1972 Chevrolet Camaro Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1972 Camaro Z28
1. 174-day Strike at GM Cuts Sales Drastically
2. 307 and Big Block Excluded from California
3. "Wet Look" Vinyl Roof Offered
4. New Steering Wheel Bows
5. Last Year for the Big Block Camaro
1972 Camaro – Hold the Line, A Restyle is Coming
The 1972 Camaro suffered from the 174 day UAW strike at GM’s assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio. This would also be the last year of the big block Camaro and the RPO Z28 Option as emissions and the impact of lower compression ratios made these engines non-competitive in the marketplace.
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Resources
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1972 Chevrolet Camaro – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
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1972 Chevrolet Camaro
| 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 Chevrolet Camaro Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1972 Chevrolet Camaro
The 1972 Camaro suffered from the UAW strike at GM’s assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio. This disrupted production for 174 days. The walkout stranded thousands of bodies on the assembly line. By the time it was over, these cars were unfit for sale under new 1973 Federal safety standards. General Motors was forced to scrap the bodies.
GM considered dropping the Camaro and Firebird from the lineup as the corporation had to adapt its number of makes and models to the new federal regulations for emissions, safety, and fuel economy. But the feedback from loyal owners convinced GM that the models should continue. Though met with the adversity of the strike and other issues, Chevrolet would only produce 68,656 Camaros in 1972.
Only 970 SS 396 versions were delivered in 1972, the last year the Camaro was offered with a big block. Also, it would be the end of the SS 396 and SS 350 models as well. In another change, the famous Z28 badging was changed from “Z/28” to “Z28”. It would also be the last year of production until it returned in 1977
Horsepower ratings continued to drop, due to lower compression and tighter emissions controls. And beginning with the 1972 model year, there was a switch from gross to SAE net ratings – based power developed when an engine was in a vehicle with all accessories installed. For example, the 350 CID LT1 was re-rated from 330 gross HP and 275 SAE net in 1971 to 255 SAE net horsepower for 1972. The 1971 300 gross HP (260 SAE net) big-block 396 fell to 240. With so little difference in the HP between the 350 and the 396 (402 CID) and it’s difficulty in meeting emissions, there was no rationale for retaining it.
NOTE: Camaro models above the base model were still differentiated by RPO packages. See the list in Models Offered – below.
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Factoids
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The Big Block Chevrolet thrived on Compression ratio and super hot camshafts – after all it was originally designed as a race engine. By 1972, with compression reduced to 8.5:1 and the camshaft now only at 286 degrees of duration, it could only turn our 240 SAE Net HP (less than 300 Gross HP), falling into the clutches of the 350 small block’s capabilities. And the buyers knew it, with only 970 delivered in its last year.
The Z28 would retire as an option after this year, returning as a full model in 1977, not a RPO. The logo also changed from “Z/28” to merely “Z28”. Regardless, the potent LT1 was still in house and the handling equipment remained part of the package.
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Facts – Models Offered
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Power disc brakes were standard. So was side marker lights, reflectors, defroster, washers and dual speed wipers, inside day /nite mirror, outside rear view mirror, all-vinyl interior, bucket seats, rear bucket style seat cushions, front disc brakes, steel side guard rails, three-speed manual transmission with floor shift, cigarette lighter, carpeting, Astro-Ventilation and either the 250 CID I-6 or 307 CID V-8. Size E78 x 14 tires were standard equipment RPO ZJ7 Rally Wheels were optional.
RPO Z22 – Rally Sport equipment included special black-finished grille with rubber-tipped vertical center bar and resilient body-color grille frame, independent front left and right-hand bumpers, license plate bracket below right bumper, parking lights with bright accents mounted on grille panel, Hide-Away wipers, bright roof drip, window and hood panel moldings, body-color insert on door handles, RS emblem on steering wheel, RS front fender nameplates and bright accented taillights and backup lamps RS emblems were deleted when Camaro SS or Z/28 package was ordered. Surprisingly RPO ZJ7 Rally Wheels were optional.
RPO Z27 – The Camaro SS package included dual exhausts, power brakes, left-hand remote-control sport mirror, special ornamentation and hood insulation, F70-14 tires (white-lettered), 14 x 7 inch wheels, black-finished grille, Hide-Away wipers and the 200 horsepower L48 350 CID V-8 with bright engine accents. The LS3 402 CID (SS396) engine was optional. Surprisingly, RPO ZJ7 Rally Wheels were optional.
RPO Z28 – Included in the package was the 255 horsepower 350 CID V-8 with bright engine trim, remote-control left-hand outside rear-view mirror, special instrumentation, power brakes, 3.73:1 ratio Positraction rear axle, heavy-duty cooling, dual exhausts, black accented grille,” Z28″ front fender emblems, rear bumper guards, sport suspension, rear deck spoiler with “Z28” decal, special paint stripes on hood and rear deck heavy-duty front and rear springs, 15 x 7 inch wheels with chrome lug nuts, special center hub caps with trim rings and F60-15 bias-belted white-letter tires.
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Facts – RPO List
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- RPO Z22 – Camaro Rally Sport appearance package, includes black painted grille and resilient body-color grille frame, independent left and right front bumpers, license plate bracket mounted below right front bumper, parking lights with bright accents molded on front panel, Hide-A-Way wipers, bright window, hood panel and body sill moldings, body-colored door handle inserts, “RS” emblems, nameplate, F78-14 tires required.
- RPO Z27 – Camaro Super Sport package included 200 horsepower 350 CID V-8, bright engine accents, heavy duty battery, power brakes, special ornamentation, Front and Rear Spoilers, hood insulation, F70-14 white letter tires, 14-7 wheels, black-painted grille, Hide-A-Way wipers with black arms and “SS” emblems. NOTE: The 402 CID V-8 is only available as an option with this package.
- RPO Z28 – Camaro Z28 Special Performance Package, includes special 255 horsepower 350 CID V-8 with bright engine accents, heavy-duty radiator, dual exhausts, black painted grille, “Z28” emblems, special performance suspension, heavy-duty front and rear springs, 15 x 7 inch wheels, special center caps and trim rings, hood insulation, F60-l58 white-lettered tires, rear deck spoiler and special paint stripes on hood and deck. NOTE: The 350 CID 255 HP V-8 is only available with this package.
NOTE: A complete breakdown of all items found in the RPOs (they differ when certain RPOs are combined) can be found in the Chevrolet Camaro Factory Information Kit, Page 33 – HERE.
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Facts – Engines
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- 250 CID I-6 110 HP
- 250 CID I-6 110 HP California
- 307 CID V-8 130 HP
- 307 CID V-8 130 HP California
- 350 CID V-8 165 HP
- 350 CID V-8 165 HP California
- 350 CID V-8 200 HP
- 350 CID V-8 200 HP California
- 350 CID V-8 Z28 255 HP
- 402 CID V8 240 HP
250 CID Six-cylinder Non-California. 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°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3880″, Exhaust 0.3880″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: (manual transmission) 7042017; (automatic transmission) 7042014.
250 CID Six-cylinder – California Only. 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: 294°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3880″, Exhaust 0.4051″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: (manual transmission) 7042987; (automatic transmission) 7042984.
307 CID V-8 Non-California. 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 Timing: Intake 280°, Exhaust 288°, Overlap 58°. Valve Lift: (intake) 0.3900″; (exhaust) 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GV two barrel: (manual transmission) 7042101; (automatic Transmission) 7042110.
307 CID V-8 California Only. 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 Timing: Intake 320°, Exhaust 334°, Overlap 110°. Valve Lift: (intake) 0.4006″; (exhaust) 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GV two barrel: (manual transmission) 7042821; (automatic Transmission) 7042820.
NOTE: Though specs for this engine were published, this engine WAS NOT made available in California.
165 HP 350 CID V-8 Non-California. (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 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 280 SAE Net @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake: 280°, Exhaust: 288°, Overlap 58°. Lift: (intake) 0.3900″, (exhaust) 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel – (manual transmission) 7042111; (automatic transmission) 7042112.
NOTE: The horsepower rating was based upon Single Exhaust.
165 HP 350 CID V-8 California Only. (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 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 280 SAE Net @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake: 320°, Exhaust: 334°, Overlap 110°. Lift: (intake) 0.4006″, (exhaust) 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel – (manual transmission) 7042831; (automatic transmission) 7042832.
NOTE: The horsepower rating was based upon Single Exhaust.
200 HP 350 CID V-8 Non-California. (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: 200 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 300 SAE Net @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake: 280°, Exhaust: 288°, Overlap 58°. Lift: (intake) 0.3900″, (exhaust) 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel – (manual transmission) 7042203; (automatic transmission) 7042202.
NOTE: This engine was the base engine for the Base SS. The higher horsepower rating was based upon Dual Exhausts.
200 HP 350 CID V-8 California Only. (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: 200 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 300 SAE Net @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake: 320°, Exhaust: 334°, Overlap 110°. Lift: (intake) 0.4006″, (exhaust) 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel – (manual transmission) 7042903; (automatic transmission) 7042902.
NOTE: This engine was the base engine for the Base SS. The higher horsepower rating was based upon Dual Exhausts.
255 HP 350 CID Z28 V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.48 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 255 SAE Net @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 280 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Timing: Intake: 317°, Exhaust: 346, Overlap 96°. Lift: (intake) 0.4586″, (exhaust) 0.4850″.
Carburetor: Holley 4-barrel – (manual transmission) 3999263; (automatic transmission) 3997788.
Turbo-Jet 402 CID V-8 (LS3) Non-California. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 402 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.126 x 3.76 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.50:1.
Horsepower: 240 SAE Net @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 345 SAE Net @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake: 286°, Exhaust: 286°, Overlap: 59°. Lift: Intake 0.3983″, Exhaust 0.4300″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-Jet – manual transmission #7042201; automatic transmission: #7042200.
NOTE 1: Chevrolet still named this engine, when in Camaro as “396”.
NOTE 2: This engine was NOT Available in California
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 108 inches.
- Overall length: 188.0 inches.
- Overall width: 74.4 inches.
- Overall height: Coupe Only 49.1 inches.
- Front tread: 61.3 inches.
- Rear tread: 60.0 inches.
- Tires: I-6 – 307 CID: E78 x 14; 350 CID 165 & 200 HP F78 x 14; SS 396 F70 x 14; Z28 F60 x 15;
- NOTE: F70 x 14 Optional where lesser tire fitted.
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Facts – Powertrains
- Powerglide Transmission Ratios
- I-6 & 307 CID V-8: 1st – 1.82:1, 2nd – 1:1, Reverse – 1.82:1
- Turbo Hydramatic 350 Transmission Ratios
- 307 & 350 CID 165-200 HP V-8: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.52:1, 3rd 1.00:1 Reverse – 1.93:1
- Turbo Hydramatic 400 Transmission Ratios
- 350 CID 255 HP 402 CID V-8: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd 1.00:1 Reverse – 2.08:1
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 & 307 CID V-8: 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1
- L65 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 350 CID L48 200 HP V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.80:1, 3rd – 1.32:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.54:1
- 350 CID 255 HP V-8: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.59:1
- 350 255 HP & 402 CID V-8 Close Ratio: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.27:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.26:1
- 350 255 HP & 402 CID V-8 Wide Ratio: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.59:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6 & 307 V-8 CID: 3-Speed SMT & Powerglide – 3.08:1
- 307 CID V-8 3-Speed Automatic – 2.73:1
- 307 CID V-83-Speed SMT & Powerglide – 3.08:1
- 350 CID 165 HP V-8 – 3-speed & 4-Speed SMT – 3.08:1;
- 350 CID 165 HP V-8 – 3-Speed Automatic 2.73:1; Optional – 3.42:1
- 350 CID 200 HP V-8 – 3-Speed Automatic – 3.08:1
- 350 CID 200 HP V-8 – 4-Speed SMT – 3.42:1
- 350 CID V-8 255 HP: All Transmissions – 3.73:1, Optional – 4.10:1
- 402 CID V-8 240 HP: All Transmissions – 3.42:1.
- Posi-traction optional for all V-8 equipped vehicles where axle allowed.
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 3-speed manual transmission, standard, I-6, 307 V-8 and 350 V-8 L-65.
- 4-speed manual transmission, close-ratio.
- 4-speed manual transmission, wide-ratio.
- Floor-mounted shift lever for 3-speed manual transmission, as optional equipment.
- Heavy-duty clutch.
- Posi-Traction axle.
- Powerglide automatic transmission only available with I-6 and 307 CID V-8.
- RPO LS3/240 horsepower 402 CID V-8 only with RPO Z27 “SS”.
- RPO L65/165 horsepower 350 CID Turbo-Fire V-8.
- RPO L48/200 horsepower 350 CID Turbo-Fire V-8.
- RPO Z28 Package, includes the 255 horsepower 350 CID V-8, not – available otherwise.
- Turbo Hydra-Matic (M38 type) with 307 V-8 & 165 & 200 horsepower 350 CID V-8.
- Turbo Hydra-Matic (M40 type) with Z28 and LS3 402 CID V-8 only.
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning
- AM push button radio
- AM/FM push button radio
- AM/FM radio with FM stereo
- Console
- Comfort-Tilt steering wheel
- Electro-Clear rear defroster
- Fingertip windshield wiper control
- Power door locks
- Power front disc brakes
- Power steering
- Power Strato Bucket seat
- Rally Wheels (except Z28 package)
- Rear deck lid spoiler (standard with Z28 package)
- Special instrumentation included tachometer, ammeter and temperature gauges,
- Standard rear defroster
- Stereo tape system
- Tinted glass
- Vigilante light monitoring system
- Vinyl roof
- Vinyl roof (Wet Look)
- Wheel covers , base Camaro
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Downloads and Images
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Facts – Related Document Downloads
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Brochure
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Print Advertisements
1972 Chevrolet Camaro AMA Specifications Sheets
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Factory Information Kit
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Automatic Transmission Road Test – Super Stock Magazine
1972 Chevrolet Camaro Facts – Related Images
1972 Base Camaro
The 1972 Base Camaro was just that – the car with a minimum of options and a choice of an I-6 or the 307 CID V-8 (except in California where the base 350 was standard). 48,155 were sold, many received a plethora of options.
1972 Camaro RS
The 1972 Camaro RS was considered an option though sold as a model.11,364 were produced.
1972 Camaro SS
1972 Camaro SS was an option (Z27) though sold as a model. The SS was the only Camaro that could be had with the 402 CID V-8. 6,562 were delivered
1972 Camaro Z28
The Camaro Z28 was also an option (Z28) but sold as a model. It was the only model available with the 255 HP 350 CID solid lifter V-8.. It would be unavailable from 1973-76. Only 2,575 found buyers this year.