the 1971 Chevelle. Slight changes included a new grille and one piece side marker lights.

The 1972 Chevelle was available in several different trim levels. These included the base Chevelle, Chevelle Malibu, Chevelle Concours Estate, Chevelle SS 396, and SS 454, and the all-new Heavy Chevy. Body styles included 2 door sports coupes, 2 door sedans, 2 door convertibles, 4 door sedans, 2 door wagons, and 4 door wagons. About 450,800 Chevelles were produced in 1972.

Power Plant Changes to the 1972 Chevelle

To complement the wide variety of available colors were the available drive train combinations that could be opted for. The mighty big blocks were still available in the Super Sports models but emissions and high insurance rates caused horsepower numbers to dwindle even further in 1972.

Base models had the option of two available six cylinder engines. For buyers who wanted more power, they could opt for a V8 engine, either big block or small block. In 1972 big blocks were still in abundance and both 396 and 454 cubic inch engines were regularly available.

To complement the vast availability of engines there were also a wide variety of drivetrain combinations that could be ordered on the ’72 Chevelle. Manual transmissions were either 3-speed or 4-speed and automatic transmissions were either the 2-speed Powerglide or 3-speed Turbo Hydra-matics.

Horsepower was now measured in net horsepower rather than gross horsepower, so performance numbers seriously declined. Most experts would agree that this was considered the last of the muscle car era.

Interior & Exterior Changes to the 72 Chevelle

Interiors could be optioned with either bucket seats or bench seats and were available in many different colors. The most popular interior colors in 1972 were Black, Dark Blue, Jade Green, Sandalwood, and Dark Saddle.

The buyer could have ordered a number of different exterior colors including Antique White, Pewter Silver, Dusk Gray Poly, Tuxedo Black, Ascot Blue Poly, Mediterranean Blue Poly, Mulsanne Blue, Fathom Blue Poly, Spring Green Poly, Gulf Green Poly, Oasis Green Poly, Sequoia Green Poly, Covert Tan, Placer Gold Poly, Desert Gold Poly, Cream Yellow, Golden Brown Poly, Turin Tan, Driftwood, Mohave Gold Poly, Orange Flame Poly, Midnight Bronze Poly, Aegean Brown, Cranberry Red.

Vinyl tops were also available in a variety of colors including white, black, blue, green, and covert tan. Convertible tops came in a black or white option.


1972 Chevrolet Chevelle OEM Brochure


Model Options:

1972 Chevelle Nomad Wagon Information

  • Body Styles
    • 4-Door Wagon
  • Engine Options
    • 250 cubic inch 145 horsepower 6 cylinder (base)
    • 307 cubic inch 130 horsepower V8 (base)
    • 350 cubic inch 165 horsepower V8 (optional)
    • 350 cubic inch 175 horsepower V8 (optional)
    • 402 (396) cubic inch 240 horsepower V8 (optional)

1972 Chevelle Information

  • Body Styles
    • 2-Door Sport Coupe
    • 4-Door Sedan
    • 4-Door Wagon
  • Engine Options
    • 250 cubic inch 145 horsepower 6 cylinder (base)
    • 307 cubic inch 130 horsepower V8 (base)
    • 350 cubic inch 165 horsepower V8 (base)
    • 350 cubic inch 175 horsepower V8 (optional)
    • 402 (396) cubic inch 240 horsepower V8 (optional)

1972 Chevelle Malibu Information

  • Body Styles
    • 4-Door Sedan
    • 4-Door Sport Sedan
    • 2-Door Sport Coupe
    • 2-Door Convertible
    • 4-Door Concours Wagon
  • Engine Options
    • 250 cubic inch 145 horsepower 6 cylinder (base)
    • 307 cubic inch 130 horsepower V8 (base)
    • 350 cubic inch 165 horsepower V8 (optional)
    • 350 cubic inch 175 horsepower V8 (optional)
    • 402 (396) cubic inch 240 horsepower V8 (optional)

1972 Chevelle Malibu Concours Estate Wagon Information

  • Body Styles
    • 4-Door Wagon
  • Engine Options
    • 250 cubic inch 145 horsepower 6 cylinder (base)
    • 307 cubic inch 130 horsepower V8 (base)
    • 350 cubic inch 165 horsepower V8 (optional)
    • 350 cubic inch 175 horsepower V8 (optional)
    • 402 (396) cubic inch 240 horsepower V8 (optional)

1972 Chevelle Heavy Chevy Information

  • Body Styles
    • 2-Door Sport Coupe
  • Engine Options
    • 307 cubic inch 130 horsepower V8 (base)
    • 350 cubic inch 165 horsepower V8 (optional)
    • 350 cubic inch 175 horsepower V8 (optional)
    • 402 (396) cubic inch 240 horsepower V8 (optional)

1972 Chevelle SS (Super Sport) Information

  • Body Styles
    • 2-Door Sport Coupe
    • 2-Door Convertible
  • Engine Options
    • 350 cubic inch 165 horsepower V8 (base)
    • 350 cubic inch 175 horsepower V8 (optional)
    • 402 (396) cubic inch 240 horsepower V8 (optional)

1972 Chevelle SS 454 Information (Super Sport)

  • Body Styles
    • 2-Door Sport Coupe
    • 2-Door Convertible
  • Engine Options
    • 454 cubic inch 270 horsepower V8 (optional)

Click here for further engine decoding information

 

1972 Chevelle Engine Codes & Specifications

Engine Type Cubic Inches Horsepower Torque
L6 250 cid (STD) 110 hp @ 3800 RPM 185 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM
V8 307 cid (STD) 130 hp @ 4000 RPM 230lb-ft @ 2400 RPM
V8 350 cid (RPO L65) 165 hp @ 4000 RPM 280 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM
V8 350 cid (RPO L48) 175 hp @ 4000 RPM 280 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM
V8 402 cid (RPO LS3) 240 hp @ 4400 RPM 345 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
V8 454 cid (RPO LS5) 270 hp @ 4000 RPM 390 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM

1972 Chevelle Engine ID Codes

6-Cylinder Engine Codes
Code Size / Carburetor HP / RPO Transmission Notes
CAH 250 cid 1x1bbl 110 hp L22 3-Speed Manual Low Compression Engine
CBA 250 cid 1x1bbl 110 hp L22 3-Speed Manual NB2
CBD 250 cid 1x1bbl 110 hp L22 3-Speed Manual Taxi & NB2
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
CDL 250 cid 1x1bbl 110 hp L22 Powerglide A.I.R.
CDM 250 cid 1x1bbl 110 hp L22 Standard A.I.R.
CSD 250 cid 1x1bbl 110 hp L22 Powerglide NB2
8-Cylinder Engine Codes
Code Size / Carburetor HP / RPO Transmission Notes
307        
CAY 307 cid 1x2bbl 130 hp L14 3-Speed Manual NB2
CAZ 307 cid 1x2bbl 130 hp L14 Powerglide NB2
CKG 307 cid 1x2bbl 130 hp L14 Standard
CKH 307 cid 1x2bbl 130 hp L14 Powerglide
CMA 307 cid 1x2bbl 130 hp L14 TH350 NB2
CTK 307 cid 1x2bbl 130 hp L14 TH350
350        
CAR 350 cid 1x2bbl 165 hp L65 TH350 Police & NB2
CDA 350 cid 1x2bbl 165 hp L65 3/4-Speed Manual NB2
CDB 350 cid 1x2bbl 165 hp L65 Powerglide NB2
CDD 350 cid 1x4bbl 175 hp L48 TH350 NB2
CDG 350 cid 1x4bbl 175 hp L48 3/4-Speed Manual NB2
CKA 350 cid 1x2bbl 165 hp L65 3/4-Speed Manual
CKB 350 cid 1x2bbl 165 hp L65 TH350
CKD 350 cid 1x4bbl 175 hp L48 TH350
CKK 350 cid 1x4bbl 175 hp L48 3/4-Speed Manual
CMD 350 cid 1x2bbl 165 hp L65 TH350 NB2
CSH 350 cid 1x2bbl 165 hp L65 TH350 Police
CTL 350 cid 1x2bbl 165 hp L65 TH350
402        
CLA 402 cid 1x4bbl 240 hp LS3 4-Speed Manual
CLB 402 cid 1x4bbl 240 hp LS3 TH400
CLS 402 cid 1x4bbl 240 hp LS3 3-Speed Manual
CTA 402 cid 1x4bbl 240 hp LS3 4-Speed Manual A.I.R., Police & Taxi
CTB 402 cid 1x4bbl 240 hp LS3 TH400 A.I.R.
CTH 402 cid 1x4bbl 240 hp LS3 3-Speed Manual A.I.R.
CTJ 402 cid 1x4bbl 240 hp LS3 TH400 A.I.R., Police & Taxi
454        
CPA 454 cid 1x4bbl 270 hp LS5 Manual, M22
CPD 454 cid 1x4bbl 270 hp LS5 TH400  
CRW 454 cid 1x4bbl 270 hp LS5 TH400 A.I.R.
CRX 454 cid 1x4bbl 270 hp LS5 Manual, M22 A.I.R.

1972 Chevelle Rear Axle Codes

Code Axle Ratio Notes
CF 3.31:1 Positraction 12-bolt (LS3)
CH 2.73:1 Positraction 12-bolt (L48 & LS3)
CW 3:31.1 12-bolt (L48 & LS3)
GA 2.56:1 10-bolt
GC 2.73:1 10-bolt (L65)
GD 2.73:1 Positraction 10-bolt (L65)
GF 3.08:1 10-bolt
GG 3.36:1 10-bolt (L65)
GH 2.73:1 10-bolt (L14)
GI 3.36:1 Positraction 10-bolt
GN 3.08:1 10-bolt (L14)
KD 2.73:1 12-bolt (L48 & LS3)
RU 3.31:1 12-bolt (LS5)
RV 3.31:1 Positraction 12-bolt (LS5)
RW 4.10:1 Positraction 12-bolt

Click here for further rear axle decoding information

1972 Chevelle Factory Options

Regular Production Option (RPO)

Code Description Quantity Cost
AK1 Seat Belts & Front Shoulder Harness – Deluxe, Coupe/Sedan w/ Bench Seat 112,998 $16.90
Seat Belts & Front Shoulder Harness – Deluxe, Coupe w/ Bucket Seat $15.30
AU3 Electric Door Locks – Coupe/Convertible 10,683 $47.40
Electric Door Locks – Sedan $72.70
A01 Tinted Glass – All Windows 479,960 $44.25
(13637 / 13639 – 11/71) $43.20
(13680 / 13637 – 07/72) $42.00
(13857 – 11/71) $46.35
A02 Tinted Glass – Windshield 10,965 $42.65
A31 Windows – Electric Control 17,449 n/a
A33 Tail Gate Window – Electric 23,649 $34.00
A39 Custom Deluxe Seat Belts, Front & Rear, Convertible w/ Bench Seat 689 $14.75
Custom Deluxe Seat Belts, Front & Rear, Convertible w/ Bucket Seats $13.20
A41 Front Seat Electric Control 4-Way – Bench 3,317 n/a
A46 Front Seat Electric Control 4-Way – Bucket 1,831 n/a
A51 Strato-Bucket Seats 61,566 $140.10
(13637 – June) $133.00
A85 Deluxe Rear Shoulder Harness, Convertible 98 $27.40
B37 Floor Mats 178,186 $12.65
(13680 – 07/72) $6.50
(13637 – 06/72) $12.00
B84 Body Side Molding Equipment, n/a w/ Heavy Chevy 143,687 $34.80
(13639 – 10/71) $33.75
(13680 / 13637 – 07/72) $33.00
B85 Body Side Molding Upper 45,201 n/a
B90 Door & Window Frame Molding, 4 Door Sedan 14,570 $7.40
B93 Door Edge Guards, Coupe & Convertible 226,406 $6.35
Door Edge Guards, Sedan $9.50
(13637 – 06/72) $6.00
C05 Folding Top 4,852 n/a
C08 Exterior Soft Trim Roof Cover 284,926 $96.90
(13637 – 11/71) $94.80
(13639 – 10/71) $94.90
(13680 – 07/72) $62.00
(13637 – 06/72) $92.00
C50 Rear Window Defroster, Coupe/Sedan 45,131 $31.60
Rear Window Defroster, Convertible $36.90
(13637 – June) $31.00
C51 Rear Window Deflector 10,683 $21.00
C60 Air Conditioning – Deluxe 427,097 $418.15
(13639 – 11/71) $407.60
(13637 – 06/72) $397.00
D35 Outside Mirror – Remote Control, n/a w/ SS 190,321 $12.65
D33 Outside Mirror – Remote Control
(13637 – 01/72) (13569 – 04/72) $12.00
(13639 / 13857 – 11/71) $12.65
D34 Vanity Visor Mirror 44,732 $3.20
D55 Front Compartment Console (requires A51) 56,495 $60.05
(13637 – June) $57.00
D88 Sport Stripes – YF8 Black, n/a w/ Midnight Bronze 14,772 $81.10
Sport Stripes – ZR8 White, n/a w/ Antique White $77.00
F40 Special Front and Rear Suspension, n/a w/ SS 26,479 $17.95
(13680 – 04/72) $17.00
F41 Special Performance Front and Rear Suspension (Incl. w/ SS) 19,595 $31.60
G67 Rear Shock Absorber Level Control 621 n/a
G80 Rear Axle – Positraction 40,564 $47.40
(13569 – 04/72) $45.00
JL2 Front Power Disc Brakes (Incl. w/ SS) 131,991 $71.65
(13680 – 04/72) $68.00
(13639 – 11/71) $69.55
J50 Vacuum Power Brake Equipment, Drum (n/a w/ SS) 187,151 $48.65
K30 Cruise Master Speed Control 11,510 $65.30
K85 Alternator, 63 Amp w/o AC 4,918 $27.40
Alternator, 63 Amp w/ AC $5.30
LS3 Engine – V8, 402 cid, 4-bbl Carburetor, 240 hp 20,031 $176.95
(13680 – 04/72) $168.00
LS5 Engine – V8, 454 cid, Hi Performance (n/a California) 5,333 $286.50
(13680 – 03/72) $272.00
L48 Engine – V8, 350 cid, 175 hp 125,708 $75.85
(13637 – 11/71) $73.75
(13637 – 03/72) $72.00
(13857 – 11/71) $47.40
L65 Engine – V8, 350 cid, 2-bbl Carburetor, 165 hp 274,178 $27.40
(13637 – 11/71) $26.35
(13680 – 07/72) $26.00
MC1 Heavy Duty 3-Speed Transmission, LS3 Only 272 $135.20
M11 Floor Shift 3-Speed Transmission, L48 & L65 Only 4,025 $135.20
M20 4-Speed Transmission, Wide Ratio (n/a w/ base V8) 10,201 $200.65
(13637 – 11/71 – w/ L65) $195.40
(13637 – 03/72 – w/ L48) $195.00
(13637 – June – w/ L48) $190.00
M22 4-Speed Transmission, Heavy Duty, Close Ratio, LS5 Only 1,513 $243.95
M35 Powerglide Transmission, 6-Cylinder Engine 43,915 $183.75
Powerglide Transmission, 8-Cylinder Engine $195.40
M38 Three Speed Automatic Transmission, TH350 541,869 $216.50
(13680 – 07/72) $210.00
M40 Three Speed Automatic Transmission, TH400 21,427 $237.60
(13680 – 04/72) $231.00
NK2 Deluxe Steering Wheel 9,556 $15.80
NK4 Sport Steering Wheel 20,486 $15.00
N33 Steering Wheel – Tilt Type 55,301 $46.35
(13639 – 10/71 / 13857 – 11/71) $45.30
(13680 – 03/72) $44.00
N40 Power Steering 418,747 $119.05
(13637 – 11/71) $115.90
(13680 – 07/72) $113.00
PA3 Special Wheel Trim Cover 24,132 n/a
PK2 G70-14B G/B White Stripe 25,929 n/a
PL3 E78-14B 2×2 White Stripe 225,900 $29.15
(13637 – 11/71) $28.15
PM5 G78 x 14 Belted Tires n/a
(13136 – 06/72) $44.90
PM6 G78-14D G/B White Stripe 11,012 n/a
PM7 F60-15B G/B White Letter 25,695 n/a
PU8 G78-15B G/B White Stripe 137,178 n/a
PX5 F78 x 14 Belted Tires n/a
w/ 240 hp Engine $17.95
w/ 240 hp Engine, Incl. 14×6 Wheels $23.20
(13569 – 04/72) $17.00
PX6 F78-14B B/B White Stripe (w/o LS3) 78,373 $49.10
F78-14B B/B White Stripe (w/ LS3) $54.35
(13680 – 04/72) $52.40
(13637 – 01/72) $47.35
(13680 – 07/72 / 13637 – June) $47.40
(13639 – 10/71) $48.10
P01 Wheel Trim Cover 223,492 $27.40
(13680 – 07/72) $26.00
(13639 – 10/71) $26.35
P02 Deluxe Wheel Trim Cover 18,167 $86.40
P90 G70-15B G/B White Stripe 34,960 $49.35
T58 Rear Wheel Opening Skirt 17,941 n/a
T60 Heavy Duty Battery 39,907 $15.80
(13680 – 07/72) $15.00
UM1 AM Push Button Radio & Tape Player 35,637 $205.40
(13637 – June) $195.00
UM2 AM/FM Push Button Radio & Tape Player 7,403 $382.35
U14 Instrument Panel Gauges, Requires V8 Coupe/Convertible 25,179 $86.40
(13637 – 11/71 w/ L65) $84.30
(13637 – 03/72 w/ L48) $82.00
(13680 – 03/72 w/ LS5) $97.00
U35 Electric Clock 49,062 $16.90
U63 Radio – AM Push Button 478,309 $68.50
(13637 – 11/71) $66.40
(13637 – 01/72) $65.00
(13680 – 07/72) $65.00
U69 Radio – AM/FM Push Button 63,234 $142.20
U76 Windshield Antenna 626,027 n/a
U79 AM/FM Stereo Equipment 15,366 $239.10
U80 Auxiliary Rear Speaker 126,641 $15.80
(13637 – 01/72) $15.00
V01 Heavy Duty Radiator, 6-Cylinder Engine 36,249 $14.75
(13136 – 06/72) $14.00
Heavy Duty Radiator, 8-Cylinder Engine $22.15
(13680 – 04/72 w/ LS3) (13637 – 06/72 w/ L65) $21.00
(13569 – 04/72) $14.00
(13639 – 10/71) $21.20
(13680 – 03/72 w/ LS5) $21.00
V30 Front & Rear Bumper Guards 72,663 $32.65
  (13639 – 10/71) $31.60
V55 Roof Luggage Carrier 26,706 $56.00
YD1 Axle For Trailering, Requires Base V8, L48, L65, LS3 & TH400 2,821 $12.65
YF3 Heavy Chevy Package 9,508 $145.35
YF3/YF8 w/ Black Stripes, n/a w/ Midnight Bronze
YF3/ZR8 w/ White Stripes, n/a w/ Antique White
YF5 California Assembly Line Emission Test 58,689 $15.80
(13637 – 01/72) $15.00
YF8 Black Stripes (Color Only, See D88 Stripes) n/a n/a
YJ9 Emissions Label n/a n/a
ZJ7 Special Wheel, Hub Cap & Trim Ring 180,852 $46.35
(13637 – 11/71) $45.30
(13637 – 05/72) $44.00
(13857 – 11/71) $41.10
ZJ9 Auxiliary Lighting Group, Malibu Convertible 54,605 $15.80
Auxiliary Lighting Group, Malibu Sport Coupe or Sedan $22.15
Auxiliary Lighting Group, Chevelle Coupe or Sedan $24.80
(13680 – 04/72) $17.50
(13637 – 03/72) $21.00
(13857 – 11/71) $21.10
ZL2 Special Ducted Hood, Requires SS Option & LS3 or LS5 3,659 $162.20
(13680 – 03/72) $128.00
ZP5 Appearance Guard Group – Coupe/Convertible n/a $54.85
Appearance Guard Group – 4-Door Sedan/Sport Sedan $58.00
ZQ2 Operating Convenience Group n/a $12.65-$62.50
ZQ9 Rear Axle – Performance Ratio, Standard V8 & TH400 296 $12.65
Rear Axle – Performance Ratio, w/ L48, L65, LS3 & TH400 (YD1) $12.65
Z15 SS Equipment Group 24,946 $365.50
(13637 – 11/71) $357.05
(13680 – 03/72) $350.05
Z35 300 Deluxe Trim Option – Canada Only On 13437 Series Chevelle n/a
703 Interior Trim Vinyl 34,259 $19.00
704 Interior Trim Vinyl – Black n/a $19.00
(13637 – 03/72) $18.00
708 Interior Trim Vinyl – Black n/a $19.00
(13857 – 11/71) $18.00
713 Interior Trim Vinyl – Green n/a $18.00
720 Interior Trim Vinyl – Tan n/a $19.00
721 Interior Trim Vinyl – Tan 4,814 $19.00
731 Interior Trim Vinyl – Light Covert (Monte Carlo) 16,958 $19.00
732 Interior Trim Vinyl – Covert n/a $19.00
(13637 – 06/72) $18.00
743 Interior Trim Vinyl – White n/a $19.00
956 Color Combination – Two Tone 6,321 $32.65
(13637 – 01/72) $31.00

Click here for further RPO decoding information

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.

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