1972 Chevelle Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1972 Chevelle SS 396 Convertible
1972 Chevelle SS Sport Coupe
1972 Chevrolet El Camino
1. LS6 454 is Out
2. U14 Special Instrumets Option Available
3. Only V-8 Available in California is 350 CID Engine
4. Stripes Standard When ZL2 Hood Ordered
5. "Heavy Chevy" Option Returns
1972 – Engine Options Restricted
The 1972 Chevelle series became America’s second-best-selling car with more than 212,000 Malibu Sport Coupes alone produced. The 454, 402, and 307 CID V-8s were NOT available for sale in California, where only the 350 CID -8 was sold. The “Heavy Chevy” Sport Coupe returned.
1972 Chevelle Resources
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1972 Chevelle Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle
| 11 Antique White | |
| 14 Pewter Silver | |
| 24 Ascot Blue | |
| 26 Mulsanne Blue | |
| 36 Spring Green | |
| 43 Gulf Green | |
| 48 Sequoia Green | |
| 50 Covert Tan | |
| 53 Placer Gold | |
| 56 Cream Yellow | |
| 57 Golden Brown | |
| 63 Mohave Gold | |
| 65 Orange Flame | |
| 68 Midnight Bronze | |
| 75 Cranberry Red |
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1972 Chevelle Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Facts
The 1972 Chevelle models featured single-unit parking and side marker lights on the front fenders, set outside a revised twin-bar grille. All Malibu models had concealed wipers. The SS equipment option remained the same as in 1971, where it allowed any optional V-8 to be fitted. The base was labeled Chevelle and included a 2-door Sport Coupe and 4-door Sedan. The wagon series remained Nomad Greenbrier and Concours series. The upscale model continued as the Malibu series, including the Sport Coupe, Sport Sedan, 4-oor Sedan and convertible. More than 24,000 Malibu Sport Sedans were built with a standard 307 CID V-8. In a surprise, the Sport Sedan and Convertible were not available with the overhead-valve six-cylinder engine.
Powertrain options included the 175 HP, SAE Net 350 CID V-8 and 240 HP SAE Net 402 CID V-8 (still known as a 396), as well as the LS5 454 CID V-8 that produced 270 HP SAE Net. Chevelles sold in California were unavailable with the 307, 402 and 454 CID V-8s, but the 350 CID V-8 was allowed.
As stated, the 1972 Chevelle SS top engine was the LS5, as the LS6 was no longer available. It was rated at 270 SAE Net HP, down from its 285 HP rating in 1971. All other engines on the SS roster were unchanged from 1971, though the 402 CID V-8’s HP also dropped from 260 to 240 HP. 1972 was the last year for the cowl induction option and was not mentioned in the 1972 Chevelle brochure.
Chevelle wagons measured 10 inches shorter than full-size wagons and weighed about half a ton less, but surprisingly were much slower sellers than the large car. Model-year output totaled 49,352 Chevelle models and 290,008 Malibu models and 54,335 station wagons.
1972 Chevelle Factoids
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The LS6 – the ultimate Chevrolet big block – was no more, as mandated lower compression ratios took too much of a bite out of the performance and made the high lift, long duration camshaft untenable.
The Heavy Chevy, RPO YF3, returned for 1972 on the V-8 Coupe only. Essentially an appearance option, it consisted of special side striping, hood, front fenders and rear deck decals, a domed hood (not cowl induction), hood locking ins, special 6″ x 14″ and Rally Wheels.
Unable to meet or certify most of the V-8 lineup for 1972 in California resulted in the 350 CID engine as the only engine offered in that State. At 165 and 175 HP SAE Net, this was a big comedown for a Chevrolet and car happy locale.
1972 Chevelle Facts – Models Offered
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Standard equipment for base editions consisted of Astro-Ventilation; cigarette lighter; side-guard door beam structure; concealed wipers and either the 110 horsepower 250 CID Six or 130 horsepower 307 CID V-8.
Available models in the Chevelle line were: 2-door Sport Coupe and 4-door Sedan.
The Malibu model included all equipment found on the base line, plus Hide Away two-speed wipers; Deluxe steering wheel; glove box light; window moldings; and carpets. A convertible was also available in Malibu trim and had all of the above standard equipment, plus courtesy lights. All Malibu models featured a glove box light and left outside rear view mirror. Size E78 x 14 tires were used.
Available Malibu models were: 2-door Sport Coupe, 4-door Sport Sedan, 4-door Sedan, and Convertible.
Station wagons had reverted to the practice of the early 60s in the full size line with Nomad, Greenbrier, and Concours models. The Nomad, however, was the base model, trimmed as a Chevelle and it was only available as a 2-seat version, the Greenbrier was trimmed as a base Malibu and the Concours, was offered as a standard and an “Estate”, with the Estate featuring faux wood side trim.
Available models were: Nomad 2-seat, Greenbrier 2- and 3-seat, seat, Concurs 2- and 3-seat, and Concurs Estate 2- and 3-seat.
The El Camino model came in Base and Custom trim. The Base model was trimmed as a Chevelle DeLuxe and the Custom was trimmed as a Malibu. Colors were as set for the Chevelle/Malibu line.
1972 Chevelle Facts – Engines
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- 250 CID I-6 110 HP
- 307 CID V-8 130 HP
- 350 CID V-8 165 HP
- 350 CID V-8 175 HP
- 402 CID V8 240 HP
- 454 CID V8 270 HP
250 CID Six-cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 250 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.530 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 110 SAE Net @ 3800 RPM.
Torque: 185 SAE Net @1600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust: 244°; Overlap 33º 30′. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3880″, Exhaust 0.3880″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: Standard Manual Transmission 7042017 (California) 7012987; Automatic Transmission 7042014 (California) 7042984 .
307 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 307 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.50:1.
Horsepower: 130 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 230 SAE Net @ 2400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 280°, Exhaust 288°, Overlap 58°. Valve Lift: (intake) 0.3900″; (exhaust) 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GV two barrel: manual transmission 7042101; (California) 7042821. Automatic Transmission 7041110, (California) 7042820.
NOTE: Not Available in California
165 HP 350 CID V-8. (RPO L65) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.48 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 165 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 280 SAE Net @ 2400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 280°, Exhaust: 288°, Overlap 58°. Lift: (intake) 0.3900″, (exhaust) 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GV 2-barrel – manual transmission 7042111 (California) 7042831; automatic transmission 7042112 (California) 7042832.
175 HP 350 CID V-8. (RPO L48) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.48 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 175 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 280 NAE Net @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 280°, Exhaust: 288°, Overlap 58°. Lift: (intake) 0.3900″, (exhaust) 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel – manual transmission 7042203 (California) 7042903); automatic transmission 7041202 (California) 7042902.
Turbo-Fire 402 CID V-8 (RPO LS3). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 402 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.126 x 3.76 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 240 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 345 SAE Net @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 280° Exhaust: 318°, Overlap 91°. Lift: Intake 0.3983″; Exhaust 0.4300″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadrajet – manual transmission 7042201; automatic transmission 7042200.
Turbo-Fire 454 V-8 (RPO LS5). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 454 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.125 x 4.00 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 270 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 390 SAE Net @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: (with ramps) Intake: 350°, Exhaust: 352°, Overlap 118°. Lift: Intake 0.4614″, Exhaust 0.4800″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet: manual transmission; 7042201 automatic transmission 7042200.
1972 Chevelle Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 2-Door and Convertible 112 inches, All others 116 inches.
- Overall length: 2-Door and Convertible 197.5 inches, 4-Doors 201.5 inches, Station Wagon & El Camino: 206.8 inches.
- Overall width: 75.4 inches.
- Overall height: 4-Doors: 53.3 inches; 2-Doors: 52.7 inches; Convertible 52.9 inches; Station Wagon 54.1 inches; El Camino 54.4 inches.
- Front tread: 60.0 inches.
- Rear tread: 59.8 inches.
- Tires:
- I-6: E78 x 14.
- 307-350 V-8: F78 x 14.
- SS Models: F60 x 15.
- El Camino G78 x 14 SS Models G70 x 14.
- Station Wagons: G78 x 14.
- F70 x 14 and G70 x 14 optional on request for all V-8 equipped cars.
1972 Chevelle Facts – Powertrains
- Powerglide Transmission Ratios
- I-6 & 307 CID V-8: 1st – 1.82:1, 2nd – 1:1, Reverse – 1.82:1
- Turbo Hydramatic Transmission Ratios
- I-6, 307 & 350 CID V-8 T-350: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.52:1, 3rd 1.00:1 Reverse – 1.93:1
- 402 and 454 CID V-8 T-400: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd 1.00:1 Reverse – 2.08:1
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 and 307 CID V-8: 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1
- 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1
- Three Speed Manual (Heavy Duty) Transmission Ratios
- 402 CID V-8: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.58:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.41:1
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.80:1, 3rd – 1.44:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.54:1
- 402 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.80:1, 3rd – 1.44:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.54:1
- 454 CID V-8: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.27:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.26:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6 250 CID:
- 3-Speed SMT and HD: 3.08:1,
- Powerglide – 3.08:1
- 307 CID V-8 130 HP:
- 3-Speed SMT and HD: 3.08:1
- Powerglide – 3.08:1
- T-350 AMT – 2.73:1, Optional – 3.31:1
- 350 CID V-8 165 HP:
- 3-Speed SMT – 3.08:1
- 4-Speed SMT – 3.36:1
- T-350 – 2.56:1, Optional 3.31:1
- 350 CID V-8 175 HP:
- 3-Speed SMT – 3.31:1
- 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1
- T-350 – 2.56:1, Optional 3.31:1:1
- 402 CID V-8 240 HP
- T-400: 2.73:1. Optional 3.31:1.
- 3-Speed SMT – 3.31:1
- 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1
- 454 CID 270 HP
- T-400: 3.31:1.
- 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1
- I-6 250 CID:
NOTE: Optional, dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.73:1 to 4.88:1 Depending on axle size. Posi-traction optional for all vehicles where axle or ratio allowed. For more detail on axle ratios see the 1972 AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
1972 Chevelle Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 3-speed HD manual transmission ($135.20).
- 4-speed close-ratio heavy duty manual transmission, in 270 HP V-8 only ($243.95).
- 4-speed wide-ratio manual transmission, in 402 CID V-8 includes Hurst shifter.($200.65).
- Alternator, 63 ampere, without air conditioning ($27.40); with air conditioning ($5.30).
- Dual exhausts ($24.17).
- Heavy-duty battery ($15.80).
- Heavy-duty radiator: I-6 ($14.75); V-8 ($22.15).
- Positraction axle ($42.15).
- Powerglide transmission in V-8 ($195.40).
- Powerglide transmission, in I-6 ($183.75).
- RPO 2L2 Chevelle cowl-induction hood, SS 396/454 option required ($162.20).
- RPO L65 165 HP 350 CID V-8 ($27.40).
- RPO L48 175 HP 350 CID V-8 ($75.85).
- RPO LS3 240 HP 402 CID V-8, in Malibu and Chevelle wagons ($176.95).
- RPO LS5 270 HP 454 CID V-8, in Chevelle with SS 454 Option package ($286.50).
- Turbo-Hydramatic transmission in 165/175 horsepower 350 V-8, ($221.80).
- Turbo-Hydramatic transmission in all with 240 horsepower402 V-8 ($243.95).
- Turbo-Hydramatic transmission in Chevelle with 45025sepower V-8 ($243.95).
NOTE: Base I-6 and base 307 CID V-8 price included in base model pricing.
1972 Chevelle Facts – Chevelle Key RPO Options
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- RPO Z15 Chevelle SS Package. Coupe or convertible Only: Includes black-painted grille, wheel opening moldings, power front disc brakes, special rear suspension and rear bumper with black insert, special “power bulge” hood, “SS” emblems, heavy-duty battery, F60-15 white letter tires, 15 x 7 wheels with bright lug nuts. Engine options NOT included in pricing. ($365.50).
- RPO YF3 Heavy Chevy Package. Chevelle V-8 Coupe Only. Includes black-painted grille, special side striping, “Heavy Chevy” decals on hood, front fender and rear deck, “power dome” hood with locking pins, 14 x 6 inch rally type wheels. Engine options NOT included in pricing. ($145.35).
1972 Chevelle Facts – Significant Options
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- Adjustable roof rack, wagon
- Air conditioning
- Carpeted wagon load floor
- Console in Malibu with bucket seats
- Electric rear defroster
- Power door locks
- Power drum brakes
- Power front disc brakes
- Power front seat, six-way
- Power steering
- Power Strato-Bucket seat
- Radio AM push button
- Radio AM/FM push button
- Radio AM/FM with FM stereo
- Rally styled wheels,
- Special instrumentation: includes tachometer, ammeter and temperature gauges, on Malibu coupe/convertible
- Standard rear defroster
- Stereo tape player, with AM radio
- Stereo tape player with AM/FM radio and FM stereo
- Tilt steering wheel
- Tinted glass
- Vinyl top Black, Blue, Dark Gold, Green or White
- Wagon Air defector
- Wheel covers
- Wheel covers, special
1972 Chevelle Downloads and Images
1972 Chevelle Facts –
Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Chevelle Line will appear below:
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Brochure
1972 Chevrolet El Camino Brochure
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Print Advertisements
1972 Chevrolet Mid-Size I-6 through 454 V-8 AMA Specifications Sheets
1972 Chevrolet Factory Information Kit
SEEKING: 1972 Chevelle Road Tests Got One? Click HERE
1972 Chevrolet Mid-Size Car Production Figures – Includes El Camino
1972 Chevelle Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Mid-Size Chevelle Line will appear below
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Convertible
The 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Convertible was an option on the Malibu convertible line. It is not clear how many were delivered.
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Sport Coupe
The 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Sport Coupe was considered part of the Malibu line from a production point of view. 24,946 (including El Camino models) received this option and 5,333 were SS 454 models.
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Heavy Chevy Sport Coupe
The 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Heavy Chevy Sport Coupe was also an option on either a standard Chevelle or Malibu Sport Coupe. 9,508 were ordered.
1972 Chevrolet Malibu Convertible
The 1972 Chevrolet Malibu Convertible was the only non-performance Convertible offered this year. 4,853 were made.
1972 Chevrolet Malibu Sport Coupe
The 1972 Chevrolet Malibu Sport Coupe was the top line, non-performance 2-door sold in 1972. It was the best selling mid-size Chevrolet with 212,388 delivered.
1972 Chevrolet Malibu 4-door Hardtop
The 1972 Chevrolet Malibu 4-door Hardtop, called “sport sedan” was the hardtop version an top line 4–door. 24,192 sere sold.
1972 Chevrolet Malibu 4-door Sedan
The 1972 Chevrolet Malibu 4-door Sedan was the top line 4-door sedan this year with 48,575 produced.
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle 4-door Sedan
The 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle 4-door Sedan was the low-price Chevelle 4-door in 1972. 19,645 were sold.
1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Sport Coupe
The 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Sport Coupe was the entry level 2-door in the line this year. 29,707 were delivered.
1972 El Camino
The 1972 El Camino came in Standard and Custom trim. The SS Option was just that, an option. 57,147 were produced.